Australia Day at Cataract Dam 2024
27 January 2024 / Story: Maree Eccleston and Senia Gaunson. Photos: Maree, Senia, Ann Hicks and Andrew Edgar
Sydney Chapter’s Australia Day Run
We met at McDonalds Heathcote which proved to be a bad choice on Australia Day as it seems many Aussies wanted a Yankee breakfast. Parking was a nightmare, but once we were all assembled the convoy headed south along the old Princes Highway and fortunately the traffic was very light. We kept to a maximum speed of 90km an hour as one of our new members, Sarah, is on Red Ps. She was accompanied by her father Max, also a new member. Welcome to both of you.
We arrived at Cataract Dam without incident or getting lost, which often happens when Steve is the navigator. Illawarra’s choice of the picnic venue was really great: plenty of space, lots of shade, no crowds and no flies. We had a very enjoyable day socialising, eating lamingtons and enjoying a short walk down to the dam
It was particular pleasing to see a contingent from Canberra who had a long drive to join us.
The weather was kind too, not being as stiflingly hot as predicted, so we played a game of cricket and threw a few thongs. It was all good fun and played with spirit. It was a pleasing result, for Sydney Chapter as we won everything! (apart from the Junior thong throwing award).
Maree Eccleston
Illawarra Chapter hosted the day and were early to reserve the best area, tables were covered with anything we could find to reserve the prime spaces, lots of trees and even a "Running Track" shade house for the spectators. We watched the array of beautiful cars arrive in every colour of the rainbow, directing the "ring ins" to the car park to get that perfect photo opportunity. Sixty members rolled in from Sydney, Canberra and Illawarra and even one from the South Coast. 27 beautiful MX5's in a row to be admired by all. Bryan Shedden led a small contingent from the Illawarra, with some of us making our way there 2 hours before the park opened to reserve the space and the rest making their own way there. Sydney chapter, led by Steve and Maree Eccleston looked a wonderful sight with a dozen MX-5s behind them. Rolling in a little while later, were five cars from the Canberra Chapter, led by Rod Nicholas, they might have been last, with the longest time to travel, but they didn't miss out on a lamington or the games and we were pleased to see them.
Always fun to have a chat and laugh with the crew when we get together.
Many thanks to Ann, Bryan, Franchesca and Ian who met Bob and myself early and waited patiently for security to open the gates, we were almost breaking out a game of canasta while we waited!
Senia Gaunson
Some more photos here, thank you for these great snaps Andrew Edgar
Andrew Edgar's photos are here!
HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY ALL!
