Cyclone Kirrily had been playing difficult to predict before our planned annual Australia Day camp week however despite this we decided to go ahead with the camp and our Scout group working bee. It was a smaller group than other years that gathered at Gum Flat Canungra Scout Ground in the heat and humidity on Wednesday.

Our first mission was to find the higher spots to set up camp because the ground was still soft from recent rain and in case there was more rain coming. When this was sorted and we were set up the next vital task was to whippersnipper a path down to the river - thanks to Greg and Troy for this. Recent floods and ongoing rain had altered and widened the river but thankfully the river was flowing clean and clear because it was going to be well patronised over the week.

Campers came and went over the week depending on their life's schedules. Thank you to Karen and Peter Slutyer for dropping in on Saturday for lunch and a swim and a general catch-up.

Thursday and Friday campers rolled down their sleeves to slash and generally clean up around the Den and grounds to maintain access for the Scouts. Thanks to everyone for their contribution.

On Friday evening just before dark Robyn and Lindsay arrived. It was their first outing with their AOR Matrix PT so of course we were all keen to watch them set up camp. While they had their backs turned we all lined up our chairs to see the show and amuse ourselves at their expense :) (see pics) Being good sports they took the banter in their stride and were set up in next to no time.

Saturday night it rained - a lot. The humidity amped up some more if possible and over the next few days we had around 80mm. Initially the creek flooded but fell somewhat by Sunday afternoon and swimming resumed as a relief from the heat. So now we were dodging low spots on the camp ground and sloshing our way to the campfire - wet under foot as well as under our arms ;) Although we had a campfire each night we sat a long way from it after any cooking was finished.

We enjoyed Ray's cooking, Kathleen's 'bring a plate' shared dinner, and our camp morning tea that was actually a lunch this year. The Scouts appreciate our clean-up efforts and we appreciate being able to camp at this idyllic location. Over the past 9 or is it 10 years we have been threatened by cyclones (driven away one year), camped in high temperatures and spent our time cooling off in this river as we did this year, and at other dry times looked in dismay at the stagnant puddle that the Coomera River had become - in all the years it is the company of our fellow campers that makes this camp so enjoyable. Thank you!

On Tuesday Robyn and Mike couldn't be persuaded to stay the final night so that left just Robyn and Lindsay camping with us. Despite the wet grounds all campers were able to exit without needing any assistance which is not always the case on this site.

One final note: On Sunday Angela bravely drove out and spoke with Greg. She said that last August her partner Gregory passed away after a very short battle with cancer. We remember and thank Gregory and Angela for the camps they hosted and their company. Gregory was a big man but I will always remember him gently carrying Angela's tiny Chihuahua. On behalf of our fellow campers we extend our sympathy to Angela and Gregory's family. 

Greg and Lisa Miller