GOOMBURRA VALLEY/JANOWEN
4WD PARK 3-4
November
Trip Leaders: Peter and Elaine Warren
Participants: Alan and Tina Ball, Jane Marks, Christina
Warren and “Herbie”
The call
came through on the Friday arvo to say the 4WD park was closed due to the 113ml
which drenched the area. The forecast said fine so what’s wrong with a social
weekend amongst the gum trees. I’m in.
The Balls
arrived late on Friday night, I arrived on the Saturday morning and the other
four bailed, much to the disappointment to all.
Saturday we
went sightseeing into Allora under the directions of Peter, only to go around in
circles trying to find Glengallan House which after going north for a while, it
was found on the south road. Good one Peter. Although, the locals were not
exactly helpful. This wonderful old treasure was built in 1867 and it is sad to
see it in such a run down state. They are waiting for more money from the
National Trust but I can’t see this piece of history coming to life anytime
soon. The wedding which was taking place in the gardens was a delight to us
ladies, naturally the bride looked lovely etc. If you are a history buff I can
send you some info on the homestead.
Earlier in
the day the Balls (lucky) bought the last of the Swagman’s Hats at the local
hardware so at least the flies were no longer an annoyance to them. After
dinner they decided to head home, I gather the flies won that battle, they
certainly were very friendly. Herbie the dog had the right idea. His stomach
would look like a kilo of passionfruit, but it didn’t make much of an impact on
the numbers. Around 8pm we had a visitor of the black type, a 12” (30 cm) snake
which was happy to be guided back to the brush, he showed no aggression which we
were thankful for.
Sunday
morning the gates to the State Forest were unlocked so we went for a drive and
walked out to the Sylvester Lookout, only 900 metres and an easy walk to a very
breathtaking outlook over the valley and beyond. On the way back we got a free
wash for the underneath, am told we were fortunate to see so much water in this
creek. Good fun had by all…all two of us.
This trip
had no dust, no rain, no mozzies, lots of green grass, a few flies and sadly not
enough people. Peter went to a great deal of trouble to make sure the Balls and
I didn’t get lost finding the way into this delightful camping spot. I wonder
what more can a trip leader do, this place has clean hot and cold showers,
toilets and excellent camp spots including lighting, all for $9.00 per night.
The creek was flowing and we were told the platypus were active. WHAT
PLATYPUS!!!!!!!!!
A big thank
you to the Warrens. You are excellent trip leaders and I hope the lack of
numbers doesn’t deter you from running future trips. The peacefulness of the
area was very relaxing and suited us just fine.
Jane Marks
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