Departed Watson were 12 people on 8 motorbikes and Catherine and Sally travelling cosy in Catherine’s car. Mick,Kyla,Jan and Butch traveled down on the Friday making it a three day stay. Now we set off down Mac Reefs Road to Bungendore and hooking up with Michael and Tracey on bike and Darryl and Caroline in their car. Through to a regroup at Tarago and off to Bungonia. Ian left at this stage to go down via Nerriga. Bungonia to Marulan was to say a little cautious as the weather seemed to be surrounding us on all sides and the threat was increasing. On approach to Marulan we were not disappointed as Huey decided to open up the sky’s and let loose with more than a bucket load. Luckily for us we had just stopped at the Meridian Café and only got sightly wet. We were to hear after the weekend that three ladies were struck by lightning near Bowral.
My major concern at this stage was for Steve as he had no wet weather gear, Intrepid Steve pulled into the awning at the Servo and did not get a drop on him, however at least he did feel obliged to top up the tank. While at the Meridian Café we were assaulted with the loudest thunder clap and rain that I had not seen for quite some time, looking north we could see how Berrima/Bowral were receiving the hardest downpour . Chas decided to still continue down to Jamberoo for our scheduled lunch at the pub. We left travelling in between lows and fortunately had very little rain. At Robertson it did not look so good but we were very fortunate going down Jamberoo Mountain taking it very steady to arrive dry and ready for a good lunch.
After personally visiting the Pub some two weeks prior and making the appropriate booking they still managed to mix it up. We also had the pleasure of a couple from the South Coast Branch join us for lunch which was very nice.
Jamberoo departure saw us travel down to the highway then divert to Gerringong along the coast road to enter Nowra via Coolangatta. The scenery through this little track was great. Onwards another 60k’s and we arrived at Sussex Inlet.
After a rest with cuppa’s and chats we set off to the RSL and had pre dinner drinks outdoors at the club with lots of stories and talks true or false told. Dinner was in the Restaurant which was exclusively ours and the repast was excellent. There was a band playing in the lounge but somehow our travellers seemed to be more inclined to take the opportunity to say bye and hit the hay.
Jen and Chas met Mick and Tracey on their early morning walk along the river boardwalk. This is a beautiful area lots of Kangaroos etc. enjoying the surrounds and so peaceful and serene Jen tried out all the exercise equipment scattered along the path. Chas just watched on (Lazy sod).
Most met for breakfast at the Jopen Café with a great verity to choose from. After this a few folks decided to stay a while in Sussex and have a good look around the town and district before heading off home. Chris and Maream travelled back via Batemans Bay so that left seven of us to come home via Kangaroo Valley for morning Tea and back via Sally’s Corner to Goulburn and lunch at the Astor Hotel.
Departing Goulburn Vidas kindly gave Wendy some helpful hints climbing aboard Garry’s bike which Wendy appreciated. It was nice to know that it was suggested we make this an annual trip as it was so enjoyable, however I declined the offer to personally take it as I feel the longer break between trips makes it a better proposition and something to look forward to.
The happy crowd was Garry and Wendy, Michael and Tracey, Allan and Lyn, Andrew and Catherine, Mick and Kyla, Jan and Butch, Vidas, Steve and Trish, Chris and Maream, Ian and Sally, Darryl and Caroline, Chas and Jen. Twenty three who had a great weekend.
