Keeping Within the Boundaries Run
22 September 2020 / Words & Photos Brendan Barr.
Keeping Within the Boundaries Run. September 20 20 20
“The rain to the wind said, you push and I'll pelt.” – Robert Frost
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton.
Heading for the meeting point at Haywards Bay, it appeared that Robert Frost would triumph over Dolly Parton as there would be no rainbow or pot of gold. Much to my surprise, everyone was there and eager to go, despite the threatening weather.
Our new club members – Steven & Nadine were inaugurated with new MX-5 hats and we headed off, being careful to keep at least 1.5 metres between cars as we headed south towards the corrugations of Fountaindale Rd as it twisted its way up towards the summit of Saddleback. I am sure we all looked forward to the vista that would unfold on the way down Saddleback Rd, but as we were soon immersed in an opaque fog that enveloped us all, no view was to unfold.
Back at sea level we emerged from the soup and headed south for Shoalhaven Heads enjoy morning tea in the Native Botanic Gardens, where we were assured that we could escape the inexorable rain, under the cover of the beautifully crafted entrance way. This magnificent edifice had one unfortunate drawback,
so we helped ourselves to the just erected gazebos of … another club about to welcome 40 or so visitors. After much sociable banter we brushed off the rain droplets and headed for the cars.
By now the rain was really coming down, which was hardly conducive to boisterous driving on the gorgeous winding roads of Cambewarra Mountain. More fog added to the excitement.
We convoyed through Kangaroo Valley and headed to our lunch stop at Bendeela Recreation Area on the banks of the Kangaroo River. Entry to this beautiful area is gained through having the 12 or so speed humps rearrange the car’s suspension and exhaust pipes. Fortunately a pot of gold awaited us as the rain stopped and the sun emerged. Dolly Parton triumphs once again!
Envious glances went Wally’s way as he set up tables & chairs, and a sumptuous feast. Some sat and lunched while others wandered off to explore water views or walk to the far end of the grounds.
Among many topics of conversation two remained in my mind:
First – Hella wanted to know how to rename her upcoming run – ‘Third Time Lucky,’ to something with fourth in it. ‘May The Fourth Be With You,’ seemed a good title for a run to be held on November the fourth. Check it out if you want to go.
Second was ‘who will be the new convenor(s) when Jeff and Pam retire?’ (Which will be very soon!) Hints were given, people dodged left and right and the question remained unresolved. So if you are reading this, now is the time to ring Jef or Pam and volunteer!
The weather held, we departed for our individual drives home, after, of course, rearraging our suspension and exhaust pipes on the 12 speed humps.
I can say that I had ‘the best drive ever’ up from the bottom of Barrengarry Mountain all the way to Robertson, top down, cool breeze, no cars in sight! ‘ Robert Frost’s poem title ‘Happiness Makes up in Height for what It Lacks in Length’ seemed an appropriate ending.
Good on Jan and Garry for being our fearless leaders once again!
