Sothwest Rocks / Arakoon Run

09 March 2020 / John & Susan Little

Southwest Rocks Arakoon Run

 Saturday 22 February 2020 

 

Saturday morning saw an enthusiastic but somewhat damp group of North Coast MX-5 club members assemble at the Rivermark Cafe in Port Macquarie. Despite the inclement weather seven cars with drivers and passengers had turned out to celebrate the first weekend run of the year. Run leaders were Jane and Greg in the Special Edition RFGT, Pam and Allen ND, Margaret and Murray NC, Susan and John NB, Rhonda and Robert NC, Gayle with visitor Betty NB and RobyJ and Peter NB who was the ‘tail end charlie’ for the day.

 The rain was intermittent as we set off up the Pacific Highway to Kempsey where we picked up Cathy and Wayne NB and Carla and Brett NC. Then it was off to Crescent Head for morning tea at the well known Barnetts Bakery. The bakery had the added attraction of having a busker dressed in the beach uniform of “Budgie Smugglers” playing guitar and singing a variety of songs, his performance so impressive that he even attracted money from the group! Wayne’s photographs on the Mid North Coast’s Website show how appreciative the audience was!!

 Leaving Crescent Head we enjoyed the MX-5 type road that ran along the river, great driving, zipping along complete with the smell from the river of dead fish left in the wake of the massive recent rainfalls. The dips in the twisty windy road were large and there were several “Ooops” moments as some cars bottomed out. We eventually arrived at the Gaol in Trial Bay to stretch our legs and look out over the sea for turtles that apparently were sometimes seen on the rocks below. Robert brought out his bagpipes and entertained us with various tunes to complement the view around us of the Gaol and the gathering of dark gray storm clouds.

 Fortunately, lunch at the Sea Breeze Hotel at Southwest Rocks was only a few minutes away and soon we were safely dry inside ordering lunch. Sally and Warren NC had joined us and there was plenty of laughter, chatting and getting to know each other as we enjoyed a great lunch with the rain coming down. The drive home was a little damp on the outside however it had not dampened our enjoyment of the day.

 Thanks to the club coordinators for organising the run, and to run leaders Jane and Greg, also a big thank you to Wayne for taking and posting the photographs on the Mid North Coast MX-5 Facebook page.

 Scribe

 Susan and John Little