It has always been a holiday tradition for Canberrans to flock down to the South Coast at this time of the year.
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It was no exception in 1988 - despite the floodwaters.
The annual trip to the coast became more than the usual headache as floodwaters held up traffic for up to two hours on the Kings Highway at Bungendore. Rain had engulfed windsurfer-laden cars, causing many to pull off to the side of the road.
One driver, wearing shorts and a T-shirt, ready for the beach, stood by his open bonnet, with an umbrella in one hand, a tea towel on his head and a can of WD-40 sitting on his engine.
The Millhouse family, of Fadden, seldom visited the coast, and all they could do was laugh at their predicament.
Their car had seized in the middle of the flooded road. Motorists came to the rescue, helping to push the car to the side of the road where it could dry out.
The NRMA, umbrellas, fish-and-chip shops and towels were kept busy all day.
The rain continued. The travellers continued.
Nothing stood in the way of that holiday to the coast.
