Held between 6th & 11th of August
Sunday 6th August: 10 cars departed Loxton with Dean & Judy ‘leading the charge’ in their 1949 Rover. By the time we got to Pinnaroo for morning tea we had ‘misplaced’ Grosser’s Pontiac (split radiator) so they caught up with us at Keith in their Modern. The sculpture ‘Circle Work” at Keith was interesting and represented the importance of the water cycle.
Monday 7th August: A visit to Padthaway and Farmer’s Leap Winery was enjoyable and “oh, what a view”! Padthaway had an impressive sculpture representing water flow and its importance to the region for sheep, wheat, onions, and wine. On to Naracoorte for lunch and a visit to the Sheep’s Back Museum. The museum is largely maintained by volunteers and has an extensive display over several rooms and buildings. Of note was the Prototype Robotic Shearing Machine (only operating one in the world). Lots of “I remember when.”. The Leskes and Redways also joined us at Naracoorte.
Tuesday 8th August: Some took up the “challenge” of Alexandra Cave and/or Wonambi Fossil Centre at Naracoorte while others enjoyed a coffee and the gardens at the caves. Mini Jumbuck, shopping, the Art Gallery, or the Museum were available options.
Wednesday 9th August: The group travelled to Penola to visit some of the historical sites, including Petticoat Lane and Mary McKillop Centre. Some enjoyed a guided tour of Yallum Park Historic Homestead (a privately-owned residence).
Yallum Park lawns take about 22 hours to mow. Any upkeep on the homestead (e.g., gutters to the house) need to be done with the historically appropriate product. Others of the group visited Bool Lagoon Wetlands for the abundant bird life.
Dinner was catered by the Naracoorte Historic Vehicle Club at their impressive Clubrooms. There were several member vehicles, stationary engines, and farm machinery on display. (Clean-up after this meal was a little interesting with blocked drains in the kitchen).
A Thank You gift was presented to Kay for her outstanding organization of the Mid-Year Run Event.
A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Naracoorte Historic Vehicle Club for their welcome and meal.
Thursday 10th August: Travel to Bordertown was via Hynam, Kybybolite, and Frances.
Some continued home while others visited Clayton Heritage Farm and were treated to a demonstration by the blacksmith. A family of 12 children lived in the original farmhouse.
One couple were a particular ”challenge” to the staff at William McIntosh Lodge: “Incidents” included, a TV that needed to be re-tuned, a leaking shower that needed fixing, locking their motel key inside their room, …and they were only there a few nights!
A common thread throughout the trip was lots of opportunities for chats, laughter, checking out the vehicles, enjoying new opportunities and exploring the area.
Thank you again to Kay ….Well Done!
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