This year, a small group of 9 intrepid travellers journeyed to the magnificent Barrington Tops region in NSW. 
Our accommodation and meeting place was at a large property in a valley at the base of the Barrington Tops,
called Riverwood Downs.
 
Our group was evenly represented from Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales.  We arrived on Friday (some of us quite
late due to the long trip from Sydney; the last 30kms were of unmade road).  Friday night was an informal meet and greet of
new and old friends.




This photo is of the entire group.
From left to right is Pat, Vicky, ME, Patrick, Janette, Carolyn, Margaret and Maureen.
Helene is taking the photo.
 
 
Saturday was largely at our leisure, with the Peace Cloth and Campfire events being organized for later that evening. 
After a shared BBQ meal, we each viewed and discussed the Peace Cloth as we signed our own panel, which will be posted
back to the Peace Cloth Committee.





An auction of John Denver related items followed, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Birds of Prey exhibit at
the Taronga Zoo in Sydney.  This decision was made by all participants.
 
 The “campfire” sing-a-long followed.
 
As you all know, there is a substantial time difference between Australia and the USA.  At 9.27am,
Sunday October 13, at exactly the same time as the gathering at both Pacific Grove and the campfire at
Maroon Bells our group gathered once more.  After observing a moment’s silence, we read the emails from Sandie Tyler
(Pacific Grove) and Harold Wilson (Maroon Bells).  A poem was also read by one of our group.
 
The last event was our annual tree planting.  We have planted five red gum trees as well as an Acacia tree,
all of which are native to the region.  The Acacia is affectionately known as John’s Tree. 
A plaque dedicated to John was also placed near our trees.






Our trees are planted in a beautiful spot near the bank of the river that runs through the property. 
During our tree planting, a kookaburra flew very close to a couple of the ladies before settling in a nearby tree. 
Although kookaburras are known for their distinctive (very loud) laugh, this one sat on a branch quietly watching the
proceedings (and hopefully for the odd snake).  John felt very close at that moment.  Not quite an eagle, but the very
next best thing.
October 12 2002, the 5th anniversary of John’s death was also marred by the terrorist bombing in Bali, Indonesia. 
Lest We Forget.
 
Next year’s event will be held near Melbourne, Victoria in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges.
 
Janette Frawley
2002