Swan Reach - Big Bend ....

The Group :-
Paul & Barb, Katrina, Meggan, J.C & Jane, Rick & Cindy, RobRoy & Gareth.

We all arrived at the Rocking Horse at Gumeracha at 10.00am and went into the wee cafe to enjoy some warm coffee and scones with fresh cream and jam and while we were sitting there Paul got a phone call from David at the Big Bend property to say we all could not get on to his property because of the weather, but thanks to our trip leader Paul who suggested we continue on and find some where else and so we did.

On the road again :-
So we all set off on our wee journey towards the big River Murray. On the way Rick said we should visit the Mannum Waterfall again, there was more water this time. But it was very cold there. Anyway, that didn’t stop us brave wanderers, so after that brief stop we went on to find our next stop.

We decided to stop for some lunch at a clearing next to the river where the Murray Princess stops. It is a good spot. Another houseboat was moored there and the man on board had the BBQ going, boy it smelt yummy. Aaahhh the aroma, can you smell it from where you are? Anyway, Cindy gave Robroy and Gareth some fresh rolls for lunch and while we were there another houseboat came down the river and the young people on board were pretty p----d. We could see that as the boat was not traveling straight and as it passed us Robroy dropped his trousers and gave them a site to remember and they all cheered and shouted "you’re our friend forever". Gareth on the other hand climbed the hill there only to be chased away by the bees.

We left there with full tummies and headed for a wee camp site that Rick knew called Lakeside Camping Ground. It was a beaut wee site at that, but it was not to be our site for the night. Maybe another time Rick. On we went and ended up at the Swan Reach caravan park where Paul set up camp for his party and Rick & Cindy and RobRoy & Gareth hired onsite vans for the night. Call us what you like, we were comfy. We told Paul & Barb to put their Swags in RobRoy’s annex and of course Rick says that’s where they slept for the night, Believe It Or Not. I have failed to mention that J.C and Jane stayed at the Pub instead, because they did not want the caravan to rock and roll that night, ha ha!

After we all got settled we set up a wee fire in a wee drum that was lent to us by the caretaker from the caravan park, but it was not to last as the rain came down and put it out. We then huddled into Rick’s van for nibbles and drinks. See, they do come in handy these vans after all. We all then went and visited the Museum which we found to be very interesting, plus J.C has some sort of contact there as his Father came from the area, I think.

Off we went to the pub for a great meal and something to wash it down with while the meal was being served. Rick ended up with Katrina’s meal by mistake. She was not at the table at the time, so he started to eat it, only to be informed by Paul that he was tucking in to someone else’s dinner. The meal was sent back to the kitchen so more Prawn’s could be added to the dinner that Rick had consumed. Katrina was not impressed. Anyway in the end a top meal was enjoyed by all.

We all then went upstairs to J.C and Jane’s lounge area where a bit of wine was consumed and a bit of b------t talked, Gareth, Katrina & Meggan played down in the games area most of the night and I know they had a great time, as they did not come home until 1.00am Sunday.

Big Bend.
We set off next day for David’s property at Big Bend. Paul said we could go there so we could see what we missed out on. On the way we stopped in to see Kevin at a wee caravan park called Punyelroo. After that we crossed the river again and went on our way. We stopped at a lookout and as we did these cars that were in the variety bash race stopped and lollies were given to Gareth. Paul said he arranged that for us. (Oh yeah sure).

We then went on our way and ended up at Angaston for lunch. After that we all headed for home and had enjoyed our weekend.

I would just like to add that even though the weekend turned out cold and wet we all had a great time together. Thanks to our Trip Leader Paul, and family, I look forward to my next trip with the members who make up a great 4wd club.

Written by RobRoy

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