Day 5 Tuesday 28/11/2023 Heathcote, pleasantly warm, storms expected 11 – 26˚

At each Xmas muster we have a Kris Kringle and auctions and raffles of goods we no longer need (usually camping gear) or have donated. Our mate H is one of our Cabin Crew and she’s in charge of sorting out which of the donated goods should be raffled or auctioned, to raise the most money for the club.

With goods sorted for the time being, we girls walk into town to do some shopping and have a coffee. We’re back at Rutherford & Maine, trying on hats and ducking behind the makeshift curtain change room to try things on.

“Yeah, nah, nice colour though.”

“Ooh that suits you.”

“Mmm, but it doesn’t fit.”

In the shade of an umbrella as the day warms, the coffee goes down a treat, and on our way back VeeWee scores a bargain suitcase. These towns would be amazed if they knew our total expenditure when we visit for a muster. Fuel, groceries, liquor & meals, and souvenirs all add up.

Back at camp the rest of the crew arrive, and more decorations are strung about. We have our AGM under a pine tree and the raffle is drawn for a coffee machine. PT wins and so does the club as we’ve raised $240 for the coffers. We sit around the fire chatting before a BBQ sausage dinner (from McIvor Meats). A group diligently plays cards in one corner and those of us who can’t be trusted to behave have a noisy evening in the other corner of the camp kitchen.

We admire the decorations before calling it a night.

Accom: $34.00