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Tweed Valley and The Channon Markets Trip Report

The proposed weekend trip for the Breakaway Off Road 4x4 Club today was through the Tweed Valley and onto The Channon Markets for lunch then off further afield for more driving on windy roads to dinner at the Tumbulgum Tavern.
We met for the trip at the Caltex service station on Tallebudgera Creek Road, Ben, the kids and I were the last arrivals so it falls to me to scribe the trip report so here goes it.
Our intrepid trip leader was Gary in his Red ute, followed by the Janz family, us the Jacksons (Capella Ben) with Don and Tracey as the Lanterne Rouge (tail end Charlie).
We set off in convoy up the scenic mountain roads to Uki, Gary’s home town were we made a comfort stop and checked out some small crafty stores, saw a huge old butter churn and got to pat a tiny little white dog who came out to greet us.





We then took off along the road and saw some lovely scenery. Our hopes were raise of some wet fun when we saw a ‘Do Not Cross Water over Causeway’ sign but apart from Ben J spreading dirty water from some puddles he found (and spraying mud over the whole bonnet of his car) the water was nowhere to be seen e. Capella Ben was quite put out that the underneath of his new Prado got a little muddy. I personally am still trying to work out how Ben J got so much mud over his bonnet.



That said there were some very pretty little creek crossings (all causeways or bridges) we even saw ducks.



We stopped and took a walk down to Hanging Rock Falls and tested the water with our toes.





We then dropped into a lovely stone and wood hall which you can hire for the weekend for functions and camping.





It was then onto Nimbin for a short stroll along the main drag (Ben didn't take photos but others touched base with Facebook to ensure the world know we visited) and it was then on to The Channon Markets for a wander and lunch no photos taken here too busy shopping.
The Jackson family and the Janz family then left the day to return to Brisbane, we hope that the duo left of our troop had a safe and fun afternoon.
Jane

Great trip report Jane,

Looks like a very scenic and relaxing trip. It was much better than my day with a plumber, and then repairing and painting rusty stairs.

And a big thanks to Gary for organising this trip.

Thanks Gary it was a really great trip. Mariana commented that it was just like having a tour guide (but, a good one). My car ended up the dirtiest because as per usual i was not wearing my glasses and it the puddle at speed . Nobody would not have noticed it because I emptied it for you all. I managed to dodge the rest after putting my glasses on.
Mariana and I ended up going back to Nimbin on the way home for another look around in the shops. I wanted a souvenir and almost settled on a "Nimbin University" T-shirt but couldn't cough up the $40. I discovered the people a bit further down the hill are really nice, they kept offering me chocolates and cookies for no reason at all but I had to disappoint as I am trying to watch my weight at the moment.

Part 2 of the trip report.
It was a great morning and Jane has already covered the highlights.
The afternoon started out with more of that spectacular countryside as we wound back through to UKI via Mullumbimby and Mt Jerusalem National Park.







That is Mount Warning in the background.

Back at UKI we stopped off at Gary's place to have a look at his developing mushroom setup.
I was so fascinated by the complex processes he is establishing and the tests he has going I forgot to take photos of them.
However one thing for sure - between the Yert where he does the fiddly propagating and the backyard rainforest where the mushrooms actually grow - it sure beats an office in Milton!! The number of exotic fruits he has growing is also fascinating. Here is a picture taken from his veranda. An unofficial duty he has is to do a visual check on Mount Warning each morning! Not too shabby hey!



I bought some gourmet Shiitake Mushrooms....again I should have taken photos of them sitting on some toast with crispy bacon Monday lunchtime. But I wasn't going to leave them unguarded while I went for my camera - and a photo wouldn't have done them justice.
After leaving Gary's oasis we headed off through more beautiful countryside including Moobal National Park. It was quite magnificient with the dappled light filtering through the trees later in the afternoon - zipping along little windy gravel tracks through rainforest and out between sugar cane fields.



Finally ending at Tumbulgum Tavern. I don't think I can add anything to the picture below - except to say the food matched the ambience!!!
A terrific afternoon!!!




Thanks again for leading the trip Gary!!
Cheers,
Don.

That looks like a very nice way to finish the day.