By Michele C
What a blast! Heaps of fun, stunning scenery, fantastic campgrounds, and all with the great company of new and old friends.
Stony Creek Bush Camp at Wilmington, in the beautiful Southern Flinders Ranges, was our camping destination for the weekend. The campground is very picturesque with quirky metal sculptures, fantastic fire pits, a great, enclosed camp kitchen with table tennis for entertainment. Some of our members arrived the day before but most arrived on the Friday and our visitor joined us on Saturday for the drive and Christmas campfire festivities.
Friday 4:00pm, Alan Stewart lead 13 vehicles out for a pleasurable drive, ending at Hancock’s Lookout for sunset drinks and nibbles. The views from the lookout were beautiful views, out over the ranges to Spencer Gulf. Nibbles table was set up with Christmas tablecloth and decorations.
A very pleasant early evening for all watching the (nearly) sunset…it was decided to leave before pitch dark so that we could get all the 13 vehicles back to camp safely, where our campground hosts had the combustion fire going in the camp kitchen and pizzas for all.
On Saturday we had a lazy 10.00am start with a short briefing prior to heading off for our drive – 14 vehicles and picked up 1 visitor (Leonie) who joined us for the day. Alan Stewart was again our leader for the day, heading to The Bridle Track. We met up with Leonie (our visitor) just off Horrocks Highway. Once we got to the beginning of the track, it was clear that we needed to air down our tyres as the recent rains had left the track very muddy and now churned up.
Our Leader, Alan, advised all that momentum was required to get through the mud section. Unfortunately, the track deteriorated with each vehicle. Six got through but Les and Eileen, in the 7th vehicle, found out that the mud had a stronger will than Les, and the mud won!
No amount of driving finesse was getting him through so Les decided to park his vehicle in the deepest trench possible, with his driver’s door against the steep bank, door unable to be opened, so that the other members could have some practical recovery experience.
Discussions were had and a plan evolved…Peter P’s vehicle was behind Les, so that would be the winch vehicle… Shovels were used to fill some of the trench, Max-trax were used to give firm ground under the wheels, then a very long strap extension was joined … 5 x 20m winch extension straps PLUS Peter Pyman’s 30m winch cable… One of our longest strap extensions – 130 metres in total…Possibly a club record? Peter gently pulled Les onto the Max-trax and then winched him to firmer ground. Les then did a very skilful 3-point turn and drove back down out of the mud!
By this stage the 15 vehicles were divided. The first 6 that got through the mud and were already on the Bridle Track, and the other 9 by the gate. The 6 decided to go on and enjoy the Track (more on their journey, shortly).
The 9 decided to venture over to Blesing’s Garden Wines for tasting and scones, jam and cream. Once there, we were treated by the viticulturist, playing on his Baby Grand Piano.
Bridle Track Group Drive (printed in blue & italics)
Reported by Alan S
Arriving at the Bridle Track gate, we aired down and eyed a section of the track ahead with caution, since it showed that it had not 100% dried out.
The first 300 metres were a bit slippery under tyre, but 6 intrepid explorers made it through until Les and Eileen drove into a deep wash out. After our walk down and recovery of Les and Eileen, the group who had made it through the mud part decided to continue; this decision was aided by the fortuitous arrival of two vehicles driven by locals coming in the opposite direction and assuring us of the safety of the track further along.
The views up, along and down the track were stunning! A clear sky and no wind made the stop for lunch very agreeable especially with the magnificent views over the Spencer Gulf.
The descent was a tad technical with each vehicle assisted by Alan, as a spotter. Kate in her wonderful Suzuki was so excited after her descent that she wanted to go back up and descend again. The trip leader (me) decided that it was enough excitement for the day and politely said no. The remaining gentle descent was full of sheep on the track and some shallow water crossing which did help get rid of some of the mud we had picked up earlier.
Once down we headed back along the Germain Gorge Road and stopped briefly at the ruins of the Bangor Hotel before heading to Blesing’s Winery for scones, wine tasting and piano. We were fortunate to have had any scones left, since the previous group had, by all accounts, enjoyed the wonderful fare that the establishment had to offer. We then returned to Wilmington to prepare for our Christmas dinner. A great day out with adventure, views and friendship.”
It was, then back to camp for everyone to start cooking their Christmas dinner. A communal campfire was lit, and we all gathered to enjoy. Everyone must have been “Nicer” than “Naughty” because Santa made an appearance before dinner and handed out gifts to all. Many laughs were had, and tall tales told.
Thanks to Maria for organising a great weekend. Thanks to Alan S for leading the drives and a special thanks to Santa for capping off a great weekend (I feel that Jim has found a new calling in life)!
