Wee Jasper and the Real Roothy

A long weekend with no work was a welcome change, and one we determined to make the most of. It was thus with much anticipation that the camper was hooked up and we set off with grandparents in tow to Wee Jasper for a weekend of camping with a bunch of friends.

The little helpers were most excited to be heading off to camp with a bunch of their mates, and we were looking forward to a relaxing weekend in good company.

We were not to know that one of the highlights of the weekend was to happen as we pulled into Yass. The little helper who can spot a Bob Cat at 500 yards started to get most excited at the site of a green 40 series familiar to all who subscribe to 4WD Action magazine. It was non other than John Rooth, Milo and Jack, pulled over for a break on the side of the road. We were fortunate to say G'day to the "Real Roothy" and meet the man and machine that had entertained us on several rainy afternoons.



It was then onto Wee Jasper for a couple of nights at Billy Grace Reserve. Wee Jasper is located about 50km south west of Yass, on the banks of the Goodradigbee River. It is a beautiful campsite, complete with children's playground and bike track, hot showers and flush toilets.

We found our group and set up camp and enjoyed our time thoroughly enjoying the warm campfire and great company. Unfortunately on Saturday night, at the Wee Jasper Woolshed across the way, a 21st party also enjoyed themselves thoroughly with loud music blaring all night (well there was a 10 minute intermission at 5.25am).

As hordes of bleary eyed campers trooped to the markets on Sunday morning, salvation was in sight in the form of a mobile coffee stand! The queue quickly formed until there was a loud hiss and the machine broke. DISASTER. If there was ever a time to have a licence to print money it was by selling coffee to the hundreds of campers who had not had any sleep the night before... Thankfully a couple of hours later (or so it seemed) the machine was restored to normal and coffee started to be distributed again.

The rest of the weekend was great, with the kids enjoying exploring the playground and bike tracks. We tried fishing for the first time (with lures tied to the fishing line and no hooks at all, to avoid both injury and the likelihood of actually catching a fish). We came home with a collection of dinosaur eggs (they look a lot like rocks to me) and a pair of exhausted but happy boys.

Wee Jasper is a great spot, and despite the crowds for the long weekend, we had a great time. We are already looking forward to heading back - although perhaps will avoid the peak periods (or parties at the Woolshed) next time.