Chopper Creek - October 2008
Only three vehicles assembled at Horseland on Saturday morning for the overnight trip south to Chopper Creek. Several people had withdrawn – one apparently because he wanted to watch Indy on the TV. Those present agreed that a trip to the bush had far more appeal than watching TV. A short stop at Sarina to buy a paper for the property owner and then another short stop at Blue Mountain Road to wait for Laurie & Pam who had come via Eton from their property at Crediton.
Kelvin & Natalie, with the only trailer led the way and it wasn’t too long before we turned off at the Tierrawoomba Road and got to some gravel – karma. Mobile signal had long since disappeared, the city stress was gradually winding down – it was good to be in the country. There were lots of new born calves, including a couple of “nurseries” where there were one or two cows looking after 5 or 6 calves.
The property owner advised that there was a bush fire up in the range, but it shouldn’t bother us. He was also adamant that no vehicles had been driven in giant ratstail grass areas. This tough noxious weed outgrows favourable pasture, is less palatable and if eaten by cattle wears their teeth out very quickly. We left the homestead and got to the first of many gates on the long slow drive in. It was pretty dry and dusty, although some of the grass still had a tinge of green. With only four vehicles, most of the gate opening and closing was done by the two in the middle, but for expediency and where there wasn’t a lot of room, the gates were opened by leader Kel and closed by tail end Bruce.
It was quite warm by the time we got to the camping area by the waterhole. A quick scout along the hot sandy river bed and everyone decided to set up camp under the trees. There were 4 canoes among 7 people and it wasn’t long before these were in the water and being paddled around. Kel had brought a whole pile of pine from packing cases – it was poked in every nook and cranny on his trailer. Bruce had stopped along the way to pick up some decent hardwood to cook on.
After a relaxing afternoon of canoeing, swimming and resting, happy hour arrived, so the group assembled around the fire, exchanging snacks. It was almost beer o’clock, but one young couple hadn’t brought any alcoholic drinks. Kel and Nat had had a humdinger the night before and couldn’t face another drop. Dennis and Marie got stuck into some red wine, Laurie enjoyed his beer with a dash, Pam was into her rum and coke while Bruce had a few beers. Gradually people drifted off to cook – most on gas, but Bruce had his camp oven and various metalliferous gadgets on the fire. With Kel & Nat not drinking, the night was somewhat quiet and a relatively early night was had by all. The night was clear and it got quite cool, particularly for the one who was in a swag under his awning. The previous night’s curry came in handy by providing sufficient flatulence to warm up the sleeping bag.
There were some early risers and some late on the Sunday morning, the fire was stoked up and the billy boiled for morning coffee. A couple of frying pans were out on the fire for a cooked breakfast, with much discussion on how best to cook bacon and eggs. There was no agreement, as some like their bacon crispy and eggs hard, while others like the bacon just cooked with soft centre eggs. Whichever way, all enjoyed their dish.
Once the washing up was done, some went off paddling, while others just sat around and chatted. Kel and Bruce decided to do a bit of lantana clearing – this to be a goal for each camp to progressively clear a little bit. Two big bushes came out with a winch, with smaller bushes being pulled out relatively easily by hand. Out came the cane knives to hack the lantana into manageable pieces and sequentially put on the fire. Initially the green sticks didn’t burn, but with a bit of persistence about 10 bushes went up in smoke. A swim to cool down and clean up was followed by a quick lunch, pack up of camp and a nice leisurely drive home.
FINES FOR CHOPPER CREEK
Kelvin and Natalie– Having to ask if anyone had a spare toilet roll as they had forgotten to pack theirs when one was offered and I noticed Kelvin gladly burning a rough looking piece of cardboard with a very relieved look on his face.
Ian McDonald – For deciding that watching the Indy Car Races was more important than going camping.
Kelvin – As well as forgetting the toilet roll he also forgot the other trip essential. His GPS! Fortunately others were able to assist.
Bruce – For indulging in some exotic curried stew at the camp and then complaining that he could not stand his own farts in his swag. They did keep him warm though.
Marie – For getting people’s names wrong all weekend. Kelvin was almost getting used to being called Gavin but then Bruce became Brian…for some reason?
Regards
Dennis Boland and Marie