Newcastle Overnight

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(with apologies to Don Mclean)

Not so starry night

Assembled on the round hill lawn

Lights, reflectors, smiles all worn

Countdown to the start.

Filing over bridge.

Through the city lights and sounds.

Successfully avoiding cars,

And d*ck-heads on the prowl

Pressing to the north

Brief rainstorm to rattle nerves

Headwind bringing darkness forth

And questioning resolve

Capes on then off, calling bluff of stormy clouds

Will we get soaked now?

Windy windy night

Turns up at the front we take

Climbing up Mt White to cake

Tea and lammingtons.

Time to roll along

Sliding down a blackened tube

Chatting up the second climb

Central Coast to come

Descending to the north

Senses piqued for revelry

Not tonight, so silently

We slip though empty streets

Capes still off, but nervous of suspicious skies

Surely no rain now?

Mild and cloudy night

Budgewoi for cakes and possums

Watermelon, snakes and lollies

Prepare for final push

Not so fast our troupe

A wheel locks up with broken-spoke

Side-of-road repairs and jokes

Not counting chickens yet

Lightness in the sky

Bird song lets us know its true

Fernleigh Track and tunnel too

Destination soon.

The baths atop the sea

Swim and coffee, chill then warm

Adventure is its own reward

Tiredness brought forth

Newcastle overnight.  Iron horse will take us home

Rain away if you like.  Dreamers all aboard