We left you (and ourselves) wondering if there really was truth in advertising as we headed out of Albany towards Mt Trio Campground & Caravan Park in the Stirling Ranges. Oh, just for the record, it’s Al-bany, NOT All-bany, as more than one local tersely pointed out during our stay. Now, one thing we’ve learnt about public holidays over the last couple of years is, go hard get there early.
We arrived just before lunch on Easter Thursday and it WAS true. Forty hectares and a fence line nearly a kilometre long. It was a help yourself campground and we grabbed what we thought was the pick of the un-powered sites……and waited. That night, the wise and worldly few gathered quietly around the wood fire stove, congratulating each other with oblique asides, their only concern being how close their nearest neighbour might end up being.
And so it was. “They” came from everywhere, from mini-vans to grand touring buses. By mid-afternoon the campground was looking like a Myers car park on Boxing Day, but somehow, everyone found their spot with plenty of room left over. The city clickers were just relieved and grateful to be there and the night air was filled with conversation, laughter and the clang of hammers on tent pegs.
The next 48 hours was a happy relaxed affair with as many ankle biters as grown up’s roaming around the camp kitchen and fire pits – the kids toasting marsh-mellows, the adult’s toasting…each other. Only the monotone of the local country and western band took the edge off the vibe. The myth that country music is the goto for anyone with a caravan or tent is getting tired. With so many more under 40’s than greying nomads that weekend, some fresh eyes and ears wouldn’t go astray for these type of events wherever they’re held.
But clearly, mine hosts at Mt Trio Campground have event management down to a fine art. Plenty of Port-a-loos and orderly ques. A couple of food vans provided culinary alternatives to the burnt offerings of the less experienced campers. There was plenty of bonhomie and goodwill among the happy campers, but come Monday morning, we sat happily outside in our deck chairs to the clatter of packing up and watched a conga line of tired but happy, snake their way back to the main road and then to points unknown. It was a novel experience to share our space with so many, but we enjoyed the conversation and camaraderie.
A quick run back to Albany the next day for everything from washing to gas re-fills and we were chased almost all the way home by dark clouds and showers. I had been side-tracked by the last few days but after speaking with Margot the owner, headed off along Stirling Range Drive, the local scenic route through the Stirling Ranges. Even though the rain clouds and mist had settled over the peaks, I was still ‘up close and personal’ winding my way along the dirt road. I could only imagine what a clear, blue sky day would do to this mountainous backdrop.
And so, our milk run along the coast begins in earnest. Millers Point, Bremer Bay, Hopetoun and then all free camps to Esperance. All aboard!!
