Trip: Sunday, 19 May 2024
Participants:
- Russell – Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series
- Tony and Belinda – Land Rover Defender 110 (300)
- Barry, Penelope, Lynelle and Warwick – Land Rover Defender 110 (400)
- Andrew and Lynda – Toyota Landcruiser 200 series
- Brian and Diane – Toyota Landcruiser 200 series
- David, Ann – – Toyota Landcruiser Prado (150 series)
- Tim and Lily – Toyota 4Runner
- John and Ingrid – Land Rover Discovery 4
- David and Margo – Land Rover Defender (last outing)
Welcome to Russell’s first and only 2024 Breakfast, Lies and Coffee drive. Also, a special welcome to the new members, visitors and guests. We had 19 people in 9 vehicles. It was a little cool on Sunday morning especially for those folks who were waiting for us (Belinda and me) to arrive at the Queanbeyan Spotlight carpark prior to the official 8.00am departure time. Had I known the last one to arrive was responsible for the trip report I’d have been there at 7!
After the comprehensive trip briefing we headed off to Braidwood for brunch at The Vanilla Altenburg. We departed Queanbeyan and headed north east on the Kings Highway, ever mindful of Constable Plod waiting to greet motorists at the top of the hill for a little chat.
After turning right on Captains Flat Road we farewelled civilisation as we knew it (driving through Carwoola where some club members live – Ed note)and headed into the back blocks. Into a land where for some, time had stopped and there was no internet. Where an Apple was something you ate not talked into. Shortly, a sharp left turn onto Briars Sharrow Road, hardly enough time to visit Carwoola Community Hall let alone see Willow Bend near Whiskers Hill. A quick right again and onto Plains Road, being ever aware of the dip ahead. It’s hard to focus on the dip when approaching the renowned Cullbookie Angora Goat stud. Who doesn’t like studs?
Before we knew it, without so much as a blink we had past Hoskinstown Community Hall, St Peters and St Pauls Catholic Church (it’s cheaper to join forces and share the building costs) and the Hoskingstown-Rossi RFS.
I continued fiddling with the controls in our new Defender. Too hot, too cold, no air, too much. I suggested we should have just brought the Perentie. Much simpler I suggested. She didn’t even bite.
I love how one road becomes another without as much as a bump or turn. Now onto Forbes Creek Road and eventually we were on Mulloon Fire trail crossing Mulloon Creek near the Mulloon Creek Camping Ground.
I watched the digital display before me, and I saw an aerial view of the Defender crossing the great grey green greasy Limpopo, not the crystal-clear waters of Mulloon Creek. How amazing is technology? Now the Perentie certainly doesn’t have that sort of display. Must see if there is an App for that, (note to self: ring James at KLR).
We were now in Palerang country where anything could happen, and it did. Our GPS indicated we were now in Bombay and after crossing the Little Bombay Creek near the Tallaganda State Conservation Area we continued in a north easterly direction. The well-formed graded dirt road was a credit to the local council workers and others, their efforts were appreciated. Eventually we were back on the black top as they say. Before we knew it we were passing Braidwood Rural Mitre 10, a sure sign that civilisation was just ahead.
A couple of turns later we arrived at the rear parking area at Vanilla at Altenburg. We were seated in the marquee, specially arranged by Vanessa, and the heater was on and running. In a more than relaxed manner people surrounded the staff at the restaurant counter and ordered food and beverages. The company was great, I’m sure some lies were told but not at our table, well not big ones. The food was delightful as was the coffee. Time flies so quickly and there is often so much more to hear and questions to ask. A good reason for another adventure.
As predicted the drive was indeed a peaceful drive, we travelled at an acceptable pace, through some of what I thought was typically spectacular Australian scenery. Some of it was rainforest with creeks, waterways and mossy rocks and tree ferns. The relaxed undulating roads neither too steep nor too narrow, just Goldilocks. Although I wouldn’t want to have to back up too far should someone be encountered coming from the other direction.
It certainly pays to get out and travel the back roads to really appreciate what a wonderful world we have right at our back door. One doesn’t need to outlay a fortune to enjoy some of the best that nature has to offer. Simply meet with friends and explore or go it alone, help is never too far away, should the need arise.
Russell was correct again, we did encounter a nice mix of bitumen, gravel, graded and rolled dirt, some rocky sections, some dust and some water crossings.
Author: Tony Spalding
Acknowledments: Thanks to Russell for organising a green light run for the whole trip.
Trip Photos, just click to enlarge…
