The Thorsby Party – Timber Creek

Our big destination this trip was to be Timber Creek. For those who don’t know, Timber Creek is a little town on the Victoria Highway in the NT, roughly half way between Kununurra and Katherine. It is quite a historic spot, it being the centre for the booming cattle industry created around the Victoria River by the Duracks and other pioneering pastoralists. However, it wasn’t history which lured us to this enchanting spot. Chris Thorsby decided that if he had to turn 50, he would do it in style, with a month long celebration of camping and fishing at Timber Creek. Carol sent out invitations nearly a year ago to all corners of the nation and the people answered the call.

Over the space of three or four days, the Thorsby’s humble camp grew from a small corner of the caravan park to a tourist attraction in its own right. Every day, more vehicles, boats, dogs and kids would arrive, pushing back the ebbing tide of caravaners. Every now and then, a regular traveller would park their van in the middle of the Thorsby city, a mistake they were not likely to forget.

Saturday the 16th July was designated B Day, although the actual birthday is July 30th, a date Chris and Christine share. By Saturday, the final census was:

32 Adults and 11 kids,

from: WA  – One Arm Point, Augusta, Bunbury, Donnybrook, Derby, Dowerin,

Wangkatjungka, Broome, Halls Creek

QLD – Sunshine Coast

VIC – Cann River

NSW – Newcastle

NT  – Berry Springs, Darwin

7 cars (14 X 4WD and 3 ladies cars)

9 dogs,

4 camper trailers

13 tents

10 camping fridges and lots of iceboxes

3 boats

 

The much sought after prize for the biggest barra was still up for grabs, with Chris himself in the lead with one of 68cm. Unfortunately, only 3 had been caught, the spell of cool weather making them very sleepy. Not to worry though, the culinery delights put together each night more than made up for the lack of fish.

The bread making competition was also starting to hot up too, with Christine upping the stakes with a continental loaf and a rectangular sandwich loaf. Carol was the chief (and only) judge and put in a performance to rival the nastiest judges on Master Chef. She is not easily satisfied.

Daytime mostly saw the camp emptied out as people explored the many attractions of the surrounding Gregory National Park, went fishing or took a stores run into Katherine. Nightime saw the clans congregate around the Thorsby camp and attempt to secure a Guiness Book of Records entry for Brag, Booze and Bullshit.  The arrival of a large contingent from Bunbury helped considerably with this effort.

On Saturday evening, everyone dressed up in their finery. Outfits varied from full tuxedo and evening dress to footy shorts, shirt, tie and thongs (locally known as territory formal). The teenagers had recently been to a Broome Senior High School Ball so they certainly came to the fore with their outfits. Some of the girls struggled with the rocks in stilletos and the weather was marginal for high collars and bow ties but all in all we scrubbed up pretty well. A long convoy of vehicles snaked its way up a steep drive to a local lookout, commanding wonderful views of the escarpment and the Victoria River. A couple of campers had set up for the evening and seemed surprised by the sudden influx. Out came the tables and eskies, complete with all the makings for Marguriettas. An incredible array of nibbles soon followed, sushi, home made sausage rolls, meatballs, etc. One old bloke camped by himself in a Land Cruiser glared at us with bitterness. A few of us tried to make light conversation but he indicated that if we caused any trouble he’d deal with us. It was so tempting. Amazingly, a Bunbury caravan parked at the lookout proved to be a couple that was known to our “Bunbury Crew” and Chris Thorsby, one of life’s coincidences. The lady obliged us all by becoming the official photographer for the many group photos taken as the sun set.

With the sun gone, it was back to camp for dinner, followed by the “Bum Photo Contest”. Prior to arrival, everyone had submitted an email photo of their bum. Variety of presentations was incredible, not to mention the assortment of shapes and sizes. The contest was to match the bum to the name, made all the harder because some nasty people had pulled sly tricks to confuse the masses. There was much speculation about the mysterious Bum #2, a shapely thing that unfortunately also exposed a few other bits hanging below. It proved to be a ring-in from a web-site of dubious reputation. At the marking phase, everyone had to own up to their bum and it was most encouraging to find so many that were quite content with the way they presented. No cases of poor self-esteem with this lot.

Another requirement for the party-goers was to prepare an item. Coral and David got things going with a brilliant demo of rock ‘n roll dancing but the rest of us begged off as still being a work in progress. I think they win the prize.

The night wore on and the need for a morning Panadol grew steadily. A few of us were planning an early morning pack-up but the resolve weakened as the blood-alcohol level rose and the next day’s start was a slow affair. The group breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast, beans, mushrooms etc was gearing up well as we said our farewells to all and headed off to cross the border back into WA.

What an amazing event. It is testament to what terrific people the Thorsbys are that so  many came so far for the event. We are all planning the 60th. It is rumoured that it will be held on the tip of Cape York!