A small convoy set off from West Pinjarra then met two other vehicles in Nannup. Nathan, Joanna and Jaxon Vagg arrived later in the day. There were three separate camping areas used during the weekend. I think it’s probably the first time that there have been four generations of the one family (Vagg’s) camping at the block.
On Saturday we had three vehicles head off to explore the most northern section of Adelaide Road. Gerry mapped out a route which included a seldom used track that ran off Brook Road. We found the track and after some clearing we found the bush was still closing in, so we decided to retrace our steps.
There was a discussion about the route at the junction. The men all agreed on the route but Jennifer pointed out that they were headed for the wrong part of Adelaide Road. We headed up Mowen Road towards Margaret River and turned right up the track just west of Sue’s Road.
Adelaide Road provided some challenges. There were quite a few places where there were deep gutters – some with water in them. Our aim was to get all the way North. This meant crossing the Margaret River. The river was totally dry and it was an easy crossing. We got to Margaret Road and there was an extremely large log across the entrance to Adelaide Road. We decided to turn left and after about twenty minutes found the Canebrake pool for lunch.
After lunch we found our way further North onto Jalbarragup Road. We followed this through pine plantations back to Mowen Road. We got back to find Dianne and Norrie had arrived.
On Sunday we took a shorter trip. We did a nice easy trip up Brook Road from Mowen Road to Jalbarragup. Just as we got there it started to rain. We toured through the community and had a brief stop under the bridge. We then tackled River Road. It started off okay but deteriorated into a challenge. There was one very deep gutter which we couldn’t straddle. Markus got out his hand saw and removed a small tree on the edge of the track so that we could creep past. There were several other tricky spots on the road and the bushes were trying to fill up the space. It was a relief to get to the more formed part of the road before turning off and following the fire break tracks back home.
We decorated the shelter with lots of Australian flags of all sizes. The food was beautiful as usual, the singing of the National Anthem happened, and we were visited by one of the resident possums. We celebrated whilst listening to the final of the BBL on a portable radio. Go the Scorchers, they had a great win.
Jennifer and the Mosedales enjoyed the free Australia Day breakfast provided by the Nannup council. We then participated in a “picking up sticks” exercise. There were many trailer loads carted to the bonfire. Mosedales and Ligtermoets left reluctantly on Tuesday morning.