Mystery Run and Christmas Lunch

22 December 2016 / Report and Photos by Wayne Lang

Well it's that time of the year again. Xmas is always a time to kick back and relax and spend time with family and friends, but today it was a time to share the company of our MX-5 friends.

We were to meet at our regular rallying point at the "Port Macquarie Service Centre" on an already hot and balmy morning. A steady flow of MX-5s started to arrive and before long we had 23 participants ready for the mystery destination.

After some chat and a coffee, Greg gathered everyone around to let us all know that we'd be going to "North Brother Lookout" at Laurieton for our drive. From the Service Centre we headed west to Wauchope, then left onto the "Bago Road" until returning back to the Pacific Highway. Then it was a short run south before reaching "Ocean Drive", then left toward the township of Laurieton.

A short while later we arrived at "Captain Cook Drive" where we drove the twisting ascent up to the scenic lookout. I got the crew together for a group photo with the beautiful backdrop of the town and lakes below. We then drifted over to the other side of the park for a photo of "Watson Taylors Lake" & "Diamond Head".

It was now time to return to Port Macquarie and the "Rivermark Cafè" for our luncheon destination. Our wonderful host Ian provided the food, and as always, the meals were top notch, but the company was even better. We were also honoured to be joined by Doug Way, the sales manager from "Port Macquarie Mazda" and his son Ethan. We talked amongst each other while enjoying our lunch, then it was then time for the awards ceremony.

Graham offered a lovely speech and acted as presenter for the awards and gifts.

Mikey received a new cap, because apparently, he drives so fast, they keep blowing off his head.

Barry & Jenny Lutterell received an award for traveling long distances to attend several runs with our chapter. (They're both from Newcastle).

Peter Rodgers received a trophy for doing an excellent job as being our MNC Chapter Convenor from 2013-2016.

Greg Cox was given a bottle of wine in appreciation for organizing most of the "runs and reports" last year.

And I was humbled at receiving the 2016 Member Of The Year award.

Once the awards and gifts were handed out, we mingled and eventually bid our farewells to everyone for the Xmas break until the New Year, where we have plenty of runs already set for our 2017 calendar.

My wife, Cathy and I would like to wish you and your respective families all a very hearty and happy Xmas holiday and hope to see you all on the roads again next year.

Click here for all of Wayne's photos