Not the Hoover Dam!
12 September 2015 / Written by Brendan Barr. Photos by same.
The safety talk confirmed our suspicions that the Hoover Dam was out of the question, however we might make it to Warragamba.
So we headed for Picton's sunny but cold climate. The cold had two fairly immediate effects. Firstly a beautiful blue MX5 developed a serious gearlever wobble, and went into the pits for repairs. Secondly some bladders experienced serious tightening, causing another early pit stop. Perhaps the tops should have been up with heaters on?
We wound up Barker's Lodge Rd and fired up the after burners to head across from Picton to Warragamba via The Oaks.
Morning tea was a feast of beautifully cooked slices and biscuts that may have had origins from supermarkets.Then off to the dam wall to take in the sights 
and check the visitor's centre. The observant amongst us found out which dam supplies our Wollongong water, there may be a question on this next dinner meeting!
Our next stop was to be Cataract Dam. Many pleasant kilometres were spent winding across to this destination via Douglas Park, down a narrow road with huge overhanging sandstone rocks, to the causeway where Brendan attempted to snap photos of the crossing. Then up to Appin via the next crossing of the Cataract River. 
The picnic area was crowded and positions on the BBQs were scarce. Where is Paul Byers when you need him? Luckily a handy BBQ was produced from the depths of an Mx5 boot and, presto we were off and cooking! 
Sumptuous meals were prepared and devoured, stories swapped, brags enhanced, and before long it was time to hit the road for home.
A truly enjoyable day, thanks to Barry for organising it.
