The weather forecast promised rain and showers over the weekend. However, when you arrange a trip well in advance you can’t do much about it; in any case, doesn’t it always rain on Anzac Day?

Members started arriving during the afternoon with some arriving in the evening and Klinkerts the next morning. The campsite was in a clearing surrounded by scrub. The scrub resembled a nice natural ‘garden.’ Bev and Gerry had a sapling under their awning.

Late in the afternoon some of us went fishing at Gleesons. It was pleasant there and we got a few fish worth keeping. We returned more to the sea as they were undersize. We decided to keep the catch and add to it next time we fished so that we could serve a meal to everyone.

We went for a drive around the property. First stop was the pipeclay quarry. This was not a good idea. The first couple of vehicles started sliding on the track near the quarry. We left it for another time.

We drove to the waterhole. It is a natural depressed area in the limestone in a low part in a clearing We had previously considered an area near this as an alternative campsite. However, there were about 100 beehives nearby so we let them have it to themselves.

We drove along the section of old coastal road that ran through the property. It used to connect with the road that now goes to Gleesons Landing. This was probably the last time that this section will be driven along. The Coastal Protection Board is replacing the dilapidated fencing along the base of the sand hills. The new fenceline is farther from the sand hills and includes most of the old road in the protected area. When we drove through the posts were in place but no wires had been run.

We returned to camp for lunch. We planned to have a roast for tea and hoped that the weather would be kind enough for this.

After lunch it was time to ‘veg out’, walk, take in nearby scenery, or go fishing. Fishing was not pleasant as the wind was strong and seaweed was plentiful. We caught very few and only kept one rock cod. Ian got caught by the waves a couple of times. He had to scramble for his fishing bucket which was heading seaward and waved goodbye to a packet of bait as it got washed away.

The roast evening went well in between rain showers. We had to retreat to shelter a few times in between the fine breaks. Jenny cooked a pudding in the camp oven which we all enjoyed with custard. Gerry’s lights went out. His head light of 4 bulbs was clipped onto the brim of his hat. In the act of leaving the fire for shelter he was aware that he knocked the light and it became detached from his hat. Denise conducted the CSI during the next fine break. She found half of a battery casing near the fire. Gerry was distraught at his loss and kept sifting through the dirt with a long handled shovel, hoping that he might find his treasure. This was to no avail. Denise determined that the light must have been consumed by the fire and the case was closed.

Other casualties for the day included a broken arm on Ian’s chair and a broken leg on Lone’s chair.

Awoke in the morning to hail, thunder and lightning.

Drove to Marion Bay. Walked the jetty. No evidence of fish being caught. Lunched at the Tavern. Food was good. Coffee involved a long wait and it was not hot.

We then split up. Lyn, Frank and Kim returned to camp. George and Herma went to Innes National Park. The rest of us did a tour of the town, called into Gym Beach, Formby Bay and Gleesons Landing.

We had intermittent rain all evening. Managed a clear spot and all emerged to the campfire to sing Happy Birthday to Greg and to eat Lone’s pavlova.

Another rainy night. All packed in the morning and left for home before lunch.