PORK CHOP, CHANGI AND CIRCUS MAXIMUS
TURN ON AN EVENING TO BE REMEMBERED
For the 35 brave, intrepid souls who ventured out on a cold, wet and miserable evening to Berowra, it was an evening which will long be remembered.
Just to get things off on the right foot, in a manner of speaking, the Committee arrived early and erected a very cozy looking tent for the evening, resplendent with tables and chairs in position out of the steady drizzle.
It wasn’t quite the full 35 who piled onto the bus to take them on the mystery tour of Berowra, Gone Even Slower and Jumble Jim missed the take-off and were bussed in the Showmobile to the appropriate starting points according to their Age and Ability.
Making clever use of a number of link paths to the Great North Walk, the Hares managed to construct three innovative alternatives for the Pack. A Short Stroll for the Chef Extraordinaire and his catering staff. A Serious Walk for the majority and a Taxing Run for the Rest. Each little group were dropped off at different points around Berowra to find their way Home.
Chef and his Team departed first at Joalah Crescent for a stroll back to prepared the OnOn, followed a short time afterwards by the Walkers, who departed at Crowley Road. They were immediately into the bush and onto the wooden staircase taking them gradually down, ever down to the valley floor to connect up with the Benowie Walking Track. And finally, the Serious Runners were the last ones out of the bus at Ti Tree Crescent.
The Hares generally stuck to the bush tracks, which although undulating, it was fairly easy going in wonderful bush country which made all forget the drizzle. Understandably by sticking to the established walking track there were few chances of springing a Check but the Walkers got a nasty surprise half way to home to find a Check-Back after toiling up a very steep section. It slowed them down considerably and enabled the Runners to close up on them as Home and the magnificent scenic waters of the Berowra Creek below came into view from the top of the rise.
All came together at the Bucket strategically placed at the spectacular view from the Lookout. Well, not quite all. For Gone Even Slower, in an endeavor to make up for lost time, unwisely sought to short cut through the Bush and missed the Trail. Tragically, Gone Even Slower came to a grinding halt. Fortunately his plaintive cries were heard by the Mob at the Bucket, who in between steadily draining the Bucket, thoughtfully shouted “helpful” advice down to the despairing Gone Even More Slowly with frankly, very little effect on his upward progress.
Finally, the Bucket drained and their photographs taken, the Mob departed leaving the late lamented Gone Even More Slowly to his fate. This hilarious spot of “black” humour set the high standard of merriment that was to mark the evenings entertainment.
Much later, a very damp and dignified Gone Slow appeared, as all were feasting on a truly outstanding drop of Chilli Con Carne served up by Chef Extraordinaire, Tryer-A-Tucker.
Oh, almost forgetting. Much, much later Awarding Winning Bush Tracker XXXX appeared, whatever he had been doing and why, he wasn’t saying. Fortunately, even with all the second helpings and more consumed, there was enough left for the redoubtable XXXX.
After such a great Run and a wonderful drop of Nosh, Circus Maximus stepped forward in the sad absence of Laid Low Louie, to lift the proceedings up a few more notches of excellence. His stage management of the subsequent merriment was exceptional. Cleverly slotting in a series of Pee Dub jokes every so often, he kept the evenings entertainment rolling along. Firstly he called upon “representatives” from each of the three Walk/Runs for comment and a Down-Down. Accomplished raconteurs, Jumble Jim and Gone Slow kept the Mob amused by their comments, only subsequently to be topped by Centrepoint recalling his Kayaking weekend antics. And finally the Boating fraternity had their say.
Circus Maximus, a very polished compere, through clever stage management made them all star turns.
It was an exceptional evening in every respect.
