Tues, 6th October, 2015 Mt Panorama Volunteers Campground, Bathurst

A lot warmer night then we are used too. Still coolish (8 degrees) this morning so put on the electric heaters to take the chill off. Steve headed off to drop the truck down to Goodyear by 8am to get the clutch replaced.

I rang Greg to wish the poor old man Happy Birthday as he is 50 today. They are having a party but not till later in the month when Tracy can get time off work – joys of shift work.

Walked down to Super Cheap in Merchandise Alley to buy some cheap chairs ($10 each) to use here as our good ones are too heavy to cart around the track. Steve got a cushion too and we got a pair of free sunnies!! They will have their prize booth for the 4 days too so will have to try and get some more mugs for the boys.

Chatted with another couple from Sunshine Coast, Maree and Brian, who have been on the road for 6 months. They lived in Cairns for 20 years. It is their first year volunteering and they got the main gate like we did last year!!

Another hot day though the breeze is good. Leanne & Rick headed off sightseeing. Wandered down to check out the pit area. Huge area for all the Fox TV crew. 

The wind has come up so the flags are flying well.

Some certainly set themselves up well though it is so hot now it is hard to believe we could be cold enough for the fires.

Checked out Ford Corner.

We are on Gran Turismo Drive. Much to his disgust Louis is in Skaife Avenue!!

Lou and Ian arrived. They dug holes to sink the back wheels in so they were level. I left them and Steve to finish setting up as Leanne, Rick and I were off to walk the track. As we headed up Mountain Straight they were setting up the awning area.

A Holden Team lookalike car cruised past us.

Fabulous views back over the Paddock camp ground.

Looking back down Mountain Straight.

Some crazy guys on bikes whizzed by but it wasn’t long before one had to get off and walk.

The Sign with Bathurst 200 under it to celebrate the bi-centenary of Bathurst – the first inland city.

After a lot of stops to enjoy the view we made it to the top and found this plaque.

There is a billycart race on Thursday for Red Bull so this might be a contender.

Around to Skyline with the elevation plaque.

Brocky’s wall is still there. Great views from here.

Then down we go.

Looking back up to Skyline.

Down through the Esses.

The chaps were still putting on the finishing touches.

Down into Forrest's Elbow.

Still a while yet as we head down Conrod Straight.

The crazy cyclists came hurtling past. Would like to know the speed they clocked.

 Passed some geese and their chicks – hope they stay off the track.

Down the straight.

Into the Chase.

Looking back up Conrod.

Then down to under Armorall Bridge. Turned off here back into the Paddock as it is 6.30 and we are getting hungry. Will finish the last two corners and pit straight later.

I had cooked up a big batch of Mum’s curried sausages and rice to share with the boys so grabbed the Ecopot and a drink and headed up to the boys camp. Great to catch up again.

A lot warmer night then last year. No jumpers needed yet!!