A Drifter preparing for take off

Mid last year, after much searching, we acquired our first motorhome. Never having any experience with the ‘grey nomad’ scene, this was a very exciting time. Little did we know of the further excitement we would experience on our first adventure.

The motorhome (Monte Carlo) was located just outside of Toowoomba approximately three and a half hours drive from our home. The final inspection, along with learning all of the operational aspects of the motorhome, was expected to take several hours, so we decided to stay somewhere close for our first night and head to Stanthorpe for a couple of days with our last stop being Killarney and Queen Mary Falls before heading home. Since there was nothing pressing for the next week, we thought we’d take our time, enjoy the journey and familiarise ourselves with the motorhome.

After reading in The Wanderer (June issue) of Trevor and Janet Bange’s airfield ‘Member Stop Over’ facility at Clifton, we planned to spend our first night there. Our decision to start our shakedown trip at Clifton was not only based on its proximity to Toowoomba, but more importantly we would be staying with fellow club members. As mentioned in The Wanderer, MSO’s allow travellers to have access to safe and peaceful campsites to park up for the night which gave us peace of mind. We didn’t put too much emphasis on  the fact that it was an airfield or indeed the article’s words ‘An MSO with a difference’. It later proved to be exactly that.

However plans don’t always pan out. We left Toowoomba later than expected, with daylight fading, and a little lost, we missed the Clifton turn off and ended up at the Spring Creek Caravan Park. With all the powered sites fully booked, we were relieved when Peter and Maree Cotrell said there were plenty of sites available in the self-contained area. The very reasonable $10 nightly fee made for an easy decision. We explained to Peter and Maree that this was our first motorhome acquisition and the first night in our Monte. They couldn’t have been happier for us to be spending it with them. Peter helped guide us in, which we appreciated, and Maree also mentioned there was a ‘help yourself’ veggie patch.

The next day we arrived at Clifton, a pretty country town we may have missed, if it wasn’t for the MSO. Before heading there our first stop had to be Gillies Meats. They are a family run business with a reputation for great customer service and superb fresh products. As I was heading back towards the motorhome, after purchasing more than expected, I stopped momentarily to look at Andy sitting in the driver’s seat checking directions and Peanut (our Moodle) waiting on the passenger seat, it seemed a bit surreal somehow. Our dream now a reality. I was unsure if  I would ever see this day, but there it was and l was a little overcome. However, no time to ruminate, I needed to pack the fridge as Andy was eager to head to the MSO just a few minutes down the road.

Andy, Peanut the dog, and the beloved motorhome

After meeting the hosts we then went about setting up the motorhome. It was then, as we took a step back, the full realisation of what we had done and what was happening hit us. There was a gamut of emotions along with sensory and information overload. The words of William James ran through my mind, “to change one’s life: start immediately, do it flamboyantly. No exceptions”. It all seemed a little overwhelming, already so many firsts. I guess - I hope - there will be many more to come.

The openness and serenity of this picturesque stop-over had more to offer and thanks to our gracious hosts we extended our stay. Stanthorpe would just have to wait.

While at the MSO we visited some of the hangars where several planes were stored. There was a colourful array of small planes e.g. Jabiru’s, Tiger Moth, Spitfire, Drifters etc. We realised our stay at this ‘MSO with a difference’ was going to be special, but when you add the hospitality, the country side and the unexpected - magic happens. A special thanks to Kevin McGrath for the magic and the life time memories he created for us.

This operational airfield has an active volunteer staffed Flying School and as such has certain criteria/ rules in place for the safety of all. That said, the passion and purpose of the owners and staff is palpable and inspirational. If we were tempted (it was close) to learn to fly, the ‘Lone Eagle Flying School’ would be the place to start. With Trevor Bange as the chief flying instructor, Kevin as president and Mick the mechanic, you are in good hands. They are the friendliest bunch of people where laughs are a plenty and new experiences are the norm.

We were so inspired we returned to Bange’s airfield a month later to see its third annual event. Almost thirty small planes leave from Clifton and fly into Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport (BWWA),  a few kilometres from Toowoomba CBD. BWWA is the first major greenfield public airport developed in Australia since Melbourne airport opened in 1970 and the first privately funded major airport in the country. It was a special day for all I’m sure. One of the most memorable planes for me personally was the 1930s De Havilland Leopard Moth. This flying machine is made from fabric and wood with just a dash of bling for shine, amazing! While the plane was parked, the owners let me open the door and check out the instruments (not a lot in those days) and right on cue, of course, someone yells out, “Hey, Amelia”. It was a fun day and thrilling to be part of such an experience.

We met up with another CMCA member sharing this experience, let’s call him John. John needs a lot of magic and is making the most of every minute. Though he has reason for a very sobering disposition it is to the contrary, with a view that laughter really is the best medicine, but the best part for John was his flight with Trevor. While it is getting difficult for John to speak, upon landing he had no trouble belting out, “Boy, was that an adrenalin rush!!”. Actually you couldn’t keep him quiet for the next twenty minutes or so. He clearly enjoyed his flight the smile said it all. It was the same smile Andy had after his flight. Both looked years younger from the experience. Note to self: must try flying, cheaper than anti-wrinkle cream.

Andy and Kevin with one of the Drifters

Another one of the more major events for Bange’s airfield is the ‘Annual Clifton Fly In’ held in March with more than one hundred participating aircraft (no small feat for this grass airstrip but the experienced make it look effortless) which would be a visual delight and an absolutely thrilling experience, make a note on your calendar. But flying events aside; a visit to the Clifton/Bange’s airfield is worth adding to your list of must see, along with a ‘meat’ and greet at Gillies Butchers for some sublime bovine - OMG! 

A Spitfire in action

We met many interesting and informative people happy to share Clifton’s farming history and that of the surrounding areas. The hospitality and generosity we experienced was heartfelt and uplifting. We are so grateful to our MSO hosts for opening  their property up to fellow CMCA members and making our very first experience an absolute joy. Who knew we liked planes. Again we stayed longer due to the vintage cars arriving the following day. Add on the catered lunch, what the heck it’s only one more day. We did finally reach Stanthorpe on that second sojourn. That’s another story and another place to return too.

We learnt a lot on that inaugural journey (and subsequent trips). Learning about the motorhome and the procedures required in both setting up and preparing to leave was just part of it. We learnt the importance of having a level vehicle for example, plus the importance of packing, especially overhead cupboards. One instance, I was in the kitchen where I had just finished making the salads when dear hubby (deciding to help) reaches for something in the overhead cupboard above me, as he opened the door a cereal box fell hitting one plate launching the rocket salad into orbit, I could only say, “guess whose salad that was”.

Our experience so far has taught us to keep it simple, keep it light, and most importantly ‘keep it fun’.

Aerial views of Clifton

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Written: Thu 01 Mar 2018
Printed: March, 2018
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