Bendethera Trip October 1^st to 3^rd

^{Gary & Robyn (Jeep Cherokee)}

^{Birdy & Chook (75 Series)}

^{Peter & Gloria (Nissaan Patrol)}

^{Jo & Paul + Family (100 Series}

^{While there were many last-minute cancellations due to expected bad weather those that made the effort were rewarded with some challenging 4wding, spectacular views and plenty of fireside festivity. Robyn & I arrived around 9pm Friday with the only mishap being that the GPS sent us 8.4km past the turnoff on Snowball Rd. as had happened with Pete & Birdy earlier in the day. Fortunately a sign (at a locked gate) on the old Badja track advises people to head back north to the correct entry track. It was nice to arrive to a blazing fire and we were soon relaxing in it's warmth thanks to some help setting up.}
 

^{The Kandos crew arrived & set-up mid-afternoon Saturday. We then headed out on the usual tour of the valley with its many river crossings being lower than expected. The weather kept many campers away as we seemed to be outnumbered by the Roos. Most campers seem to have preferred the area across the widest river crossing much further into the valley. Back at camp we put 2 gazebos together to create a large sheltered area for community cooking, eating & to shelter from the possibility of showers. After a fantastic roast dinner we settled in with refreshments by the fire.}

^{Rain Saturday night caused a few little mishaps with the kids tents due mainly to the girls not re-securing the fly-sheets after chatting between tents, and Will's swag took in water due to an unsecured flap being blown back over the top zip. Erecting a tarp over the swag allowed the wind to help dry things out and kept it out of the weather. A quick adjustment to the day's trip allowed for a quick trip to the Laundromat in Moruya to dry some bedding, etc. We then proceeded to Dry Creek where again the crossing was more shallow than expected, although this merely created a false impression that the track ahead would be firm underfoot. Fortunately I had graded this trip as Grade 4 & it did not disappoint, although we all got through without assistance another club on a driver training day provided much entertainment. Paul kindly offered some helpful advice & they were eventually back on track & on their merry way. Daylight savings had kicked in so we were back in camp before dark. Fog lifted the next morning to a bright blue sky and the sun soon had all tents dry and ready to pack. We all agreed that another Bendethera trip should be scheduled for Easter 2012. (Stay Tuned).}

^Cheers,

^{Gary Ritchie}