The morning started with three cars loaded with adventure seekers. We stopped at Dunedoo for morning tea, then Joby did her tricky, Mendoran bypass, supposedly quicker. We shopped at Woolies and eventually we arrived at Barkala farm for lunch and pottery browsing.
Leo led us to what appears to be a shanty shack from a distance that shocked the ladies, but there we stayed, ten of us, and enjoyed it. Its rustic appearance gives it a character. The fact that there is no mobile phone or internet reception didn’t bother anyone.
Having unpacked, we ate again – an afternoon tea, before walking it off at the nearby “conglomerate canyon trek”. The walk was most enjoyable, the rock formation was the attraction – at the top was the “emu lookout” when phones in the pockets beeped – there we contemplated a fellow member who is unwell.
Upon returning to the base, happy hour was served (nuts, chips, dips, cheese, etc), followed by BBQ and fruit salad plus mango, we drank and ate ourselves stupid – the chit chat and laughter continued on through the night.
Surprisingly, Alex arrived in the morning at around 8am. Joby’s signature dish of scramble eggs and bacon were on the menu. In meantime, Alex had outrun Leo in a sprint contest, though they are 42 years apart. After that, we explored the “hidden valley walk”, followed by sandwich lunch at the base. Yes, afternoon tea was on the table and consumed – we then went to the “lip cave” area.
Returning at twilight, nibbles were always on the table – and we drank more grog. Elly made a Dutch version of chilli con carne and we had cheese cake and mango afterwards. I can’t say that there wasn’t enough food – consuming plenty of rich food like there’s no tomorrow was probably a one off for most of us. We are mostly health conscious lot when it comes to food.
I don’t know if we played monopoly consciously in the late night, but all I know was Elly kept getting sent into Jail, Lorraine got most of the money and Alex wanted to buy my “get out of jail” card.
After breakfast on Sunday morning, some of us visited the summit and Maria’s look out and took the steep descent path upon returning, while the other group explored froggy lookout.
After coffee, we headed home – Joby drove through the Mendoran bypass again, outfoxing everyone.
It was a great weekend, lots of fun, share of humours and we ate a lot – my belt moved up one notch!