Brigid's Maiden Run to Bundeena!
26 February 2023 / Words by Senia Gaunson & Brigid McCarthy, Photos by Senia
Brigid McCarthy's first day as Run Leader
The sun was shining, tops were down on seven MX-5s and a Mazda 2, and they were away on Brigid's first run as Run Leader!
Brigid was very prepared, even brought her nephew Sam to man the radio to keep the convoy running smoothly. Run sheets were handed around, pre-run talk was done, radio frequency tested and away we went. Highway was left behind as soon as possible, heading towards the Seacliff Bridge via Stanwell Park, no hang-gliders were to be seen on Bald Hill, but the view never fails to impress, as does the drive over the Seacliff Bridge, a favourite with the locals, the author has been known to take a detour when heading south just for a leisurely drive with the top down and the wind in the hair. A quick coffee at Stanwell Beach and we were away again.
From Bald Hill, where we were joined by Ann and Bryan Hicks, Brigid led us through the national park to the Bundeena RSL, where there were so many red Ferraris, no parking was to be found! We eventually parked near and far to re-group in the air-conditioned comfort of the Bundeena RSL club for lunch and refreshments. Lunch was delicious, as was the wine and chatter, and you guessed it, we took the long way home, back over the Seacliff Bridge again.
Well done Brigid, we look forward to you leading a run for the Illawarra in the very near future. - Senia
And Brigid Says:
Leading my 1st run didn't turn out to be as scary as I'd expected. Round 1 Club Track Day at Eastern Creek had a couple of us flying solo today. With Ian marshalling, Franchesca slid comfortably into the driver's seat of her MX-5. With Rob taking motorsport photos, my nephew Sam (no. 4 of the 5 Loftus red-heads) joined me as navigator.
With a start time of 9.30 at Heathcote and a midday lunch booking at Bundeena, I'd planned a route with some scenic stops, decent mid-morning coffee and roads I've always loved driving. Our southern starting point enticed a lovely blend of Sydney and Illawarra chapter members. The planned run through the 'Nasho' even encouraged some of our 'sleeper' members. Sean, it was great to meet you and your MX-5!
Our initial run south took us on the Old Princes Highway and then the lovely shaded bends of Lawrence Hargrave Drive, part of the Grand Pacific Drive. I'm such a fan of driving over the Sea Cliff Bridge, that we did it north and south bound, before making our way down to Stanwell Park Beach and our Bostin Brewing coffee stop. Although there were no hang gliders today, it did allow us to look up and observe the fluttering wind sock at our next stopping point of Stanwell Tops Lookout. The view from up there on Bald Hill, was at its spectacular best. Our coffee stop was now visible as a tiny white building down below and the wonderful surf beaches along the coast, were also now in view. Back in our cars, pointed north, we enjoyed the sweeping bends of the Royal National Park. Bundeena Drive took us out towards the water, with a quick loop of Bundeena Wharf before our final destination. The conversation, varied lunch choices and breeze off the water were all well enjoyed.
No run would be complete without an unplanned detour and Google maps glitch. A navigator versus leader dispute, saw us take a premature roundabout exit to Helensburgh, quickly sorted with a U-turn. And for future reference, Clifton School Parade is not accessible unless you are rail staff. Thank goodness for small cars with great turning circles!
Today provided a few 'firsts' for our group. Godwin and Julie had never been across the Sea Cliff Bridge or driven through the National Park. Daryl and Rosemary had never stopped to take in the spectacular view from Bald Hill. Sam had never navigated for me. I had never led a run.
Thank you Senia, Bob, Bryan, Ann, Barry and Robyn for your encouragement, presence and support. I'm looking forward to my next run and I reckon Sammie will be looking for an MX-5, once he has his license! - Brigid
