Rachels Hawks Nest Hustle

31 March 2016 / Article: Rachel Crawford Photos: Josh Fitzgerald

With my track record (April 2015 – Run cancelled after super storms; August 2015 Cheese & Horses run - course altered due to the strong likely hood of local flooding) when the weather man is forecasting rain I’m worried, especially when the plan involves a scenic morning tea stop and a picnic lunch! So packing two umbrellas and a waterproof jacket along with some prayers to the rain God to stay the hell away, I set off for the meeting point of BP Beresfield.

At Beresfield I’m told not to be so pessimistic and that it will be fine and get over it. OK. Easy to do when there are brand new MX-5’s to look at. Yes I know most of you have seen a few now, but the newest addition to the club is in Ceramic Metallic! It’s a really interesting colour, it can look any shade from White to off Grey but you can’t say that it’s a boring colour. 

 

So with the run briefing complete the group headed off towards Raymond Terrace. A very interesting fact was pointed out to me of the 9 cars on the run there were no NA’s, I’m going to have to accept this will become a more frequent occurrence as we have a smaller percentage of members driving them. But what was even more surprising is that we had no NB’s on the run either. (For the record 3 x ND & 6 x NC – 14 Members & 1 Visitor)

So with the roofs down, off we headed along the river plains of the Hunter River, for a very pleasant Sunday drive. Via Woodberry and nearly to Raymond Terrace before taking Newline Road to again follow along the Williams River via Seaham and then on to Clarence Town. Stopping here at Bridge Reserve for a rest and a closer look at the Williams River. 

Crossing the single lane bridge we set off for our morning tea stop at Stroud. We follow Limeburners Road till Bucketts way and onwards to Stroud. So far the Gods are listening, whist we don’t have much sun the rain is staying away. Our morning tea stop, Silo Hill, is named after its eight underground grain silos which were constructed in 1800’s. With well setup BBQ area a very pleasant morning tea of treats was shared by all. 

Whilst there really isn’t any sun, the rain looks further away so we continue on with the roofs down. Back down Bucketts way till we reach Booral Road. This road has two items of note, the 10 Story house that can be spotted from Girvan Estate drive and is one of the best twisty roads around. The group allowed some distance between each car to allow everyone to go at their own speed. From one Natmeet participant, “that really is as good as the Targa Tassie Roads”. It is great fun, right up to the point where we come across not 1 but 2 oversize semi-trailer bowling along and not slowing down for us. A real heart in your mouth moment, but we all managed to negotiate the narrow road and trucks. Reaching the end of Booral Road and about to head down the freeway to Hawks Nest, the clouds look ominous so we stop to put the roofs up. Onwards zipping down the freeway to our lunch stop at Jimmy Beach Hawks Nest. Our destination reached with only a few spots of rain.

As this Sunday was the Melbourne GP, the plan had always been to have a good morning run and lunch done with sufficient time for all to make it home to watch the F1 / Daniel Riccardo (placing a credible 4th in the race). So whilst some had a quicker lunch for an expedient getaway, other had a more leisurely lunch and chat. For me I’m hoping that I’ve appeased the rain Gods and any future runs can be done in the company of sun shine, blue skies and true roof down weather.

More photos: HERE