Last weekend the trek to beautiful Bondonga Station was made by some of our club members and a very enjoyable weekend it was.

Although the river was a bit low, there was still enough water to get wet and cool off in and the lovely (& very cheeky) Steve, our host allowed us to have a fire each night. Jake was elected fire-keeper and did an admirable job!

Most of us (ie Chisholms, Hills, Davis's, Warrens and Ado) made it out by dark Friday, although Gaz got up disgustingly early and was out to join us by 9am Saturday.

We got a reasonable amount of rain on Friday night, much to Margaret's despair as she and her kids were roughing it under a gazebo - which leaked! Much to the disgust of Charlie & Kate, Marg decided she didn't want to risk another night like that and broke camp and headed home. Sadly, my weather prediction of more rain was way off the mark, (I was wrong, ok? - sorry Marg). Gaz was right (that hurts to admit!).

Actually, I felt a bit posh...Taylor and I were the only ones with tents! Oh well, I was very comfortable in my tent with my queen size airbed. Everyone else had swags of some description (think I'd get claustrophobic). Adam had the Taj Mahal of camps, with a huge tarp which doubled as sleeping area at night and community shade during the day and an adjoining gazebo which was his kitchen area. The Hills had a pretty good set up too and Gaz's camp was, um, I guess just how he liked it! Hats off to Adrian for ingenuity though, with his ancient canvas tarp rigged up with a stick to hold it up off his swag on the back of his ute! Thank god he bought heaps of salt too, which saved a few of us with our melting ice (a new trick I'm happy to have learned).

First hunt was on Saturday, with most taking part (not me!). This was Taylor's first hunt and although I have to admit to hoping he wasn't going to like it, he enjoyed himself and even managed to get himself a young goat! Greg also scored one and the amazing Michelle did the dirty work of cleaning and skinning, then cooked some over the fire on Saturday night. Having never eaten goat before, I was pleasantly surprised! Mind you, I think Michelle's cooking also should be credited .

Sunday saw another hunt, with Ado going off by himself and coming back with a goat and Greg scoring another one too. Greg's goat had a beautiful coat, which Michelle very skillfully removed. I understand it will end up as a mat on Maddie's bedroom floor. 

Lots of time was spent lounging around in the shade, as it did get rather hot. I personally spent a fair bit of time in the river, which was lovely and cool (although a bit icky, especially with the exfoliating prawns).

Night time was spent hanging around the fire, with a few drinks and good company (and chocolate).

The Hills sadly had to leave Sunday so it was just a small group left. I'm pretty sure that they thoroughly enjoyed themselves (including Pixie the dog, or Pigsy as Ado called her) and Maddi & Sarah are going to grow up to be awesome like their mum!

Monday was very unhappily pack up day. Taylor & I had to leave earlier in the day for him to work that afternoon, so Gaz, Adam, Jake & Ado took off for one last hunt, which was unfortunately unsuccessful. Bad luck boys.

My second trip out to Bondonga has just confirmed for me that its a pretty special place and I'm very much looking forward to our next trip!

Hope you like the photos!

Cheers,

Kate