October Long Weekend Trip 2016
Photos by Alan Litchfield & Peter McBride
31-Oct-16

FUN, FLOODS & GREAT FRIENDS

This year’s October long weekend started early for everyone that decided to join the adventure up North. With the grim weather we’ve been experiencing, we all hit the road to Pt Augusta on the Friday morning, meeting up at the Bolivar OTR. Not all came in their Vettes as we had four 4x4s in the convoy as support.

The Black Bitch #2 C4 had a minor dummy spit pre Bolivar and after a few choice words, an easy fix was found using Jims extensive range of tools – Catherine’s nail file. All good again, a coffee in hand and we were off to Pt Broughton for lunch.

A lot can happen on Yorke Pennisula roads between Peter & Lynda’s test run and the actual trip. We came across about ten kilometres of the worst dug up and pot holed length of road in the state (and that’s saying something!!). We all took it in our stride but had everyone wondering why we bothered to wash the cars beforehand. Good news was, there was a gang of council workers filling about six – yes six – (I counted them) pot holes with bitumen to make it all better. Didn’t have the heart to stop and tell them they still had another 8 million holes to fill. (No, I didn’t count them)
After lunch, we were back on the road to the highway to meet up with Mick & Paula and turn off to do a run up Germain Gorge, over to Melrose, Wilmington and back down Horrocks pass.
When we turned right to run up Germain Gorge road, so did a truck carrying a bobcat. This A.H. had a hundred places he could pull over and let a dozen Vettes do their thing but NO!! One big slow crawl to the top behind him until he turned off! At least he copped some abuse from the car directly behind him.

We all got to witness the incredible flooding and wind damage with huge ripped apart gum trees, iron sheets high up in trees and the first time I’ve seen Vettes doing a water crossing that more suited a 4x4 club. I was impressed.

All made it safely to our accommodation for the trip. The Oasis Apartments, really nice and walking distance to our pubs, shops and eateries.

Saturday morning came and after a quick brekkie, Gus, Ken & Kathy drove around from Whyalla to join us for the day and we all headed off up to Quorn. With all the rain the state has been getting, the country side looked amazing as we wound our way through the rolling hills. At the railway station we boarded our private caboose on the famous Pichi Richi Railway. Once we arrived at Woolshed Flat, we unloaded several eskies and enjoyed a few drinks with nibbles in the sun, yep sun, while the train got shunted around. Back on board and it is truly amazing how a couple of beers or wines show up those with split personalities. Heaps of laughs even if we nearly puked at some of the sights – within the carriage!! It was a great day.

Afterwards we all made our way back to Port Augusta to either carry on partying or watch the AFL Grand Final. A BBQ dinner was planned at the Oasis for the evening. Pete thought it was a good idea to hold an impromptu room number raffle to add to the laughs. “Lucky” Dave & Karen walked away with a loaf of bread. “Luckier” Kevin walked away with a container of coleslaw (Hope you didn’t eat it all at once Kevin!!) and bugger me, Vic won a bottle of fine Scotch. How lucky is that, hey Kevin!

Sunday morning, destination was Woomera. Why? Because it’s there! This was actually a great Corvette run. Good quality open roads with just the odd emu to dodge. Considering the pub up there only got their power back on that morning, they put on a great meal and cold beer. Had a wander around the rocket and missile display, then tried to have a photo shoot with the Corvettes in front of the rockets until some knobs in 4x4s parked in the way. Bloody 4x4 owners!!

That night back at Pt Augusta, we wandered over to one of the pubs for dinner. Meal was good but then we got asked to leave. Probably because of Butler I’d say. I hear afterwards, Lesley & Lynda had a night to remember. Big Kev – not quite so … Need new friends Kevin!!

Monday and the challenge was, how do we get back to Adelaide with roads blocked left right & centre. The plan was to head to Crystal Brook, then lunch at the Spalding Pub and then home via Clare & Gawler. Spalding pub opened just for us, which was great and then it was home bound.

A special thanks must go out to Rod & Jenny who bought with them Vic and Sheila Olly from Goolwa. Vic and Sheila have been much loved members of the club going back many years but due to circumstances, we have not seen much of. Hope you guys enjoyed your time and it was great to see you.

Last but not least, where would this club be without Peter & Lynda. Once again the McBrides have put an amazing amount of work, planning and I’d say stress into a trip where we can all roll up, relax and enjoy. THANKYOU from everyone there guys. WELL DONE.