Yadboro Flat/State Forest Trip Report, June 2008

Trip Leader:   Alfred and Tamara Russo
Members:   David and Debra Dennis
Guests:    Merryn, Mark, Cameron and Ethan
   Brenda and Scott
   Theresa and Justin

Friday 6th June
The recent week's rain and forecast wet weather, were not going to deter us from getting away for the long weekend. With all our wet weather clothing and large tarp for shelter packed and ready to go, we headed south on the Princes Highway. At this point there was  no sign of the wet weather easing off. However , two hours into the trip, the rain had ceased and blue skies were ahead. A good sign!

It was around 1pm that we decided to stop for lunch at a roadside rest area, just south of Nowra, equipped with playground and amenities. Natalie's "swing radar" kicked in, spotting them immediately, even before getting out of the car. The weather was cold and jackets and beanies were required. At least it wasn't raining! After a relaxing break and some good fun on the swings, it was difficult to break the bond, but we had to continue.

After a few more hours of continuing south along the highway, we arrived at Milton, where the locals were preparing to hold the Annual Scarecrow Festival on the Saturday and Sunday. From the preparations, it seemed to be a fun event for everyone. Whilst in Milton, we decided to grab a coffee and some pastries at the local Bakery. Delicious!!! We also stocked up for later and grabbed a few more to share with the group on the Saturday night before making our way to Yadboro Flat Camp Ground.

On arrival, it was obvious that the wet weather was not going to stop other keen campers from getting away for the weekend too.  Avoiding the muddy sites we settled on a camp for the weekend, not far from the wooden bridge and river. A good choice, we thought. After setting up camp, it was dark and we tried starting fire with the wood that was available. Not much around and what was available was saturated. It was decided we have dinner and then go to bed.

Saturday 7th June
The next day we all had a sleep in and after a relaxing breakfast we decided to head down to the river for some rock throwing and bucket and shovel activities. Natalie was keen to participate. Her idea in fact. The river was flowing well and the water looked and felt vvvvvvery refreshing! The activities took up a good few hours of the day and then that was enough!

We decide to make a quick trip back into Milton as I was in dire need of some cough medicine to get through the weekend. Whislt in Milton we took in a little of the festival and enjoyed petting the farm animals. We grabbed a quick "hot chips and coffee" lunch and after a couple of hours in town we decide to make our way back to camp and have the fire going for the others who were to join us that evening. Back at camp, Natalie wanted to again involve herself in the rock throwing and bucket and shovel activities down near the river, This time she decided to make a donation to the waterways of NSW by way of a bucket. Mum tried to salvage it. Natalie urged mummy on. Dad looked on in amazement (that I would go as far as taking my shoes and socks off  and get in the water to save a bucket). It was a brave effort given the freezing water temperatures, raging torrent and deep water, but no luck. The bucket was gone as was the feeling in my toes!

After this eventful afternoon we decided to get a move on with the fire and cosy up to it waiting for the others to arrive. Once they reached camp, quick introductions and thanks for the fire that was started. Everyone scoped out a suitable place to set up the tents. It did not take long to get the others set up and we all soon gathered around the campfire for some warmth and happy hour and shared the eventful happenings of the last 24 hours. After a simple dinner for all of us and some campfire conversations we decided to head to bed, eager to take on the walk to Pidgeon House Mountain the following day ( if the weather would continue to be kind to us).

Sunday 8th June
The overnight rain continued in the morning and the overcast skies were not a good omen for our walk to Pideon House Mountain. After waiting for Justin and Theresa to join us for the day we decided to forego the walk, due to the poor conditions and given that we had young children along also, and go for a drive instead.. After breakfast, we all headed off exploring the nearby 4WD tracks in Yadboro State Forest, eventually ending up at Shallow Crossing. After a few goes at crossing the river (which Cameron and Ethan enjoyed and Mum and Dad too!) and taking photos we decided to stop nearby for lunch. The weather continued to disappoint. We stopped near some shelter and enjoyed a nice lengthy lunch break whilst continuing to get to know our guests.

After lunch, we took the River Road, a scenic drive following the Clyde River to Nelligen. Then we continued onto Batemans Bay where Theresa and Justin decided to say goodbye to us here. The rest of us continued north along the Princes Highway and turned back inland at Boardinghouse Road. We wandered though tracks in the Brooman and Flat Rock State Forests. Nothing tricky but enjoyable just the same.
Eventually we made our way back to camp and started a fire with the remaining firewood. A quick assessment concluded that we would need to source more firewood for the night and so the men decided to go and look for more, whilst the rest of us would start preparing some nibblies and drinks for happy hour. Once the firewood was secured for the night we all gathered around the roaring fire, with welcomed refreshments, food and good conversation. What more could we have asked for? OK...Maybe better weather for the evening and have been able to conquer Pidgeon House mountain that day. At least we have a good reason for a return trip to the area.

Monday 9th June 
We headed out on the Monday morning after a relaxed pack up and decided to do some sightseeing on the way home. Making our wa out of the State Forest, we headed in the direction of home (north  on the highway). Brenda and Scott needed to make tracks and we said our goodbyes at this point.

The rest were in no rush and decided to make a couple of detours visiting Pointer Gap Lookout and
Porter's Creek Dam along the way. Both great stops and well worth the look. At these two stops we managed to squeeze in lunch before making our way back out onto the highway by 3-4pm.  Still a bit of a drive home but a wonderful end to a great weekend.

Thanks to all for making the effort to come along. We enjoyed your company.

Tamara , Alfred and Natalie Russo.