Bendleby Ranges ... 20-22 September, 2003 ....

This is my first ever attempt at a trip report so it proved to be a very interesting challenge keeping track of everybody’s antics, should we say.

We all met at the Orroroo Caravan Park on Saturday Morning at 9am, quite a few had travelled up the previous night, for a three day adventure hosted by Paul and Barbara.

Present for the adventure were: Paul and Barb, Rob, Sandra, Tony & Shaun, Ineke & Alan, Scott & Deb, Ian & Ruth, Iggy & Jo, Ben, Hannah & Tom, Michelle & Paul (visitors) and of course Dean, Chelsea and Me (Deb) the author. We started out with a total of 10 cars and were joined later in the afternoon by our own President Fred and his son Alek, which made 11.

We were to set out from the Caravan Park at 9am but we had to wait for the country folk to open up shop for some final supplies. Finally on our way to the campsite at 'The Springs' at 9:40am after a very amusing attempt by both Paul & Rob at counting cars to make sure everyone was accounted for.

We arrived at the campsite 'Hidden Valley' to set-up about an hour later. A very quiet valley surrounded by the ranges, quite stunning. Everyone set-up and had morning tea or cracked beer before we again set off for our morning trek and lunch destination.

A drive through the Hungry Ranges and a stop at Ekes Peak for some breathtaking views through the valley. We continued on, though some fairly tough going up the sides of mountains on very rocky tracks. It was while we were out driving that Rob our Tail End Charlie invented Lolly Operated Gates. This basically meant that as the cars passed through the gate a pile of lollies would be left on the fence post for Rob to collect when he closed the gate. As you can imagine he wasn’t in any great hurry to give up his TEC position.

After some more challenging driving up steep hillsides we headed back to the Homestead where we were met by Fred and Alek. The group decided to use the Test Track which proved to be quite interesting. Ben’s car made a noise scaring us all, but the one who deserves a special mention is Ruth who outshone everyone with her attempt at the test track, the rest of us girls being too scared!!!

Back to camp and a well earned Happy Hour followed by an enjoyable relaxing time around the camp fire.

Sunday Morning
As everyone started to rise and head for the camp fire to make a cuppa, Dean and Ian were hard at it re-lighting the fire from the night before. Then along comes ‘Deb the Fire-fighter’ and places her billie on a rock next to the fire which promptly falls on to the fire putting most of it out.

We set off again for a morning of spectacular views and steep cliff tops. We stopped at Quarry Springs for morning tea and a bit of a walk down the to the springs. We head back to camp for lunch and for a few cars to pack up for departure later today.

Off again for another drive after lunch for about 2 hours more spectacular views and rough, rocky driving along the ‘ridge top’. Heading back to camp we bid farewell to Deb & Scott, Rob and Iggy & Jo. Everyone else had showers and settled in for yet another pleasant evening around the camp fire.

Monday Morning
Monday morning & an early start up and packed for a 9am departure & off to see some old ruins of early settlement on the property. The wind picks up & nearly blows us all away. Visitors Paul & Michelle leave the group and the rest of us head for The Prince Alfred Mines.

We head off for the ruins at the mines & Paul following his great ‘GPS’ leads us astray and leaves us waiting while he gets his just desserts with a flat tyre!!! With the dust storms setting in everyone decides to abandon the search for the Prince Alfred Mine & head back to the road.

We arrive at Melrose for lunch and then on to the Bridle Track which has some magnificent views of the coast. We all head for home along Highway One after a wonderful weekend. Thanks to Paul & Barb for a great time and to everyone for their company.

Dean, Deb and Chelsea Halsall

Disclaimer : please note