Wilbinga Wander Trip Report
The day began well and all were on time (how @#$%^ early do you have to be to avoid the trip report???). The heat was building in the carpark and we were all keen to head on to the coast. Richard, our trip leader, lead the way to Two Rocks Marina where we aired down and watched a yacht being recovered that seemed to be further under the water than out.
We then proceeded into the tracks and onto the dunes. I believe Richard had the motto, "no matter what happens just hang on and pretend it is a plan" as there were no "U-turns" for the entire trip. A few of the stretches required some articulation through the soft sand and tyre pressures really came into to play with a few becoming tractionally challenged and reversing back for another go.
Mid afternoon we reached our destined "bowl" between the dunes and the beach and settled down for a bit of relaxation fishing and swimming. It was after a couple of beverages that Richard told the story of his recent marriage proposal. To recover from exposing his soft romantic underbelly he did what any true bloke would do and stated "but it has hall been downhill from then". Kim let this quietly slide by until she was asked "and what attracted you to Richard?". Response....well somebody had to take one for the team!!! Payback is a bitch.
The fishing began as the sun settled somewhere between two or three fingers above the horizon as no-one was sure which amount of fingers was the best time. Richard landed a couple of large Trumpeters (which he may want to edit out) but all of the glory went to Joe with three Tailor and a Mulloway. Bragging rights were definitely earned as one local old timer complained “he had been fishing here for years and never caught a Mulloway”.
After cooking up late dinners and a few more beverages and a lot more BS, it was time for bed. The breezes kept the temperature down nicely and all slept well. Expatkiwi did get the vote for the loudest snoring on site in the morning.
We took a leisurely time packing up, eating and swimming. Joe even shared some of his fish which tasted great (thanks a lot).
We began the trip back and found a nice set of dunes to play on. As Craig (Ropes) reversed back down off the first climb for another attempt, there was a whole lot of radio chatter about the 3.0 badge being the problem. The next vehicle to try was a souped up 4.2 TD ex Telstra ute. The radio chatter then came from many other sources (while the previous voice remained silent) as this vehicle also backed down for a longer run up and another go. I am sure there is a moral to this story but as I don’t have a 3.0 either I am in a quandary as to what it should be. We had a bit of fun trying out some other climbs and then headed along the beach for another swim in absolutely perfect conditions.
We then headed back along the tracks to Two Rocks marina to air up and part ways.
Many thanks to Richard and Kim for organising the event and being so hospitable throughout, as it takes a fair bit of effort. Thanks to all the clubbies who were fantastic to be with and made it such a great time!!!
