Carrieton Gormet Weekend ....

Trip leader JC, followed by Iggy & Joslyn, Andrew, Sarah, Christopher & girlfiend, Toyota Bill, Rob Roy, Jill & Terry, Chris & Gordon, Cindy & Rick, Jenny and TC Rob.

Our trip started on Friday morning where everyone who had either holidays, flexi-day, retirement day, or one or two sick days met at the Munno Para Shopping Centre at the pre-arranged time of 10am. Congratulations for all who made it on time - this gave them time to discover the best coffee shop in Adelaide whilst waiting for the late comer, our trip leader - still 30 minutes late is not that bad.

We set off in convoy style to Clare, where we stopped for lunch. Unfortunately, because it was raining we ate lunch in our cars with fingers crossed that the weather improved for the weekend. Our next stop was the Carrieton Pub where we had a drink whilst waiting for our hosts Phil and Jayne to arrive. It was not long before they were taking the lead and showing us the way to their property, Yankamittie where there was plenty of room to set up camp.

It was not long before we were sitting around the camp fire. Our hosts prepared nibbles for drinks and then hearty soup with lots of bread for dinner. We started off around the camp fire and then the rain came and so Phil and Jayne opened up their home for us all to sit inside. When the rain stopped we moved back outside, but it wasn’t long before it started raining again. Being inside under the tin roof made it sound worse than it really was. Our hosts were wonderful they said that should anyone be waterlogged that they could stay in the shed where there were beds and quilts.

By the next day the weather looked to be improving although there was a cold wind blowing. Rick and Cindy joined the group who were all looking forward to our trip to the Bendleby Ranges. JC was in constant contact with the ranger to ensure that we would be able to do the trip that he had planned for us to do. Phil was kind enough to lead the way off his property until we found the right turn into the Bendlebys. First stop was The Springs to book onto the property and pay our $30.00. We soon set off to do some of the best 4wd’ing that we (Gordon and myself) had been involved in since joining the Wanderers.

When we stopped for lunch (sausages and bacon sandwiches) it began to rain and so a temporary shelter was erected between cars. Iggy was one of the volunteer cooks and between the efforts of all involved a very pleasant though wet time was had by all. By the way someone should tell Rick which side his bread is buttered on. (Not the outside as well as the inside.)

After dinner we set off over the Billy Goat Ridge. There were some very narrow and steep climbs and descents to negotiate. At one point on the top of the range we saw two wedge-tail eagles. They were just magnificent to watch - one of the highlights of our trip.

The 4wd’ing was now getting extreme, we had to negotiate steep climbs through rocky terrains. JC went first and was successful in his attempt to reach the top of Billy Goat Ridge, unfortunately we were not so lucky. The Frontera, also known as the bulldozer because of its notoriety for not having a big clearance underneath, lived up to its reputation and managed to get stuck. (The only one to do so on this trip). Lucky for us other people were able to assist. By this time JC had walked down the hill to see what was happening. They all worked together to pool their ideas and eventually free the car by jacking it up and building up the rocks so that the car could drive over the boulder. This is what we like the most about the Wanderers, that no matter what, everyone helps. Luckily there was no damage done. The view from this point was absolutely spectacular. It is hard to describe verbally but we were on the point of climbing along the crest of this very steep ridge. Sorry Rick the only time you would have loved to catch Gordon and rub it in and you were stuck at the bottom of the hill. We did think that you would run up and take a picture though.

After everyone successfully reached the top we then had a steep decent to the other side of the ridge. A very challenging route that everyone really enjoyed doing. After reporting back to The Springs we met Jenny on the highway. Our next challenge was to find our way back to Phil’s place. Not easy when you consider everyone who had a GPS, maps, compasses and still the trip leader misses the turn off. Next time perhaps we will try tying yellow ribbons round oak trees. Still the ride and scenery was good.

Back at camp and Jayne had spent most of the day ensuring that we would have a feast to eat. The camp fire was lit and it wasn’t long before we were helping ourselves to this magnificent spread. Even the vegetarians were catered for. Since I wasn’t on this trip last year I would have said that this was one of THE BEST camp fires but those that were there last year disagreed. Bill was persuaded to entertain us all with some of his good singing and music. Even the rain did not deter us and we remained around the camp fire with umbrellas up. Phil cooked some of his excellent scones. With bellies full, good entertainment and a day of excellent 4wding behind us it wasn’t long before everyone turned in for the night.

Next day we awoke to what promised to be good weather. The cold wind had dropped. After packing up camp and saying our good-byes to our exceptional hosts Phil and Jayne we set off for the Horseshoe Range, Bridle Track and Germain Gorge. Rick and Cindy said goodbye at Carrieton. It was not long before Bill and Jenny left us and turned off to enjoy the Quorn country show. The Bridle Track was just magnificent. The views were outstanding. We stopped halfway down to have lunch because some people kept complaining about how hungry they were.

Rob Roy, Jill and Terry, and Rob left us before we turned off for the Germane Gorge. The group was now down to four cars. Iggy and Jos left us just before Clare. When we filled up for petrol we had done a round trip of 550 kilometers since filling up with petrol in Clare on Friday.

Thank you JC for organising this wonderful weekend. Please extend our gratitude and appreciation to your friends Phil and Jayne for making it possible and for their wonderful hospitality.

Please note that anyone who should be interested in going on this trip next year it is already booked out with names from people who know what a great weekend this is going to be.

Chris

Disclaimer : please note