Trip to JanOwen Hills (Jan and Owen Lawrence)

Anzac Day Long Weekend 2004

Jan and Owen Lawrence own JanOwen Hills and live at their shop on the edge of Goomburra State Forest. This was a beauty. During the weekend, a total of thirty two vehicles attended. Lots and lots of them to say the least. There were twenty four weekend campers and eight day trippers. That is one of the good things about the place in that it is suitable for weekend camping trips and others can join them as day trippers.

We arrived about 4pm. Friday afternoon to find that the advance party numbered quite a few. We were pretty happy about this because they already had put in place all the pre-prepared direction signs. That made it easy for those coming in on their own to find their way. Pete arrived after dark when his tent was in place and his bed was made. (his plan worked). We stayed at the main camping area that is beside the very pretty Dalrymple Creek. It is flat and well mowed and equipped with you beaut toilets and showers.

The planning of this trip was a bit different. It is a brand new venue not yet fully developed or approved. We had contact and several recce’s over a period of more than a year. During our on site recce’s we often volunteered to help out around the place like putting in new tracks or putting in place things like water tanks or underground piping. The result was that for the club weekend trip we had a big number of bodies present and the driving trips planning not completely in order. There is almost nothing better in the world than good mates. So it was on occasion, that good mates came to the rescue. A lot of help was provided but two names stand out. Christo and Derrick were quick to see the need of support and they became trip leaders as we split the large group into two trip groups to go four wheel driving. Lots of others helped in lots of ways and we are very grateful to them.

The main group arrived on Saturday morning, either under their own steam, or led in by Pete, who returned to the driver reviver on the highway on both Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Saturday morning saw two groups involved in four wheel driving. Each group went via the quarry to different parts of the property. We came back to the camp for lunch.
After lunch we all took to the bitumen for a short journey to Goomburra State Forest. We had a look around the camping areas followed by a 400 metre walk up to the Sylvester Lookout that has scenic valley views. On the way back to camp we all stopped at the shop and very much depleted their stock of ice creams. While we were out doing this tourist thing, Gary and Derrick went looking for our next property trip and talked to Owen by radio who happened to be on the next ridge. The result was that they were able to link the two tracks which made for a really interesting trip next day.

Ceremony was not forgotten on this weekend. On Anzac Day Morning, as a mark of respect, Pete led all those present in a moment’s silence followed by the Ode. All showed respect for the commemorative occasion.
On the very much lighter side, around the campfire on Saturday night, we had what turned out to be something like a wedding rehearsal. At one stage it came close to a being a real wedding complete with unofficial celebrant. Whilst there was a lot of encouragement for the ceremony to take place, the almost bride took strong advice from quite a number of the ladies present that her state of intoxication did nothing to allow her to make a decision, or to take actions, of this proportion. No reports on the honeymoon are available. We had very enjoyable campfires on each night.

On Sunday we explored more tracks on the property. Two trip groups going in different directions once again, and changing over after lunch back at the camp. There is something for everyone on this interesting property. There are some fairly steep hills and tricky washouts. Lots of the trees are really friendly and try to, or touch you as you wind your way between them. Everywhere gives you the feeling that it is a nice place to be. There are some extreme tracks and we stood and watched as the drivers of their Red Maverick Wild Tractors were put through their paces.

On Monday morning everyone had just voted to have a quiet sit and chat when two blow-ins arrived. No rest for the wicked, so out we went again until lunch time. Most packed and came home except for a few lucky ones who waved us off on our way. Thank you to all who attended. We trust you enjoyed yourself as much as we did.

Neil, Desley and Pete Middleton.