Report by David Currie
Photos by Keith Pickford & Harry Ruffell
Our largest ever group of 44 club-members to start a Transalpine, gathered at the Clearwater Resort on the morning of Friday 26th October for the 2007 event. The weather was fine although we were only a couple of hours ahead of a Southerly front, which was trying to catch us up.
We had a short coffee stop at the historic Hurunui Hotel where the proprietor was very keen to take a photo opportunity of the cars on his front lawn.
The official route took us Inland through Waiau to Kaikoura. Perfect undulating winding roads through sheltered valleys and beautiful scenery. When we stopped for lunch in Kaikoura, some travellers were already showing signs of over exposure to the sun and wind.
The remaining trip to Blenheim was uneventful apart from a little problem experienced by D.C. when a split developed in the oil pressure gauge line. Fortunately the car has louvers in the bonnet and the leak soon became apparent! Even so about 2.5L of oil was lost to the environment – sorry Greenies!
The weary travellers checked into the Phoenix Motor Inn which was to be base-camp for 2 nights. There was just enough room for everyone and their cars.
The next day we met up with 4 Nelson/Marlborough members and an events program arranged by local member, Ian Rogers, was initiated and enjoyed. While some of the group chose to check out the Blenheim markets, the rest took a very pleasant drive through the local countryside passing palatial European styled homes and through groomed vineyards and farm land. We arrived at the premises of Basis Auto Parts and Accessories in Renwick, a little West of Blenheim. It was a great opportunity for us to meet the owner and staff of Basis and to view and purchase vintage and classic car items not so commonly available anymore.
The group then moved on to the Brayshaw Museum park for a gander at the very large quantity of old tractors and other ancient machinery.
After lunch some travelled up to Picton for a walk around the marina and a pleasant stop for coffee in a Waikawa Bay café. Others took a tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre – this is a World renowned venue and a ‘must’ for any classic aeroplane/aviation buff.
Our big night out was held at the Marlborough Club where we all enjoyed a buffet meal in the warm company of friends. Prizes were given out for:
- the “most accurate mileage”,
- the person who travelled “furthest to the event starting point”,
- the “tow rope special”,
- the “biggest and best misdemeanour” and,
- the “worst case of lost directions”.
Ken Livingston won the “most outrageous hat” competition, for his Arabian head dress or was it his Scottish tami shanter complete with red hair? A long night was had by some but I know nothing of that……
Sunday morning dawned fine and we all packed up and headed off on our homeward journey. Some of our Blenheim friends accompanied us to St Arnaud where we said good bye to them. We cruised through the native bush and fantastic scenery of the West Coast through Murchison and on down to Reefton where we stopped for fuel for people and cars alike.
Some of our group decided to stay on for a few days on the Coast while the rest of us headed home through springs Junction and over the Lewis pass.
It was a grand Transalpine; good weather, meeting new friends, no dramas, and thoroughly enjoyed by all who participated. I'm looking forward to next year.
Many thanks to the organisers.
David
