Another Successful campout was held by the ‘The Deal’ Men’s Group on the 17th, 18th and 19th of October 2004, Our 12th Campout !!

Friday morning saw Mattew and Troy head up the Calder freeway with the Campout Trailor in tow, followed closely behind by Adam, Dave, Brett and Benny J who shared the commitment of Camp Set up. Brett had sourced the campsite at Melville Caves in Northwest Victoria past Bendigo, a fantastic site set in the natural undulating bush land. As is always the case in Camp-out’s, I’m told a great time was had by all in setting up the sleeping tents and cook tent at the campsite, ‘Which poles go where???????

Friday afternoon was used exploring the area, obtaining fresh drinking water and firewood for th obligatory campfire(a campout institution). Dave and Brett decided to put Dave’s 4×4 Suzuki through its paces on the surrounding bush tracks. Young Benny stayed campe side and kept an eye on things, making sure the site was kept secure.

Most of the guys had turned up by early evening and after a few sausages and bread cooked on the BBQ we had our first meeting for the weekend ” what it was like.”

Campout’s worst enemy as always = THE TOKEN SNORER. On saturday morning after a fitful sllep it was determined that all known culprits would have their tents moved to a distance of not less then 50 meters from the campsite thus ensuring homicide was not part of the weekends extra curricular activities.

Saturday’s morning meeting was “What happened”, it was a great opportunity for some of the first time campers like Ulto, Peter and Stuart etc to share their experience of the camp-out so far. A lively game of cricket was held preceding a lunch at the caves which was expertly prepared by Benny Lamba and helpers. Saturday arvo free time saw people heading off into town for a swim or catching a few ZZZ’s in their tents.

The Main meeting was “What it’s like today” Quite a few of the guys stayed up late around the campfire and shard some quality time just talking and having a few laughs.

Sunday came around too fast and after the meeting “What was campout like for you?” it was time to clean up, pack and head off home to Melbourne. All in all it was another fantastic campout and gave some of the new guys in our group an insight to what our group is all about, being there for one and other in support of one Alcoholic sharing with another.

We all look forward to February’s campout to Wilsons Prom, don’t forget to pack your boardies, sunscreen and aerogaurd.

Shane M.