Hunter's Twilight April Fool's Run

06 April 2017 / Story: Grant Webber Photos: David Gazzard & Grant Webber

15 cars, 27 members and 1 visitor gathered at Thornton to catch the last of daylight savings with a twilight run to Port Stephens. All aboard, our run leaders for the evening Elaine and Lyn, decided to pull a late April Fool’s prank on us all by taking a wrong turn straight out of the carpark. A quick loop around the block had us back on the correct path soon enough!

 

A back-road blast had us at Raymond Terrace, then on to the picturesque loop around Grahamstown Dam. Thankfully the wet weather of recent times cleared for the evening, affording the ideal MX-5 weather and perfect conditions with some great roof down motoring. Some clear roads and excellent guidance from up front kept us all together, and with the light beginning to fade we made our way past Murray’s Brewery (note to self; excellent run destination!), through Bob’s Farm and a scenic diversion via Gan Gan Road (so much Gan they named it twice) and Fisherman’s Bay and Boat Harbour.

 

As we approached Nelson Bay a call was made over the radio for some off-piste sight-seeing. A quick left-hand hairpin had us snaking up Lily Hill Rd to Gan Gan Lookout for an impromptu game of MX-5 Carpark Tessellation. The Lookout gives a marvellous panoramic view over Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay and around to Mt Tomaree. Unfortunately due to the fading light, and the fact that many of us were performing an high energy Oompah Dance on account of the mosquitoes, there was no opportunity for a group photo. We then loaded back up in to our cars drove on in to the d’Albora Marina for a great dinner with friends. I can think of no better way to see out summer and welcome in cooler weather perfect for our MX-5s.

DAVID GAZZARD'S PHOTOS: HERE

GRANT WEBBER'S PHOTOS: HERE