Economy Run to Lemon Tree Passage 2007

Well if that rule applies I came close to loosing my job. When planning the run I told my driver (Shireen) to go to the next roundabout at Soldiers Point , When I saw water ahead I realized I had made a mistake, we promptly did a U turn & altered my paperwork.

While leading the run, I was driving & Shireen asked me do I need a map? "No, of course not!" I found the water again & 11 cars had to U turn!

Anyway with a warm summers day with a light northeaster blowing we had a great run with very few problems.

Starting at East Maitland we travelled to Raymond Terrace, turning at Newline Rd & following the Williams River to East Seaham, comfortable driving with little traffic. From East Seaham we turned into Italia Rd & followed through to the Highway, A tree lined drive in comparison to the river flats of the Williams River.

A quick run down the highway (freeway) to Karuah & the waterfront reserve completed the first stage of the trip.

Now that the highway has bypassed Karuah, it is quiet & a beautiful setting, It is obvious that businesses have suffered, but if what has happened in other areas in the long term Karuah will change its focus & will cater for a different type of tourist as well as its existing small industries.

After as small break we left Karuah to head for Lemon Tree Passage via Medowie, much to everyone’s delight they had tarred the road from the highway in. Prior to planning this run the last time I travelled this road it was dirt.

On arriving at Lemon Tree Passage we had our lunch under the shade trees on the waterfront prior to going for a walk though the mangroves (on the Board walk complete with a (female) trog under a higher bridge section).

It was hard to leave this relaxed area but we did have homes to go to so we travelled via Soldiers Point waterfront & Nelson Bay to Tomago then to Hexham, another different type of country side.

From Hexham we had the well worn trip to East Maitland where we fuelled at the Caltex. It was here I made my third mistake, I forgot to advise Brian that with safety in mind we would fuel at a different servo, Thanks to modern car computers I was still able to credit him at the end. My apologies Brian.

Thanks to every one that attended the run and entered into the spirit of what we tried to present as a pleasant drive with out any pressures.

Thank You for attending & making the day a success