Tip Toe to Tuross

16 April 2023 / Story: Brian Clayton; Photos: Anda Clayton, Rose Smith

Tip Toe to Tuross

16 April 2023

We woke to the sound of rainfall, not a promising start to a drive down the coast. We met up with our friends, Fred and Kim, Rick and Christine, Rose and Geoff, Keith and Sue, and Anne and Graeme. We were to meet Mike and Madhu at our coffee stop. Fortunately, by start time the rain had cleared and, while cloudy, there were patches of blue sky. That was enough to make the call for tops down.

The run down the coast was uneventful and pleasant with only light traffic allowing us to enjoy the sweeping bends along the highway. Proceeding through Batemans Bay and turning left at Mogo we made our way to Broulee and the Killibinbin Café. Madhu greeted us from her wheelchair, the poor girl had broken her leg on the last day of their holiday in Fiji. Unfortunate accident but good timing if you have to have one. Obviously the MX5 was ruled out and so their Landrover was the choice for the day.

The café was unpretentious but comfortable with a variety of comfortable seating. We were expected and tables had been reserved, fully decked out with trays of Easter Eggs. Service was great, the coffee and banana bread excellent and we had the time for some pleasant chat. It was an opportunity to catch up with Mal Smith, another South Coast member who runs the store in Broulee. An urgent order kept him from having coffee with us, maybe next time.

But lunch was calling so we mounted our vehicles and headed off for the drive along the river to Moruya, on through the town, past the lurking speed camera on the highway and on to Tuross Heads for our lunch appointment at the Pickled Octopus. It was a pleasant change arriving a little earlier than past occasions and finding plenty of parking spaces. Rain was threatening but we took our places at the table. I volunteered to take the end of the table with my back to the view. The wisdom of that choice was called into question a few minutes later when the threatening storm broke and the open verandah provided scant protection. But the storm passed and it was time to enjoy the fine Thai food served at the restaurant. All this was topped off by more convivial conversation and a small glass of wine.

Another great day with our friends from the MX5 Club.