Day 3: Myall Lakes to Southport with a stop in Evans Head

After a great night on the Myall Lakes it was off to Southport, the weather finally improved, a quick stop in Evans Headfor fuel had me meet the guys at the Mens Shed there, who gave me a hand. The arrival in Southport of course started with a quick splash on the water where G&M landed originally on the broadwater, then into the Southport Flying Club airstrip where channel 7 where waiting and a warm reception from the members. Next day free, with some jobs to do and a talk on Tuesday night for the club.

Along the way, I had more of a headwind than expected, and it’s kinda hard to accurately dip the fuel tanks in the morning when on the water and the plane always wants to lean one way or the other, so I looked for a runway for fuel… now the easy solution would have been to go into Balina, a well set up airport with avgas on tap… but as I was passing Evans Head I thought… now I’ve heard so much about this historic airport, that sounds like much more fun, and the town was right next door so was confident there’d be a petrol station I could get some fuel in. I landed and pulled up next to a huge hangar which the signage said was a museum, but alas not open. On the back side of that I found a small lean to building with a plethora of machinery and an assortment of older gentleman beavering away on projects… it was a Men’s Shed. I was quite intrigued as I’d never visited one before, and was wondering how far the petrol station was, so popped my head in, with two flexible jerry bag in hand. I was warmly greeted by the chaps, they advised that the station was too far to walk and would give me a lift if I could wait 10 minutes, which gave me a chance to look at what was being made, and chat with the guys. Even a small shop of things they made and bought a gorgeous coloured campher cutting board as a gift for my friend Michael in Townsville, who like the wood, is originally from WA. What a great bunch of guys… Greg took me to get the fuel, he was clearly the “leader of the pack”, he explained on the way that most of the guys have lost their wives, and they are there 4 days a week. What was most interesting is, they start the day with coffee / tea and no one is allowed to start work until they have all had a chat for 30 minutes, making sure it is both a social and creative outlet. What a wonderful institution the Men’s Sheds, and other community groups like them, are, an essential lifeline of connection. Thanks chaps.