Hinze Dam Picnic Day Report

by Michele Cottrell

This was a well-attended day with the weather mostly keeping its end of the bargain too. A short observation run had been prepared by yours truly, and at around 9am all vehicles headed south. A few people stopped to refuel with Optimax at Jimboomba. Then we all met up at the Beaudesert Museum. This was very interesting and informative visit, where a group photo was taken. The medical section certainly made me appreciate modern medicine! The old hut also gave one a good idea of how short people were then or did they just learn to duck? There must have been some cold winter's nights by the look of the drafts that must have occurred under doors and through the floor boards.

We then adjourned to the local craft and information shop for a spot of morning tea. Devonshire teas for some and cool drinks for others. While we waited, the browse though the pottery and woodwork was very interesting, with some very reasonably priced items offered for sale. We were now heading for Canungra, where they were celebrating the opening of the Tram Tunnel. Unfortunately we were pressed for time and drove on towards Hinze Dam with a brief stop at Rosin's Lookout, where a hang-glider was just about to launch We arrived at Hinze Dam and secured the last covered picnic tables below the dam wall. Various delicacies and beverages were consumed while admiring the playful antics of noisy balls being thrown and model plane tossing.

After eating I set about marking the duly completed question sheets. They made it quite difficult for me. First place went to Bernie and Kylie, Second place to Anita and Campbell, and Third place to Steve and Karen. It is planned to present the prizes and awards at the next club meeting on March 12. There were certainly more things we could have explored in this area. All in all, a good social day out.