National AGM 2009 - Penrith: The View from the Tent

Monday morning dawned – but my day had started well before dawn, doing the last minute things that need to be done before being away for a week. We arrived in Penrith at the hottest part of the day (and I can’t imagine dealing with that traffic every day), and found a good camp spot at Jurassic Field. A quick look around to decide which way to face the tents and Leo and I proceeded to put our tents up. Ah, the weather’s too hot, and I have to lie down in the shade of my bike to recover….OK, better now, we decide to go in search of a well earned beer, and get the feel of where things are.

Trudging from Jurassic Field, we wonder why they had placed Panthers so far from our camp ground but the exercise will be good for us!! Every day!! We meet fellow Canberra branch members – the party compound of Bryson, Maxine, Kyla and Mick is on our way and we stop in for a chat. We also meet up with fellow campers Derek and Marg, Robert McNeilly, and Duncan and Sue, and hunker down for a few drinks then go and find a meal. Back at the campsite I decide to head over for a shower…..and my first round of the week long tussle with the showers commences. Have to stand pressed up against the wall to catch the dribble of water, then standing in the water trapped on the floor, I drop my clothes and get them wet!! Round one to the showers.

I fall asleep to the sound of traffic hurtling past – I also wake up to the sound of traffic hurtling past – and the siren at the Correctional Centre!! No birdsong here!! But life at the campsite is good, and over breakfast we meet our neighbours, camping here from the Northern beaches of Sydney, over a toasted hot cross bun. Today it’s time to check the traders hall then head over to the Registration area to do a few hours volunteering. Quite a few more Canberrans arrive and it’s nice to be there to welcome them. Then ride back down to Canberra to the branch meeting, head home, up at first light, meet Leo and also Peter Thomas who is joining us, stop at Sutton Forest for a coffee then back to Registration to do a bit more volunteering.

A mini disaster strikes – I’d left my heated hand grips on (well it had been cold in Canberra when we left), time to call NRMA then we set off for a ride to properly recharge the battery. In fact that was a good thing as we tucked into a demo ride and were led around through Glenbrook and down the lovely Mitchell Pass – well worth the earlier grief!!

Back at the tent, we were greeted by our neighbours and also met the people from the other side, camping there from Tassie. Also Ross Anderson came over, and we lit the billy for a cuppa once more. Col arrived from Canberra and set up camp alongside us, with his new tent. Another tussle with the showers tonight – this time I manage a shower but sink into mud as I step out. UGH!!

The weather was beautiful – clear and sunny all week. At the tent ground we were able to purchase a polystyrene esky, and a bag of ice every day – as well as a large container of water, so we had the basics covered. I heard the siren at 6.30 every day, and kind of got used to it by the end of the week. I was able to wander around and look at how others had set up and what they were using – everyone most happy to talk about their camping gadgets and latest camp“toys”. I collected a few ideas for my next camping foray – am especially keen to learn any new tricks in preparation for the ride to Albany. Shall we do a night’s free camping (not in a camp ground and with good weather, under the stars) across the Nullabor??

Thursday we walked (my foot bandaged from existing blisters from all the walking) to the Grey Gums (Ross, you may have been right about the distance from the campground…) to have dinner with other branch members who were staying at various places. Walk back to the camp ground, to face the long trudge to Jurassic Field but we were picked up by a golf cart and driven in - fabulous. A miracle – the shower had plenty of hot water – luxury! My tent and sleeping bag and mat are very comfortable and as long as I remember the soft ear plugs, I sleep quite well. Emerging from my tent and lighting the billy for the first cup of the day in the early morning is great – as Peter said, with camping, as soon as you come out of the tent, you’re there!! If it’s been a long time since you’ve camped, think about doing it again – it’s the best way to meet new friends, and have heaps of fun!!

Saturday was the Grand Parage, then off to the AGM, then head over to the bar for a couple of champagnes. Wobble back to get glammed up in time for the dinner – and to see all the different versions of the Canberra “pink and purple” theme. Heading back to the campsite that night, I wanted a cup of tea and a nice hot shower – silly, no more hot water!! I struggled through a cold shower, and tiptoed through the mud as I emerged - I think the showers won the war!!

Jen