If all goes to plan Maggie and I will be travelling south beginning early June and plan to stop over for several days at Gum Bend Lake just outside Condobolin along the way and are inviting everyone that can, to join up with us for a camp oven gathering. 

Actual dates still to be confirmed.

Gum Tree Lake has a fairly large camping area.  There are toilets and hot showers.  Water is available onsite but at only one tap.  There is no power.

The dump point is offsite and located about five minutes away.

There is no fee however a donation is requested to assist in the maintenance of the camp.

Camp fires are permitted.

Below and in the next post are photos we have taken on previous visits.

Here is the Wikicamps address for it.

https://au.wikicamps.co/site/New+South+Wales+%2F+ACT/Campground/Gum+Bend+Lake/26...

Distance in kilometres from main cities.

Brisbane - 1041
Newcastle - 584
Sydney - 457
Melbourne - 671
Adelaide - 980

It's not the direction I was planning in June. (Darwin )
But you know I love a COG.

Aart

Derek wrote on Mar 28^th, 2023 at 5:35pm:


I hope so.

Aiming for the second week in June at this stage Robert.  Still working on moving some medical appointments.

For everyone I suggest that this COG be between the Monday and Friday rather than the weekend.  Reason being that locals can hit the area hard on weekends with noisy ski boats.

We will attempt to be there either Sunday afternoon or the Monday

A lot can happen between now and then but if the stars line up we'll be there. I know I said the same about Yetman but fate stepped in !!
Rob.

Derek is that Sunday the 11th.

I spoke to Snow & Jillian (Topknot) last week.  They have another trip on and won’t be able to make it.

Robert, that makes it the third week.  I always assumed that 5th was the beginning of the second week.

We cannot do that sorry as this is a stopover early in our six month or more trip across to the west and too much planning already gone into it to change.

Just found out they have built a new amenities block since we were last there.  These photos courtesy of WikiCamps.

Might be ding the same have to weigh first.

It is not just the camp oven Brian but also all the weight of all the other bits and pieces for camp oven cooking.

Can I make a suggestion!

Gum Bend Lake is a donation site.  The actual amount donated is up to the individual.

Can I suggest we collect the donations from all of us and put it in an envelope with a thank-you note from COCIA.

What are your thoughts?

Today, 4 years ago, Maggie and I were at Condobolin.  There was a dust storm in the west that created the amazing sunset colours.

Ute packed, van 98% done and heading of  about 1:00pm tomorrow.

Tailem Bend SA this weekend then up to Brisbane via inland not sure which way yet. Like to stick to back roads if you know and good freedom camps.

Week up in Qld then back down for the gathering. Molly still has to work so slow going. Cheers

Thank you

HI derek
Good on you mate
at least you now are ready to  hit the road.
regards Kev

Then you must be a  happy happy chappie then
enjoy your travels.
Kev

Favour needed any one coming to Gumtree Bend I need a couple of John Guest fittings.

90 degree 1/2 BSP thread to the blue pipe which I believe is classed as 12mm.

Noticed today a pipe hanging down, went under the van and the connector between both tanks was sheered of by a rock. No fittings available here but did score a industrial SS one for hydrolics.

So if any one could pick me a two for my spares kit would be great Robert.  Have posted in my travel thread as well.

How many are expected Derek?

Fresh baked loaf of bread for the motorhome pantry although I may freeze half of it. 

Please appoint a photographer and Facebook person.
I would still like to follow the COG online.

Aart

Hi Aaart
Sorry to hear mate. You can only do what you can do.
Enjoy whatever you get to do.
regards Kev. 
look forward to seeing any photos
Kev

Will miss you Aart.

Stay in touch as I reckon our paths will cross somewhere.

Aart, unlike you we don’t have a time frame but would like to be in the west for late spring

So where is every one who is coming staying tonight?

I’m here Goldstar van &silver Ranger parked in the middle sectiom cheers Robert.

Have fun folks.

Aart

Hi Robert
At least you are not by your self. Enjoy each others company.
We are there via the forum
I hope you will cook some great meals.
regards Kev

Hi Robert
enjoy your the day. It is raining here today.
Dinner sounds good. Yes a fresh bread from Derek sounds like a deal.
regards Kev

Is there anyone else coming?

Bit of rain and overcast as Derek mentioned started the oxtail stew for tonights dinner cheers Robert

Just browning there.

My first loaf of bread in the Weber BabyQ using the Vienna loaf pan.

I am getting good at putting warts on them.

Beautiful oxtail stew cooked in Bear’s Aussie Spun Steel camp oven served with mashed potato.  Was very delicious.

Was very, very, very nice Kevvie.

Good start fellas.
My mum made oxtail and brown bean soup.
It was a family favourite.

Aart

Even better for breakfast cheers

I hope you enjoyed the scones.
regards Kev

Roast pork, crackling, baked potato and pumpkin, carrot, broccoli, gravy and apple sauce for dinner.

No one goes hungry in this camp.

HI Derek
Your meal looks very nice.
Shame about Robert and Molly. Nothing is worse than when
power goes low or you end up with none.
Hope they will be OK  and back with you tomorrow.
regards Kev

Robert, as with yesterday the sun is trying very hard to shine through this morning.

Apart from the cloud another nice day.

Dinner sounds good.

Dinner tonight was silverside with white sauce and vegetables.

Great meals fellows. YUM YUM
I finally found out what red gum was. I spent time today looking for the Womans Weekly recipe for it.
Robert any chance getting the recipe from you please
regards Kev