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Link to photos Forum Flashers gather at Maleny (and choose an official name) -- by Geoff "Sauceman" Crocker and slightly edited by a mate (The Forum Flashers second meeting was in July-August 2007 at Maleny Showgrounds in the Glasshouse Mountains, about 90 minutes north of Brisbane.) As the last days of July faded with the bulk of winter, no less than 19 rigs and 34 CMCA forumites found their way to the Maleny Showgrounds nestled in the magnificent hills which sets that town as must visit for all travellers. Perhaps only Laurie knew of the surprising number of rigs expected to arrive, as she was a tour de force behind the gathering. Col Higgins, MiKe and Laurie kindly researched the many possible venues over several months. No one could complain about Maleny as a destination. With enough room for any size rig, clean facilities and power for everyone it proved a gift at $10 per night. The town, a short walk along the meandering boardwalk where platypuses and other wildlife dwell, offers fine dining, abundant supplies and many excellent purveyors of gourmet essentials - not to mention worthy wines for the serious oenophile. Some Forumites arrived mid-week, and by late Friday afternoon, a large group circled their camp chairs and chortled of times at Canungra. The circle multiplied as new arrivals revealed their identities, putting a face to their forum names. Biscuits, bowls of dips, platters of cabanossi and various goodies plucked from pantries appeared on fold-up tables and the circle grew in more than happy accord. Without ceremony and from the modified WAECO chained to his rig, John Hunt produced the much spoken of “home brew stout”. Both delicious and VERY stout it was in seemingly endless supply and all glasses were kept brimming. The Gastronomic Adventure One of the great moments at a Forumite’s rendezvous is the excellent standard of food served at a cocktail hour - or two. Mr. Val had previously established a reputation (culinary that is) as a purveyor of fine prawns. That expectation was met at Maleny as sufficient crustacean was offered to all comers. As Mr. Val lives on the Gold Coast I’m told that all he has to do is drive down to one of the marinas with the big cruisers and with one dip of a bucket simply tip kilos of jumbo prawns into the esky. Just as well, I reckon there must have been about $500 bucks-worth – so tasty! However, there has to be a resident food critic and as I enjoy the exultant title of “Charge de Missions du Bailliage de Montreal, of the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs” which was founded in 1248, I claim right to judge and be critical of any epicurean morsels served at such meets. It’s sort of like being poison taster for the Queen. Having established that, the “Golden Pot” award must go to Brian for his wonderful prawn dish and Doreen for her unfailing attention to peeling heaps of the little buggers. Their supreme presentation was “les crevettes à l’ail, à la provençale avec sauce au crème” - which Doreen claimed to really be Brian’s old standby of “prawns in garlic and cream sauce”. Nevertheless, it was so delicious that the recipe should remain a secret. It’s not the sort of dish you want in the hands of culinary heretics who only eat to live instead of Forumites who live to eat (and drink). Meanwhile, the affable John Hunt (thank heavens he was not named Michael) generously plied his addictive stout among all who dared. Small groups formed, including the dogs, and camaraderie was the order, except for Molly who seemed put out having to share her master’s affection with those pests begging more stout. Forumite friendship was extended to Ted and Chris from Germany when they happened upon us and stayed. They are travelling Australia and plan to settle down under. I think they were “lurkers” on our forum (just like Brian and Doreen) whom we hope will jump in and make postings as needed. As we know, there are many CMCA members who follow our forum banter but choose to remain silent. Perhaps they are speechless from our writings. For quite a long time “LEDs” have been a popular forum subject. Surely BB Barry holds the record for those posts. However, through info swapping and serious research, most Forumites now have some form of LED lighting. BB Barry gave everyone a beaut little key ring led – perfect for the loo or the paddock or both. His dog, Charley, wears a flashing version. I can't remember which one "flashes"! (Thus the obvious choice for a new name: "Forum Flashers") I noted that while all the prawns had been gobbled, the stout still flowed and several fellows amused themselves with driving the various Robertson screw samples into anything wooden. They’re all handymen, you know! As darkness fell the group melted away to their rigs and dinner preparation – surplus to requirements, I believe. All too soon it was Sunday morning and many serious discussions were had about the best phones, modems, lighting, batteries and everything that makes our rigs work. By mid-morning a few folk began to pack up and wander away. Some headed home and others continued on yet another leg of their motorhome adventures. Still, a number lingered at Maleny for a few more days of camaraderie. Those who couldn’t get to Maleny missed a darned good time. I’m sure the next one will be even bigger and better as the “lurkers” read our accounts and see the great photos on this website. Can’t wait for the next one, Sauceman EDIT: Geoff left out mention of his own contribution brought to share. Those bananas, mandarins and oranges filling his rig bins were devoured with great gusto, and for weeks following the meet. And many attendees filled their pantries with his special sauce. The Qld attendees came from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, out past Toowoomba, Bundaberg and Maryborough. There were some 3 lots of full-timers plus members who drove from Victoria and NSW as well. Mike & Joan Kenavan Ray & Sue Charlton Rod & Elaine Godwin (the 5-er people) Laurie Hoffman (+ Timmy) Barry Powell & Diana Smith (+ Charlie) Paul (aka 'Salty') Horigan Arthur & Wendy Bugden John & Heather Hunt (+ Molly) Brett & Angela Ingram Val & Sue Rigoli Ian & Kay Brown Bryan & Doreen Eiffe Geoff Crocker (aka 'Sauceman') (+ Mate) Julian & Ali Lawrence Col & Noeleen Higgins (+ Snaggs & Georgie) Chris & Nola Scarrett Ann Esdale Ted & Chris (German fulltimers in the Jayco) Ian & Bev McCarthy (in a rental and seeking to buy a fiver) + their guest, Colleen (seeking to sell her Harley and buy a motorhome.) Rod & Mimi - day visitors from Maroochy Neil - Maleny resident day visitor |