RPM The Alternate Picnic

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28 January 2024 / Story Chris W Pictures Gillian F and others.

The Alternate Picnic 

An early start at Richmond Tourist Information Centre allowed us to watch the Roulettes gathering for their big Australia Day show. Along with that, the RFS Chinook being checked out ready for their firefighting role made for interesting discussion as we welcomed members from all around. With all the events we have been to over the years, we are still meeting other long-term members for the first time. What a great social club this is.

With the expected Western Sydney temperatures approaching forty degrees as usual on Australia Day, we had decided to move the RPM picnic to the alternate, cooler climes of Mount Wilson.

Too early for the Coffee Shop, eight MX5’s of all colours headed west with one lonely blue Hyundai through the Richmond bypass and on to the Bells Line of Road. Hitting our last set of lights at North Richmond we turned left on to Gross Vale Road to follow the headwaters of the Hawkesbury River and then into the magnetic village of Kurrajong. Turning left at the Fire Station we picked another car with Robyn and Garry ready and raring to go. This road took us around the back of Kurrajong to rejoin the Bells Line.

Named after Archibald Bell Jr. who first described it after walking it with Darug men Emery and Cogy in 1823. Because of some of the steep climbs around Mount Tomah it was rarely used until it was developed as the alternate mountain road during the second World War. Fortunately for us, other than keeping the road in reasonably good condition there has been very little development making it a great run for any MX-5 day out.

Winding our way up the mountain we were starting to feel the effects of the heat until passing the high point west of Mount Tomah the air suddenly noticing a magic drop in both temperature and humidity. Turning right onto Mount Wilson Road the surface deteriorated making the 80k limit a challenge. Reaching the village, the peace and quiet is almost overwhelming with the gardens and many homes built in the early 1900s. The massive trees and flowering shrubs hide the homes of many famous (and infamous) people who use this hidden area to relax. There is not even any telephone reception. Passing the fire station, it is surprising to see the number of vehicles parked there until you find that it is main access point to walk into the valleys and creeks that are very popular for caving and climbing.

Turning left at the Turkish Baths, (unfortunately long out of use) we made our way down to the Cathedral Reserve Camping grounds and found a section of the grassed area under shading trees. Setting up we made ourselves comfortable while Sandra and Paul made up some beautiful Pavlova that everyone enjoyed with others adding cakes and various exotics. Robyn and Gary had brought their young pup Saphron along who quickly became the RPM mascot. Much talk about nothing became the spirit of the day until lunchtime rolled around and out came every one’s salads and cold foods to enjoy while Camilla regaled us with her beautiful poetry.

Time rolled on and we all had to drift away but voting to do it again next year.

Thanks to Sandra and Paul for a wonderful time.