Capital Country Cruise
01 April 2014 / Words by Julie Sando, Photos by Brendan Barr, Tony Heathwood & Bryan Shedden
Meeting up at Haywards Bay on a beautiful Saturday morning, we looked fantastic with most of us in the red & white of the Illawarra, all ready to have a great weekend away. Peter & Jill (our fearless leaders) gave a brief rundown of what was expected over the coming days. We then split into two groups and headed off over the beautiful mountains via Macquarie Pass. It was tops down the whole way!
The 13 MX-5s were a sight as we passed through Robertson then twisted and turned through some great back roads until we got to Bundanoon, no stopping though, and then a left, left, left, right, left to Badgerys Lookout, a place that it seemed no one had been to before. Both groups met up here again and after Bryan led us on a bushwalk (?) and of course the group photo taken from the lookout. We then all got back into the cars for the 2nd part of the morning, more great driving before arriving at the Meridan Cafe, Marulan for lunch.
Most of us rolled out of the cafe after a huge meal. Some of the ladies found a craft shop and the cafe owner wanted a photo, so ensued much shuffling of cars (getting the non-MX-5s out of the way) and more picture taking. We were finally on our way again heading down roads with names like: Mountain Ash, Windellama, Sandy Point, Cullulla and my favourite Werai (because I had no idea). We finally arrived at Bungendore where the owner of the Carrington Inn was very welcoming and helpful. With cars parked for the night and bags unpacked most went for a walk around the town of Bungendore before some decided that the pub was where they needed to be!!
At 5:30 we regrouped for a game of trivia with teams competing for some very big prizes. We had 4 teams in all and in the end it was very close with only 1 point separating 1st & 2nd. A good time was had by all and any protesting fell on deaf ears. Dinner was at the Woodworks Cafe across the road and we were joined by a few members of the Canberra Chapter.
We woke on Sunday to a bit of misty drizzle but after breakfast at the Blind Duck (where the meals were huge and good value) and much chamoising of cars we were again briefed by Peter and left to meet up with a group of 7 MX-5s from the Canberra Chapter members. The weather cleared very quickly and it was sunny within half an hour.
Again another great drive through lots of Capital Country back roads, all well sealed, no dirt in sight, before we arrived at Gunning, where it was market day. I think everyone bought some homemade cakes or pies and as we were ready to leave Hella & Pam decided they needed some farm fresh apples ... waiting ... waiting.
Weather now quite hot and with some changing from jeans to shorts in the street, it was time for us to leave ... just another 53km into Goulburn where we stopped for lunch at the Bakehouse Cafe and officially finished the trip. Two MX-5s headed for petrol … the owner of the SE model noticed that it took five more litres to fill up than Mark’s car. A look at the air-con switch confirmed one reason for this. Much applause greeted the final arrival of the last five cars, who apparently took an unplanned detour with a left turn instead of right, sending them towards Crookwell instead of Goulburn. No names will be mentioned, but let’s just say that Mrs President is directionally challenged! A quick chat with a farmer in a paddock had the stragglers back on the right path and a late lunch.
Approximately 400km in total over the two days. Great company, fantastic driving and a good time had by all.
