Star gazing @ Maidenwell

Emile, Travis, Kristy, Iain, Jordan, Tom, Peter, Matt, Yanni and I set off from Emile's place on Friday night in two cars to Maidenwell, marking the (debatable) first crew camp. Once arrived at Maide
nwell, we set up camp, had some chill time and went to bed.

Breakfast was had at The Trading Post before heading over to the Observatory where we were met by the Observatory's owner, James. James gave us a daylight tour of the small complex, giving a detailed run-down of the telescopes' specs amongst other things. He was a very knowledgeable person and was able to answer any questions we had for him.

After spending jsut over and hour at the Observatory, the Crew went back to camp and got ready for a trip to Coomba Falls, located just 2km from the campsite. Once everyone had arrived (half the crew had decided to walk) it was then simply a matter of taking in the beautiful surrounding and jumping into the cool water. Most of the Crew made their way up onto the rockface and proceeded to jump off in various formations, which was quite amusing from a distance. Once out of the water, we chilled for a time on the grass, contemplating life and other such things (but not really, it was more of a time to dry off before getting in the car/walking back to camp).

With no time to lose once back at camp, we changed into dry clothes and headed off in the cars up to the Bunya Mountains. As soon as we arrived we were able to appreciate the local wildlife (little wa

llabies hopping around the grassy areas). Quite hungry by this point, we immediately gravitated towards the cafe/restaurant. We ate some delicious food (the burger with bunyanut relish was most popular) and then had a Crew sleepy-time on the lawn , much to the amusement of some tourists who took a not-so-sneaky photos of us! After our little nap, we made our way into the forrest with the purpose of a leisurely walk. It was indeed leisurely, but was completely enhanced by the many Crew photos we took, a personal favourite being the 'Fairy Photo'. It was nice to just be surrounded by the bush for a while, but soon our little wander came to a close. On the way home, a heated match of 'Horse' was played between Jordan and Iain.

Back at c

amp, most of the Crew felt the need for a bit of a nap. Once night fell, we walked over the road to the Maidenwell Pub where we all ate delicious meals. it was decided that we have to come back on the weekend they do a pig on the spit - sounds yummy! After dinner at the campsite, we sat around the fire (until it started raining a bit too much) and had some more chill-times.

Sunday morning required an early wake-up and an efficient camp pack-up. Both were difficult tasks, but were eventually completed successfully. Then it was time to hit the road again, off to the Jondaryan Woolshed for our Sunday Brunch. The brunch was incrediby yummy and there were many food options - everyone eagerly devoured their meals. After everyone in the hall had finished eating, th

ere was a shearing presentation - a very interesting insight into the history of shearing and the Woolshed. Keen to get home, the Crew got back into the cars for the last time and head off home.

Thank you to Emile and Matt for the use of their cars and for driving us all around the entire weekend! And thank you most of all to all those who attended for contributing to the camp and making it a successful weekend away.

Muppets @ Southbank Cineplex

Travis, Pete, Kristy, Iain, Jordan, Eleri, Emile, Matt, Sinéad, Tom, Yanni and Emma braved the rain to go and see the new Muppets movie at Southbank Cineplex. Lucy then joined us after the movie but we ended up going home straight away instead of going back to the den. A programing night will be scheduled once everyone has got their uni timetables.

Three Monkeys Dinner Night

Stephen, Lucy, Maddie, Emile, Kristy, Travis, Mick and Matt went to Three Monkeys for dinner. Ice cream dessert at South Bank. 1 million people in the South Bank pool. 30C+ @ 9pm.

Secret Santa Scavenger Sillyness

Pete Crouch organised a Secret Santa Draw and present shopping night at the annual 24 hour Chermside Shopping Extravaganza.

Pre-drinks, kindly gifted to the Crew by Travis, were had at Kristy's House of Naturism at Stafford, with HJs, prior to departing. The secret draw and ground rules were set down in Kristy's basement.

Cars were seen skidding around the carpark in the rain. Battling others for parks and generally being silly. More pre-drinks were had in Matt's car.

Upon arriving the A-team had coffee and then all separated.

Rendezvous was two hours later in the DJs furniture section. After only gifting one present the Crew was kicked out of DJs and relocated to the new-Chermside foodcourt. All gifting was done. Highlights included Travis' Mankinini.

Munchies were made at 2-in-1 bakery and the Crew departed by 12:30am.

Attendance: Pete, Trav, Emile, Yanni, Kristy, Iain, Lucy, Libby (associate Crew member, from The Gap), Stephen (for pre-drinks only) and Matt.

Santa Sleigh Break-up at The Gap Tavern

St John's Wood and The Gap Rover Crews shared dinner at The Gap Tavern to celebrate the end of Santa Sleigh 2011.

Pete Crouch started the ball rolling on a Secret Santa Scavenger Hunt During The Great 24 Hour Shop. Much interest.

Matt came directly from a meeting with the AJ2013 Camp Chief Director. Much Jamboree discussion ensued.

Santa Sleigh 2011: 3 Dec - 11 Dec

Group Christmas Break-up at the Den, and Lunar Eclipse Party at Emile's

The Group Christmas Break-up was attended by the majority of the Crew. Emile, Eleri, Stephen, Lucy, Kristy, Pete, Tom, CL Iain, RA Mick, Matt and Jordan (for a time), all attended. Jordan had to leave early as she was especially invited to be one of The Gap Rover's date a function (undisclosed). RA Mick was under the weather due to being too much of a party animal.

The newly renovated Crew garage saved the day as the wet weather alternative for the BBQ cooking area.

The Crew ran a trivia night for the Group. Special thanks to Emile (French) and Eleri (obscure) for organising the powerpoint and questions, and to Lucy Endicott (language), Peter Crouch ("Rugrats") and Kristy Butler ("science", read: nerd) who contributed questions.

Afterwards, the Crew retired to Emile's for drinks and to watch the Lunar Eclipse. We also sang along to Paul Simon (and discovered Emile's lack of good music to sing-a-long to) and watched "the Inbetweeners" (a movie about the younger members of the Crew).