On a warm Sydney Saturday we met at Haynes Flat Picnic area in the Lane Cove National Park for our last gathering for 2019, the annual Christmas picnic and walk.
Rob Failes acted as our scout and arrived early, only to be told at the entry gate that not only was there a total fire ban for that day (fully expected) but also walking in the park was not permitted (fully unexpected). With a flurry of phone calls, Sally and Bob notified who they could that the day's plan would be limited to just meeting at the Park and having lunch.
Not content to believe everything he heard, however, Rob sought out "further and better particulars" and learned from a Ranger that there was no ban on walking at all! More phone calls were made, and eventually a small group of die-hards gathered at the appointed spot and set off for the on-again-off-again walk, starting with a short amble down past the coffee shop and then back via the beginning of the Great North Walk track.
We stopped to admire the two historic cottages along the way and it was also interesting to observe the effect in the park of the drought and recent Sydney storms.
By lunchtime we had 29 festive members and enjoyed our lunch with many stories being told of everyone’s adventure travels during the past year.
After lunch we moved to the grass for the annual cricket match and it must be noted that as Bob Failes approaches his 90th milestone his batting and fielding were much admired by all. This year we introduced real stumps but next year we may need to introduce the DRS!
Many thanks to all who attended. Special thanks for Bob, Sally and Rob for planning and keeping the day alive.
