Ahhh..Queensland. Other people just come here so that they can feel good about their own State, and O’Reilly’s at the Lamington National Park is one of the reasons!  I am starting to believe the theory on global warming as for the last two years we have gone to the mountains to experience some cold weather for Christmas in July, only to find it quite warm yet again.

Ali and Pete Turner are to be congratulated and thanked for the enormous effort they put in to organize this year’s event.  A smaller group than usual but a great time.

Meeting at Maccas at Loganholme for breakfast and coffee the scene was set for a great weekend away.   I, the editor, feeling quite trendy was quickly brought down to earth when asked by a concerned lady “did you dress yourself?”   We departed at 11.00am and our trip leader, despite heading off in the wrong direction, did a great job keeping the convoy together.  Travelling up via Mt. Tamborine we had a small delay with a fuel problem in Bobby Mihill’s car but with several willing helpers and the editors bag of tools we were on the road again in no time and on to O’Reilly’s Winery for a wine tasting and picnic basket lunch on the lawn by the creek.

The food was tops and the atmosphere very relaxing.  The road on up to O’Reilly’s was OK but definitely not for low profile tyres which made it a bit rough in the Vette.  We arrived at the guest house where Ali had pre-arranged out book-in so we just had to find our rooms and relax until it was time for our next treat.  The 4.30pm sunset tour involved boarding a bus which took us out to the edge of an escarpment that looked westward.  Here there was a table set up with the O’Reilly’s staff serving beer, wine and a few nibbles and with about 20 minutes to sunset there was time to socialise and take some group photo’s.  As the sun made it’s weary descent to close our day, the silent shadows crept over the hollows in the valley below and the first hint of cooler airs brought out thoughts of cosier places by the fire.  The wash of ever-changing fiery colours adorned the western sky and seemed to overflow the distant ridges as the sun dipped below leaving the darkness to descend over the escarpment.

It was time to board the bus and jovially sing the songs of our “kindy” years as it made it’s way back to the lodge and with the words of “the wheels on the bus go round and round” still ringing in our ears we set off to get ready for dinner.  After a delightful four course Christmas dinner was enjoyed by all, Santa arrived. I don’t know what to make of it, but last year he was accompanied by a pixie but this year turned up with an elf who was obviously a little “sus,” if you know what I mean.

This year we tried something a little different with the secret Santa where one could get their present from Santa or steal someone else's if they liked it better.

I quite liked the pressie that Sandy Stumer had but was given a couple of good reasons why I shouldn’t take it.  Everyone was nice and accepted what Santa had for them and after a great night of wining and dining, retired for the night.  Why does the morning come so quickly?

The good thing about it is the breakfast and at O’Reilly’s it began at 7.30am.  Most of us seemed to get there at a respectable 8.00—8.30am and once re-fuelled set off on the famous tree-top walk.  Four brave hearts took to the treetops with a climb to the top of a giant fig and on a platform suitable for two, took in the sights.  There is now a “tree climbers club” with a secret handshake.  Peter, Ian, Allen and Ernie took to the dizzy heights.

One thing I like about these places is the opportunity to experience nature and it’s offerings.  After the treetop walk we went to feed the Rosellas.  These creatures of nature were completely trusting and would come in to “eat out of your hand.”  It is quite a thrill to experience.

The weekend was coming to a close, with about half of the group heading off home and some meeting at The Bearded Dragon at Tamborine for lunch.  A very pleasant spot with good snacks and live music.

By early afternoon it was apparent that everyone had exhausted their appetite for food and fun so it was time to call it a day.  I hear that plans for next year are already on the drawing board.

Thank you Ali and Pete….everyone had a great time.

Allen