NORTHERN TAG ALONG AND PATONGA MUSTER

David and Val Apps  once again had planned a tag along to the Northern NSW areas of Seal Rocks, Hat Head, Diamond Head and finishing up with a Muster at Patonga and it was enjoyed by all involved.
The rain which was deluging the state, just gave us one day of rain at Seal Rocks, from then on it was sunshine everday.  We surfed at Number One Beach and relaxed for the 4 days there, next we headed off to Hat Head relaxed some more, having a night out at the Smithton Pub and a trip to South West Rocks, Trial Bay gaol and Arakoon. At Diamond Head we were joined by huge Goannas and Kangaroos by the dozens, some just bounding through our happy hour.  As none of us had been to see "the Iron Lady" and it was showing at Laurieton, we enjoyed a Chinese banquet beforehand and all thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Rick and I had never been to any of these coastal spots before - they were "off the beaten track", but we really enjoyed visiting them all.
As we left Diamond Head we caught up with the rain and had a very wet trip to Patonga, setting up in the rain, then next day was a little better, we enjoyed a nice meal at the Patonga Hotel that night, but Sunday was fine and sunny for us for our trip on the ferry to picnic at Bobbin Head.  The Hawkesbury River was very muddy after all the rain, but we enjoyed the day.
It was great to meet some new Slickers on this trip - Gloria and Graeme,Jan, Jacky and Rita with their daughters - Patricia, Sophia and Sharon. We are so pleased that we joined this caravan group - they all feel part of our "family"

Bretti Reserve - near Gloucester

We had been having so much rain and flooding around the Northern Rivers, we weren't sure as to whether we would be going to Bretti, to join the Hunter Ramblers group on their Muster. It was a long trip up there, but the lovely serene spot made it worth while.  We had 5 vans from the Slickers and maybe 20 with the Ramblers and we all joined in together with happy hours and dinners under the leaking tarpaulins rigged up to keep off the rain.  It was fun trying to keep under the "dry" area and watching the water pour off the tarps into some of the members water containers, as there was no power or water there, only a smelly drop dunny.
Dave and Val drove us up to the lookout - but it was very misty and not a really good view. We all had a great time there and said we'd go along next year, if invited.  Hope the council cut the grass soon !

Nowra Showground

In October 2013 our Sydney City Slickers group have been asked to put on the National Muster - we found that there wasn't anywhere suitable in the Metropolitan area, so we had enquired of the Nowra Council as to whether we could hold the Muster there.  We had made a trip down there previously and it seemed a viable place, so we spent a few days there- Deb and Mike, Colin and Helen, Debbie and Alan, checking up with the sizes etc of the areas needed and what was required - water and power etc.  We met up with Emir and Joe from the council and found that they were very helpful and things should run smoothly for us.  They had promised to contact local bodies to help with some sponsorship  etc.
On the Saturday night we had dinner at the local Bowling Club and found that they would be happy to help out with "Barefoot Bowling" game and lunch deal for us. Next day we drove our to the wineries and spoke to them about having some wine tastings, cheese and olives etc from the local growers and we then enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Coolangatta Vineyard.
We left Nowra the next morning and were unfortunately involved in an accident with our awning being caught on the mechanics of a garbage disposal truck, resulting in us having to replace the whole awning - luckily it was covered by insurance and repaired fairly quickly

Camden Muster - Christmas party

Our group had planned a tag along to Hill End, Mudgee etc,.but as we had only just got our feet back on the ground, decided to catch up with them at Camden.  It was pouring rain, and water lying on the ground - wasn't an ideal start for the weekend. We started with a Happy Hour with the Bests, Deaths and Buckles, as they had done the same as us - starting at Camden.  We held our AGM for the City Slickers and afterwards the Christmas party.  Rick was elected President and me Secretary - oh well, it's only for 1 year !
The following evening we booked ito the Crown Hotel for a $10 dinner, which was enjoyed by all. Next day we drove to Bowral, planning to have a look at Barry's place there, but as they were not around we couldn't get through the gates to see anything.  Dinner with Lorrayne and Peter Buckles ( the last ones left) was most enjoyable and we found we had all worked in the BNSW around the same time.
Next morning we drove home.

After Bingara

After saying our goodbyes at Bingara, we headed towards home, stopping at Manilla where we had morning tea with Colin and Helen from our Club, and then onto Wollabadah where there was an excellent display of the "First Fleet" - showing the lists of new settlers etc on the many ships. Muswellbrook"s caravan park had no sites left, but they managed to squeeze us onto a site on the grass near the bbq area - the place seemed to be filled with miners.
Next morning we drove through Cessnock and stayed at Norah Head caravan park. We were chatting to a couple from Lower Portland, and I asked them if they knew Lorraine (Tuppy) who ran a caravan park in that area - Tuppy and I met at St Faith's Church, Narrabeen in our mid teens, and had lost track after many years. Yes, she knew her, and I gave her our business card, hoping to get in touch.
That night we had dinner with Barbara and John at the local Chinese Restuarant and next morning drove home.Gloria was celebrating her 70th birthday on the Saturday night, and we had promised to be there.