Apollo Bay – 31^stMay - 2^nd June

Trip leader: Anthony with Arlene, Tash and Mia

Participants : Bryce and Nicky; Dennis and Ken; Dean and Hayley; Rick and Kirsty; Henry and Theresa; Chris, Louise and Jessica; Clintin and Kirsty; Ken, Debbie and Shae; Lance, Debbie, Melissa and Belinda; Bruno and Emily.

Anthony, Dennis and Bryce made their way to the Pisces Caravan Park during the day on Friday. Some fishing was undertaken by Anthony who was successful in catching salmon. Dean, Rick and Henry also arrived at the caravan park later on Friday. Henry and Theresa wandered down to the beach about 8.30pm to find the fishermen (Anthony, Dennis and Ken) trying their luck. It was windy and began to rain but was not overly cold. During the night the rain and wind continued however by morning we had beautiful weather. Henry and Theresa walked into Apollo Bay to the market, Rick and Kirsty went sight seeing and Arlene, kids and Hayley went into town too.

Dean, Anthony, Ken and Dennis were well into fishing mode when Henry and Theresa joined them. Dean had caught a feisty crab that had been making off with his bait. Ken caught a salmon and a mullet. Arlene arrived with the kids. During the course of the morning Chris and family with Ken and family arrived at the beach. Ken quickly got down to fishing. By this time Mia was thoroughly drenched after sitting in the water. Hayley arrived back from Apollo Bay. Bryce and Nicky came down to try their hands at fishing. Bruno and Lance had arrived at the caravan park Clintin and Kirsty arrived on the beach too and so the group was complete.

About 2pm Anthony (accompanied by Clintin), Chris, Dean, Ken, Henry, Dennis, Bruno and Lance’s vehicles left the caravan park for some 4x4 driving. The group drove past Maronga Beach and turned right towards Beech Forest. Proceeded down Binns Rd, Robertsons Rd, Halls Ridge Rd, Young Creek Rd and Phillips Tk. Along the way Ken tried some creative driving by going down the track sideways, and then getting himself bogged and unbogged. A few slippery patched were “enjoyed” by the other vehicles. We stopped at a river to have a group photo. After several attempts the group finally organised themselves for the photos. We proceeded towards Triplet Falls where the walk was taken to the viewing platform.

Saturday dinner was eaten at the Apollo Bay Hotel. From there we all landed in Bruno’s cabin to celebrate Lance’s birthday. A good time was had by all. The Chinese Whispers game provided us with much entertainment. There was no shortage of food or drink for the impromptu party and the kids (big and small!!) enjoyed the poppers.

Sunday morning proved to be a lovely start to the day once again. Dennis set off to Johanna Beach for more fishing, Bryce stayed in Apollo bay and the rest of use set out towards Lorne.

Along the way we spotted some koalas in the trees along the side of the road. Not far down the track Clintin haD noises coming from somewhere under his vehicle so it was necessary to find somewhere for the group to pull in off the road. Tyres were pulled off, the vehicle was test driven and then the journey proceeded.

Rick, Ken, Bruno and Ken left to go on to various destinations. The remaining 5 vehicles continued to look for the track into the forest Anthony attempted one very slippery track and decided to look for another entrance. Finally, Wye River Rd was found and began making their way up the track. The convey spotted a koala in a tree not far up the road and stopped for a photo opportunity.

The group went along Jamieson Tk. Anthony commented on how it looked like a well maintained track. The intention was to reach Ampitheratre Falls. The track did become muddy and narrow. Eventually there was a steep decent. Anthony and Chris went scouting then decided for the time of day and the steepness of the track to call it a day. It was not necessary to get the 5 vehicles down the slippery track to turn them around. This was down with lots of slip slidding. A hasty lunch was eaten. Henry was already back up the track a ways as there had not been enough room for him to stay on the “flat” part. Chris made this way back up through the slosh after a few attempts. Anthony got up but Lance could not get out of the section he was parked in. Eventually Dean turned and snatched Lance so that he could also turn. All vehicles facing the homeward direction Henry led off. We got back to the Lorne-Apollo Bay road where tyres were reinflated and our trip back to Melbourne began.

Chris asked Anthony to organise some rain to wash the mud off and it did rain not long before Winchelsea. Later in Geelong we got a good downpour. Lance left the group to feed the troups, Henry pulled into the car wash, Anthony and Dean stopped for fuel for vehicles and themselves and Chris continued home. A great weekend!!!

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