Port Stephens Twilight Dinner Run
25 January 2024 / Story by Christine Cameron, Photos by Wendy Mulholland
A big contingent of Hunter members gathered at Thornton Maccas on Saturday 20/1 for what has become an annual event – a twilight run to Nelson Bay for dinner. Thirty two drivers and navigators in 23 cars headed off through Beresfield and Woodberry enjoying the rural scenery and warm afternoon weather. We made a brief stop at Finnan Park alongside Grahamstown Dam for a group photo, although the wide line of cars made it tricky for the photographers who had to walk some distance away to get everyone in.
Then on through Medowie and Salt Ash to the packed holiday town that is Nelson Bay during school holidays. Some of the group were tempted by the twilight markets on the foreshore, but this was quickly quashed as parking was clearly an insurmountable challenge and reminders of limited MX5 boot space meant any purchases would have to be carefully sized first. We took the scenic route, driving in convoy around the waterfront to Shoal Bay and doing a loop past Zenith beach. This raised comments from several members, reminiscing about surfing there in their ‘younger days’.
Dodging cars reversing out of beachside parking spots and pedestrians herding kids while toting beach chairs, umbrellas, picnic bags and surfboards was quite a challenge with a few close calls, but all MX5’s made it to the dinner spot at the Saltwater Restaurant in the Fingal Bay Surf Club unscathed. WOW WOW WOW – what a location! The restaurant has glass to ceiling views across Fingal Beach and headland plus a very tasty menu. A few brave souls managed to fit in dessert then our leisurely and very enjoyable dinner over, we each took our leave to cruise home.
Many thanks to Lilo & Brian for organising a great outing and to all who came along and were part of the fun.
original photos on my flikr here https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBbDW4
