With a 9pm scheduled start, we all met up with a quick meet and greet of a few people 3 vehicles set off. Whilst a steady pace was in order as one of us had a trailer in tow we made our way forward. A quick stop into Stuarts Well to pick up the 4th vehicle (Peter and Catheryn) who decided to stay at Stuarts Well the night before. A few coffees and snacks bought we were back on the way.

Turning onto the Earnst Giles we decided to pull over and air down. Starting back off again with a steady pace. Travelling along the road toward the turn off (missed the first one due to new phone and not having correct maps) we found a second track in. Whilst a tad unused it still ended us back up to where we needed to be (with a little more time lost) . Going back along the road another vehicle came up behind us which we let past. With yours truly getting blamed for not knowing where we were we went through a cattle station and turned off the track again for a “short cut”. Making it back onto yet another road (which my GPS was telling me was the right track) we continued on. A few gates later and the vehicle that passed us somehow ended up behind us (I knew it was a short cut :P)

Making our way into Running Waters produced yet more fun to come. Me making it across no worries. A few other vehicles had other ideas. With a certain Ranger deciding to show us what was yet to come followed by a certain someone with a trailer (not pointing any fingers, but the Ranger was still blamed). With a few of us attempting to work out what the Ranger wanted to do, lowering of tire pressures on all vehicles and tred boards to the rescue the Ranger was free (got their in the end) and tred boards were buried deep. Afterwards Peter having a crack at getting Aaron out and after peter getting slightly stuck , and later myself (who admittedly did get stuck…ish) whilst attempting to pull Aaron yet only needed a couple people to lean on the strap for me to reverse back and have another go with the snatch. Eventually all was free and camp was being set up (and one broken snatch strap is a slight reminder and the dangers of snatch recoveries).

Camp up beers in hand and finally starting to relax. With a little bit of fire wood collecting and dinner was cooking after kids had a swim. With the night kicking into gear, we are all sitting around the fire still working out who is to blame about why we all got stuck (still think it was Robs fault) and Rob realizing he needs to read the manual of his technology enhanced vehicle. The night got on and the “nannas juice” as it got called got let out. I shall leave this one here for the crew to explain the events that transpired, as I am sure there will be many different versions. the yabbie nets also got put out some time during the night (can’t exactly remember when but photo time stamps shall tell us this) Off to bed we went (rather early in the morning).

Over the next couple of days more swimming, canoeing, collecting of firewood happened. Oh to add to what was a perfect weekend some more entertainment happened back at the entrance to watch everyone else get bogged. Cheering was going on as well as many walks back and forward to assist some not so experienced drivers with letting down tires (and later pumping back up). Later in the Saturday Paul and co arrived to make what was the 5th vehicle of the camp. Yet more shenanigans around the fire happened the second night, yet another perfect night and great conversation.

With many having to leave sunday due to other commitments, The remainder members (Peter, Catheryn and myself) camped on for yet another night. Last day came round, and packing up camp (yours truly doing another good deed and pumping up some tires for other campers) . With a few complications with the air lines (lucky I had spare) we eventually got all vehicles pumped up. Moving onwards to boggy hole (and a quick photo op at boggy hole and chat to few other campers) onwards we went. Airing back up as we got to the bitumen onwards we went. Last stop we had was a quick stop for lunch at Standly Chasm then making out way home.

What a wonderful and very eventful weekend had by all with some absolute great company and awesome weather. One to remember that’s for sure. Thanks all to those who made the effort to come.