Oak Park Races
Every two years at this time of the year we embark on a road trip. The destination is Oak Park Race Club, five or so hours west of Townsville. Most years it takes us three days to travel the 1700km, this year we decided to do the trip in two days. Thankfully the kids are very good travellers. That, and the fact the batteries in their devices last longer nowadays.
Why do we travel so far to attend this event?
Let us start with the event itself. Over the week there are two days of horse racing which included some very good races. The pick of the races for me is the shield. Not only is it the feature event, but you as a spectator get the see the horses jump out of the gate up close. This is a rarity as the starts are normally over the other side of the track.
There was even Fashions on the field. My pick of the fashions was the two Ambulance officers who went in the best dressed couple category. The male ambo went all out with a stethoscope as a tie. Not to be out done, the female ambo had gloves (surgical) plus a matching clutch (first aid kit). This just shows the spirit of the event – everyone is out to have a good time.
Other activities through out the week include things like kids’ sports day. The adults even get involved at the end with an old-fashioned tug-o-war and an adult piggyback race. I think there might have been some questions asked when one of the guys dropped his partner mid race.
Other great events include the formal ball and the kids and adults fancy dress parties. For some reason we did not participate this year. We will have to get more organise next time and take up our ball gowns, suits, and fancy dress.
Watershed - the camp where all the fun is has
The main reason we love going to Oak Park Races though is the people. We are lucky enough to have been invited to the ‘Watershed’ camp. Gerry, Edie, Allyson, Ray, Max, Lorraine, and the other owners treat us like long lost family and make us feel very welcome. We have made many great friends at ‘Watershed’. You know the type of people that you do not see for ages, and then when you do see them, it is like you were just speaking with them yesterday and not two years ago.
The week is just good old-fashioned fun. With no internet you put your phone away for the week and interact with old friends and make new friends. Just sitting around the fire, drinking beer, telling stories, or giving people grief for stupid things like ‘where do I get the white tea’ or for hitting their head on the power box. If you are not doing that than you are playing card games (who has heard of UNO flip – it did my head in), trying to find who stole the last jigsaw puzzle piece, or spending time with the kids catching fish or red claw down at the river right in front of camp.
The week is all about living life in a simple and beautiful way, connecting with people and having a great time. If you ever get a chance to go to Oak Park Races, be sure you do. You will not regret it.
Amongst all the fun and frivolity, I managed to pry myself away from the cards table or the fire and got out to take some photos of the Milky Way. You just do not get to see the stars here in the city like you do in the bush at Oak Park.
Till next time Watershed and Oak Park.
