Phils birthday run to Pacific Palms
16 November 2023 / Story by Christine Cameron, Photos by David & Elaine Gazzard
On a lovely warm sunny morning 10 cars and 17 Hunter members met at Raymond Terrace riverside park for Phil’s birthday run. Phil and Mara led the run, driving John’s NB as their NC is waiting to be ‘rewrapped’ after recent damage hail repair and it was great to see Patrick Bramston on a run.
The traffic out of Raymond Terrace is always busy in the mornings but we were soon out on the highway heading north. The Bucketts Way is very much in need of proper repair and it was heartening to encounter two lots of separate major works to rebuild bridges – even if it meant picking our way carefully down uneven dirt diversions. There was little traffic around and when we turned onto Booral Road we were all in a row and ready for its fun windy sections. We weren’t disappointed, getting a really clear run all the way through to Buladelah. It was scary to see how close the Girvan bush fires from 2 weeks ago had come to many of the houses with quite a lot of bush and paddocks severely burnt.
Wade Park smiled on us and the big covered picnic area was empty and waiting. While we all made our teas and coffees Lilo brought out one of her magnificent cakes, specially made for Phil’s birthday. Obligingly, Phil wore the party hat that Elaine brought for him and the next 15 minutes was very quiet while we all munched on cake. We were joined by Peter & Leonie, a Newcastle couple in their red RF who had spotted us driving into town and dropped by for a chat. Hopefully we enticed them to join us for a club event in the future.
A quick trip further up the highway took us to the much-revered Wooton Way, which of course had to be run in both directions. Tail enders John and Chris got caught behind a car & trailer on the return trip, but the rest of the group enjoyed two unimpeded runs.
We then headed along The Lakes Way, dodging potholes and broken edges, but it definitely wasn’t in the worst condition we’ve ever seen it. There was plenty of lovely scenery to enjoy, winding in and out of the remnant rainforest and along the edges of the lakes.
Lunch at the Pacific Palms Rec Club was very enjoyable, with our new friends from Buladelah stopping in for a drink with us before continuing on their way north. After our leisurely lunch our group slowly dispersed, each making their different way home.
Many thanks to Phil and Mara for organising and leading the run, and to Lilo for her delicious cake.
Click this link to see all the photos on my flikr site.
