We welcomed Rachel and Steve (B2) to the Crew with the induction ceremony on Mt Cootha. There was a storm brewing all afternoon and we were treated to a fantastic lightning display. There was some mild concerns about conducting electricity, however, no one was killed. A bit light rain and blenty of wind made a fire impossible so everyone was a little chilled by the time we got back to Emile’s for a cuppa, and for some, something a little stronger (emphasis on the little).
We were also paid a visit by ex-Rover Tracey and Jordan married Travis Jordan on Facebook resulting in her being Christened “JJ.” Everyone is convinced that Travis and JJ should marry for real.
Squire Steve (B2) is Sponsored by Knight Steve (B1).
Squire Rachel is Sponsored by Knight Matt.
Upon leaving the den, Team 1 went to the Marist College Ashgrove playing field where they took a picture of the team in front of the sign and counted all the metal poles around the playing fields. A great night then unfolded as we went from Ashgrove to a combination of Everton Park, Aspley, Ferny Grove, Newmarket, Kelvin Grove, St. Lucia, Aspley, and quite possibly more. Much tomfoolery was exhibited aboard Sandra Ludinski’s Mitsubishi Outlander, including (but not limited to): parking in the opposing team near a relative of chris goninon’s house, hiding their refidex (who uses those nowadays anyway? we had a GPS 
), and competing with the opposition for the prime position on the road near Sci-Fleet used cars. Our tomfoolery (and just plain skill/awesomeness) paid off, and at the end of the night we received the grand prize to be placed on the wall in the rover den.
Sunday 7 June 2009 at 2:30pm Chris picked me up from my house and we made our way up Waterworks Road towards Mt Nebo.
We reached the Scrub Road track at approximately 3:30pm and began the descent through the dense eyucalypt and dry rainforest u
ntil we reached the Enoggera Creek headwaters. The track was damp and the creek was flowing well due to the considerable rainfall in the three days before the walk.
We reached the creek after 4:00pm and noticed that there was a decent looking swimming hole downstream from where the road crosses the creek. The water was very chilly
but crystal clear.
The road began an immediate ascent out of the valley. The forest began to thin and move into open sclarphyl forest spotted with many beautiful eyucalypts.
We found the Lander’s Pocket Campsite easily and set up our tents for the night. We were not aware that there would be a shelter shed and water tank. There was also an open fire pit and hot plate.
I cooked minestrone soup for entree and we had a traditional Backcountry Honey Soy Chicken with fried rice for dinner.
There was a considerable amount of wind overnight and a bright moon.
Monday 8 June 2009 we woke reasonably early. Cooked porridge for breakfast. I did not know that Chris does not like porridge, however, it was the best open fire cooked porridge that I have ever tasted.
Walked out via the same track not wanting to bush bash through the tick scrub on the proposed route (marked on the map in light orange). There were many mountain bikers out in the park as we walked back to the car. We were back in The Gap by 9:00am, ready for Gang Show dress rehearsal.
Just a follow up on VenMX for those who were unable to be there; the weekend was a great experience which we will be repeating in 2010. Stephen E was first on scene when a venturer dislocated his knee an hour from a checkpoint. He radioed into Bivouac (VenMX/Army lingo for base camp) to let them know of the situation. Matthew and Kerry were soon there as well with ambulance paramedics. We ended up evacuating the venturer by helicopter after first aid. I’d particularly like to congratulate Stephen in particular for some cool blooded professionalism when first radioing in the emergency.
Kerry MC’d the bonfire on sunday night, which was a great success. All rovers were involved in skits, firelighting and other small tasks on the night.
Apart from that little experience, the leaders on the hike were very pleased to have our presence, and it was also a PR coup for us with the venturers. Our venturers in particular, who cleaned out the hike, winning almost every trophy.
Cheers, and thanks to everyone involved, including Bron & Mark for making our venturer team so successful.
Emile Victor
Arrived Friday night at 2130 after an educational dinner at the Caboolture BP “Superstation.” The Crew promptly proceeded to engage in the obligations of youth, woth recently inducted Rover Squire Stephen Endicott having his first taste of ethnic pride juice.
Frivolities continued into the ‘wee’ hours of the morning. Crew Leader, O Gracious and Loyal, Emile Alenandre Victor, the púnce, severely sprained his right ankle whilst attempting to bust some moves.
Topics of conversation revolved around Stephen’s exploits with the fair sex leading to his being christened ‘the Abrogator.’ Jono Wilson made his personal life orientations unequivocally clear. Sam Ludinski made several contributions to the compost supplies by way of the traditional technicolour yawn.
Sleep was the next natural progression for all. A ‘symphony of snores’ managed to entertain Kerry. The morning came with enhanced alacrity.
Coco pops were a most suitable breakfast. A brief trip to the beach was ended by the weather. Much ‘Scrubs’ and ‘Red Dwarf’ were watched in the late afternoon. BBQ dinner and poker occupied the evening before conversations theological, philosophical and pyscho-sexual.
A fantastic weekend was had by all. Many thanks to the Marnane family for this generous offer of use of the ‘Shed.’
With thanks, we remain,
