Australia Day at Avon Dam
27 January 2015 / Words by Bryan Shedden, Photos by Alex & Bryan Shedden & Tammie Hotz
Celebrating Australia Day with your MX-5 Club friends has become a bit of a tradition. Our venue for 2015 was the picnic grounds at Avon Dam, which demanded a fairly early start in order to claim the best picnic spot. At times ranging from 8am to 9am, members gathered for three separate runs by the Illawarra, RPM and Sydney Chapters. What few expected was the chilly weather, as it barely reached 20°C all day. Crikey, it was 35°C the day before!
The Sydney run was the first to depart from Heathcote McDonalds, with Mark & Julie leading the group of 14 members and 2 visitors in 9 MX-5s. They were first to arrive at Avon Dam after an entertaining drive through the Royal National Park, across to Appin and Broughton Pass, and then south to Avon. They arrived first at the dam to find Paul & Di Byers had arrived early to claim our spot with their trusty BBQ trailer in tow.
The Illawarra run was last to leave but second to arrive. I led a group of 15 members and 2 visitors in 10 MX-5s from Figtree McDonalds. This gave us convenient access to Mount Keira Road, which was recently reopened after Wollongong Council spent $1.75 million over the last four years on cliff stabilisation works. The new surface makes for a great drive.
The RPM run arrived fashionably late at Avon Dam, with Greg & Lesa in the lead. The group of 19 members in 10 MX-5s enjoyed a nice little drive through the Wollondilly countryside of Mulgoa, The Oaks and Thirlmere.
Everyone on the three runs agreed that the final 5km of tight & twisty road to our picnic spot was an MX-5 delight! Especially those lucky ones who managed not to be held up by other daytrippers.
The combined assembly of Australia Day revellers was an impressive 54 people and 30 MX-5s. Many were appropriately attired in an assortment of Aussie flags and Socceroos shirts. Adam had a flag wrapped around his bonnet, and Julie impressed with flags on her finger nails!
The morning was spent in friendly conversation, dips & crackers were shared around, bonnets were lifted, modifications were prodded & admired, and those who had forgotten to pack a jumper quietly shivered and pretended they were pleased it wasn't a stinking hot day. Soon the portable BBQs were fired up, the electric BBQs slooowwwly warmed, and our meaty offerings were charred. Must say that our lamb cutlets and chunky sausages were delicious! I was sure we'd have leftovers, but somehow they all disappeared.
With bellies brimmed, a small energetic group enjoyed a hit of cricket. Young Evan was the star with a brilliant display of batting skill and sledging, while Graham made excuses for his performance with complaints about the substandard pitch preparation. Several people departed for a walk to the dam, and there were excited reports of a carpet python sighting when they returned.
What a wonderful way to spend Australia Day. Thanks to everyone for getting into the spirit and ignoring the mediocre weather forecast. It was worth it!
Click here to see all of Alex & Bryan's photos.
