There’s been a long standing tradition between Brad and myself, the Winter Camp. There once was a time, way back before the advent of social media when Dan would also join in on the yearly shindig.
Due to unforeseen circumstances Brad was unable to make it this July, for me a reschedule to an unknown later date created too much uncertainty. So I took one for the team and went it alone…
First stop, Mr Firewood for a few bags of firewood that actually burns!
Stop two, The Grumpy Baker at Bilpin for a sausage roll – note to self, the pies are better!
Stop three, start of the dirt on the Bridle Track to air down the tyres (built for comfort, not speed 😍 ).
Stop four, a very moist Mary Flynn Campground.
For those in the know, the past 20 years of Winter Camp tradition has been a Hill End only affair, camp is set up at the Village Campground, a tonne of firewood is collected, we veg around the fire, visit the Royal Hotel, visit Mudgee to exercise our pie and cake right, we then collect more firewood and repeat.
As it stands the plan Brad and I initially formulated for this version of Winter Camp was to stay a night on the Bridle Track, a night at Hill end, a stop of at the Mudgee Bakery and then back tracking to cross the Macquarie at Dixons Long Point for the final night at Ophir. My plans were similar yet different!
With the weather finally clearing up I decided to light a small fire and stare at the stars for a bit before retiring to the roof top tent for a well earnt nights sleep.
Head over and check out, 2026 Winter Camp, day 2