Newcastle GT Club Run - Patonga
The day started out a bit shaky. Waking up through the night to the sounds of pouring rain my doubts were building that this run would still be on. finally the alarm rang out to wake me at 8am. Looking out the window to see the sky a drab grey with pockets of blue did nothing to persuade me the run would go ahead. After ten minutes laying, contemplating, I decided the run was a local one for me and I should at the very least turn up to the meeting point at the southbound twin caltex to see if anybody else turns out. Whilst preparing to leave and putting the pram into the boot it started raining fairly steadily. Already committed I pressed on and headed out to the meeting point. Upon arrival I found four GT's in the carpark. The Run was on for sure. Gradually a couple more turned up and we made our exit to the second meeting point where we would meet up with anyone from the NSW club and the central coast all ford club. We arrived to find a selection of the central coast all ford club including a cobra. After a brief chat we all set out for our final destination, Patonga. I have to say I have never been to Patonga in my life even though I have lived on the coast for most of my life. I found the surroundings to be very pleasant and will definitely be heading back there for future GT runs and private BBQ's/picnics for a day out. During the day there we were joined by a few stragglers who no doubt assumed the run would not be on (almost like me) but belatedly decided to head out and see what eventuated. They arrived to find a gathering of various GT's and Ford models and their owners enjoying the cool but dry weather. Dry, at least at that stage. It wasn't long before the inevitable happened and from beyond our vision, hiding behind a hill to the south-west a slowly approaching grey mass finally arrived on the scene promising to spoil everyone's day. The rain began to fall and everyone took refuge in a nearby BBQ facility. The rain eventually subsided leaving the sky again patchy but no further rain fell. It was about this time or shortly after that the time seemed to be right for a move. Most people left for home but a small band of xw/y/t's and my xb departed for another gathering at one of the members local residence where we enjoyed a hot cuppa and a chin wag. The day had to end eventually so one by one we made our excuses and started the trek home to put our machines to bed.
Local Facilities
Located nearby was a covered BBQ area which we put to good use in the rain, and someone actually cooked on it I believe. Also a toilet block is situated as you drive into the park which by the time you park your car at the water front would be about 200 metres away. Finally if you don't pack your own lunch to eat or cook a take away food store is located on the road out of town across from the jetty about 1 km from the park.