While some of us were contemplating footy finals and the prospect of sailing some time when the weather got a little warmer, the Esperance fifteeners indulged in a spot of camping. A report from David Swan (Swanny) The flying Fifteen Fleet of Esperance are a close knit bunch that enjoy their camaraderie on and off the water. 4 years ago we did our inaugural camping trip out to Thomas River for some whale viewing. Last year it was up to the Western Woodlands to view the historic Deralinya and Balbinia homesteads. After last year’s successful outing it was decided it had to become an annual pre-season team bonding event. After an intense planning session at the bar one Friday night in September it was decided this year’s trip to be out to Israelite Bay for the October Long weekend. A few hardy players kicked off the weekend up at Wellsy’s farmhouse for a Friday night roast. We all then convened on Saturday at the Condy Tavern for an early lunch & a few off the wood. 20 of us then headed for the wilderness. Israelite Bay is about 4 hours East of town. There’s 100km of sealed road, followed by 50km of gravel, then 60km of pretty rough 4WD track. Israelite Bay is quite historical and was the site of the Israelite Bay telegraph station built in 1875. The stone ruins have been partially restored. Nearby is Point Malcolm which was taken up as a pastoral lease a few years earlier. The general area was quite a hub as a port for wool and the goldfields, & the telegraph station. Teams of Afghan cameleers transported a lot of the goods. It’s not a competition but we all secretly vied to out camp each other with a range of vehicles, accessories, wood, toys, campers, grog, and fun. Saturday night was communal camp oven cookery which saw a feast of lamb, beef and vegetables cooked to perfection. For campfire entertainment Dave Dwyer once again did a superb job on lead guitar accompanied by Julie Hall on the ukulele, and some backing vocals by Nicole. Sunday started with a bacon and egg fest supplied by Commodore Brad and First Lady Sue. Following was a day of exploration with a convoy of 4WD’s and a 4WMotorbike exploring ruins, points interest and the coastline between point Malcolm and The Great Australian Bight. Some of us found time for a little afternoon siesta. Sunday night Casper pulled one out of the bag slaying us all with camp oven lamb moussaka. It was unbelievable. He is surely the new chef discovery of the Deep South. After more great music from Dave, fuelled by a few reds, it was time for Kev’s choir. Yes the boy from Kalgoorlie Kevin Bloody Wilson had even the most conservative of us belly laughing to politically incorrect ballads. This year was a little tamer on the evening front (Thank God) largely due to the lack of the duo of Schmedje who was returning from a sheep buying expedition based in the French Riviera, and Big Wall, still laid up with his broken leg. We also missed Blumann, who is recovering from a shoulder replacement – his last elective surgery he hopes. It must be, because there’s not much original material left. Monday morning saw some early morning swimming – freezing even by our standards, some more superb bacon and eggs, and a leisurely trip home. The trip was a lot of fun, and we have locked in the October Long weekend 2016 for a trip back to the Western Woodlands to camp at Pine Hill and climb Mount Ragged. Lock it in your diary. Cheers, Swanny