Christmas in July – Flanagan’s Reserve, Rathdowney   21-22 July 2007 

The Christmas spirit really got to the original trip leader Don Williamson so he and Margaret headed off to the Santa’s Jayco factory in Melbourne to pick up their new Nanavan Christmas present. It was therefore left to Mike van der Velden and his faithful four-legged assistant “Mate” to run proceedings.

12 vehicles and 7 dogs set up camp at Flanagan’s Reserve which is a public camping area on the Logan River 10 minutes’ drive from Rathdowney. The reserve has an on site Manager as well as a small kiosk, a modern shower and toilet block. Even with the present drought conditions, the river/creek was still flowing into a deep, large, inviting waterhole.

At approximately “half past” eleven we set off for the day’s main activity - a scenic drive to the Condamine Gorge. We were surprised at the amount of water that was in the gorge’s many creek crossings which added to the enjoyment of the drive. The lunchtime stop was taken at one of the many grassy areas along side of the road. After lunch a few of the more adventurous drivers had a play on a nearby inclined track.

It was off to Queen Mary Falls and then on to the very scenic Carr’s Lookout.  From this lookout the Condamine Gorge Road, as well as the picturesque surrounding hills and mountains, can be viewed. On the way home we crossed into New South Wales at White Swamp and travelled towards the Maroon Dam (about 15% full).

We arrived back at camp just before the “half past” happy hour was due to start. Our son Philip had arrived with a trailer load of firewood, which allowed us to have not 1, not 2, but 3 fires burning that night. There was plenty of room around the fires to get away from the smoke as the wind changed.  We were certainly the envy of other campers huddled around their meagre $6.00 wheelbarrow load of firewood!  John Veling was chastised by the manager’s wife on Friday night for the unspeakable crime of not returning the wheelbarrow after collecting his load of wood!  How could you be so inconsiderate?!?

After happy hour the traditional Christmas roast meal was prepared and consumed by all followed by a relaxing sit around the fires with the usual refreshments.  Fortunately the weather was not nearly as cold as everyone expected – it had been -2° during the week!

Sunday morning saw Mikey drag out the barbeque and along with helpers cook up some snags for all to enjoy for breakfast.

After breakfast it was off for a drive to Spicer’s Gap and the Governor’s Chair Lookout. We returned to Flanagan’s for lunch and packing up, afterwards to head home.

Thanks Mikey on behalf of everyone who came along for a great weekend. Margaret Williamson’s infectious laugh and famous silly Xmas hats were missed by one and all.

Geoff and Ros Loy

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