Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens

29 October 2024 / Story: Anda Clayton; Photos: Anda Clayton, Rose Smith, Linda Downing

Today's Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens run put a smile on everyone's dial!

Six travellers met at Hungry Jack's in Bomaderry for a run that passed through Kiama, then over the spectacular Saddleback Mountain and on to Albion Park for brunch at Blue Jay cafe, where we met Leann.

After being fully fuelled (most of us) with bacon, eggs, corn fritters and coffees, we continued up the M1 to the gardens in Mt Keira, where we were greeted by a picture postcard scene...a beautiful garden of rhododendrons, crab apple trees, irises and azaleas nestled in a protected garden surrounding an expansive pond filled with water lilies and a few ducks. The 14 hectare garden is tended by volunteers, a credit to their hard work and dedication.

Today was "almost" a girlie run which was not to be, thanks to Paul & Ian's participation. It was, I admit, good to have a couple of fellas along to keep the ladies on the straight and narrow, literally, as we navigated the rocky path in the rainforest. A "surprise" from Rose was a 50 minute walk, up a steep gradient, then down a myriad of rock steps. By the way, in all the excitement, we missed the promised lookout! Today's workout was done. On the way we were rewarded with sights of cabbage tree palms, red cedars, stinging trees, a huge fig (which dwarfed our Rose!) and a male lyrebird!

After our walk we were greeted by two familiar, friendly faces Senia and Bob who dropped by for a brief catch-up, fresh from their drive home from Sydney and the Club AGM.

Clear blue skies, breathtaking scenery, a wander through a picturesque garden and a run in a tops down sportscar, in addition to the company of a friendly bunch of MX5'ers....days like these create great memories!