Yarrangobilly Dinner

“It is important on severe trips that the bodily condition of the party be maintained at a high level and the supply of energy restored at regular intervals. It is important not to eat too soon before setting out, because the digestion must have time to work. The correct procedure is to take a well-balanced meal about two hours before starting. This is supplemented when in the cave by energy-rich foods — chocolate, glucose tablets, raisins, boiled sweets, and so forth.” The house | The dinner | Thermal pool | Expedition One | Expedition Two | Charades etc | Movies

Chapter 2: Yarrangobilly Dinner
The first night's dinner was a lavish affair, with all the trimmings. Whilst the chefs slaved away over a hot barbeque plate, feverish work was taking place in the kitchen. Meanwhile, battle plans for the next day were being formed in the front drawing room.

Importantly, decisions also had to be made about seating arrangements, resolved by ingeniously placing the dining table at a rakish angle to promote hearty discussion (and to fit everyone in). A bountiful amount of food and wine was prepared, and consumed with great gusto. We slept well that night, and grew excited by the prospects of tomorrow's adventures.

[click for larger images/more detail]

Ivan and Jim discuss the merits of ABS, ESP and VDC	Jen has an audience with John: official photographer in deep concentration	Jim explaning some funky dance moves he picked up last Saturday night	Pip preparing her speciality dish (baked oven glove) in the second kitchen
Jen and Sue learn that baked oven glove is on the menu	Jen now having second thoughts about menu choices	Geoff believes that he has the ratio of meat to onions about right	Barbeque in full swing, Geoff relinquishes his post briefly...
Celebrity chef Mike inspects Geoff's handiwork	John assumes the head chef ornamental head torch	Meanwhile, guests assemble for dinner in the front room	Exclusive shot of room sans riff-raff
The dinner table, ready for action	It was cosy, warm, noisy and fun	The official photographers were kept busy	Pip remembers that she left the glove in the oven
The well-dressed side of the table	Pauline and Brian take a break from photography	Mike tries a Facebook self-portrait, and misses	The aftermath: Brian concentrates intently on Pip's big cat impression, whilst Mike wonders how his wineglass became empty