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ONE NIGHT STAND at
QUEEN MARY FALLS 5 – 7 May
Trip
Leaders: Bill and Jen Parker
Participants: Lloyd and Suzanne Akeroyd
Rodney and
Mary Metcalfe
Pat (alias
Vic) and Tricia Morrow
Eric and
Helga Newmann
Allan and
Lorraine Puckridge
We were off
to Cape York (well almost). There in front of us was a golden arch – something I
had not read about as appearing in the Cape area. So where were we? Beaudesert,
of course, en route via Rathdowney to Queen Mary Falls to practise setting
up/packing up to ensure we could do these quickly on the actual trip. Also so
participants could review what was packed in their vehicle or how to be better
organised.
Setting up
didn’t take long – the Akeroyds were already there, having overshot the meeting
point, when the main convoy arrived. Eric and Helga arrived several hours later
and commented they were pleased to see the Metcalfe’s were actually set up by
then!! There was limited activity on the Saturday afternoon. A few walked the
Falls Loop – no spray from the falls as only a trickle coming over. An extended
happy hour followed (something the group didn’t need to practise). Then dinner,
a few more drinks and tall yarns round a campfire.
Sunday
morning brought a mini revolt – a heavy dew saw us not wishing to practise
pulling down/packing up, going for a drive and then setting up again. Tents and
camper trailer were left in situ. The Akeroyds had to leave at this point so
they packed up. The convoy drove a short distance down the range to Spring Creek
Café at Carrs Lookout where we enjoyed magnificent views and great food. We
then drove through Condamine Gorge – all crossings dry except for two which had
puddles of water – to Killarney, which was not busy on a Sunday lunchtime.
We had heard
there was a Heavy Horse Charity Day for Careflight on at nearby Yangan so over
we went to inspect old farm machinery and to see some Clydesdale horses in
operation. To think fields were once ploughed in that manner.
Returning to
camp, everyone drew up chairs and discussed in more detail logistic requirements
for the trip, to avoid duplication, and to discuss how particular items could be
packed – or where the men were going to wear a bow tie at the celebratory Bow
Tie and Tiara dinner after walking to “the Tip”. Another happy hour followed
(practice makes perfect).
Later,
around a campfire, everyone was asked how they liked to be addressed. During
the drives, Mary had been referring over the radio to Pat as “Vic,” mistakenly
believing that was his name. (Sorry Pat) All decided that “Vic” could accompany
us on the trip and, if anything went wrong, it would be the fault of “Vic”, not
anyone else. Here’s hoping “Vic” does not have to be blamed for anything!!
Monday
dawned fine so everyone except the Newmanns (who were staying an extra night)
packed up and set off independently for home.
This
interesting and enjoyable weekend, organised by Jen and Bill Parker, outlined
the considerable organisation they have already undertaken for the main trip,
allowed everyone to mix and get to know each other even better, and gave us the
opportunity for some practise. By the end of the trip we will all be perfect.
Thank you, Jen and Bill. We look forward to the main trip being a great
success.
What did we
learn? Well, as the Metcalfe’s are not using a roof rack, many items will have
to be discarded and stiff compromises made!!
Rodney Metcalfe
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