TransAlpine 2015
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30th Oct - 1st NovOn a slightly overcast morning we assembled at the Yaldhurst Hotel Car Park where route instructions and goody bags were given out. Setting off at 9.45am with 24 cars with one passenger only remembering to put on her seat belt at Hororata, our first stop was at "Robbie’s in Washdyke where Russell and Rick Caught up in the Dixon, and a great lunch was enjoyed.
We then proceed on to Waimate stopping to visit Trevor’s - The Model Garage where there are over 4,000 model vehicles and associated memorabilia on display. Yes and a few ladies ventured in but many of the others walked to The Merino Shop. Several members were seen tucking into very large ice creams – mainly the men. |
The next stage of the journey took us through the Waitaki Valley and passing through Kurow – “Richie McCaw Country” with most cars travelling across the Aviemore Dam up the far side of the Waitaki River and back across the Benmore Dam before proceeding through Otemetata and on to Omarama. So far nearly all the cars had behaved as they should.
Checking in to the Heritage Gateway Hotel, unpacking, ladies popping off to the shops - fortunately for the men there were very few of these, and the usual drinks and nibbles on the lawn when tall tales of the journey were exchanged, was followed by a lovely 3 course dinner in the main dining room.
On Saturday morning after a great breakfast we travelled north to Brancott Station Farm to visit a very expansive country garden. Jemma our hostess was a delight. We then travelled on through the McKenzie Basin and up the great driving road alongside Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook in glorious sunshine and a temperature of 28ᵒ. The view of the lake and Mt Cook was simply stunning.
After lunch at the Hermitage - Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe´ many spent time on short walks, visiting the museum and the planetarium, then travelled back to Omarama at their leisure, some venturing into Lake Ohau on the way. We were joined by 2 more cars including Art & Carol Markus from Wanaka and Peter & Liz Cammock from Christchurch.
Everyone then gathered again for drinks and nibbles on the lawn before disappearing to dress up in Retro Revival gear for dinner. There were many great outfits and lots of laughs. Wigs were certainly in fashion
Awards were handed out for the Towrope Special – who shall remain anonymous. Misdemeanours included 1 person leaving all their shirts behind, a wife locking herself out just after arriving at the rooms, to someone having a wine first claiming she couldn’t find the electric jug to make a coffee. Then there was an Elise owner who travelled with no tools trying to effect a repair, and another was spotted trying to fish out an errant piece of metal from under his seat with a piece of number 8 wire. A BRZ required a jump start to get going Saturday morning and another member was overheard boasting that his 7 was made up of lawn mower parts. It is unbelievable what comes out on a TransAlpine.
Checking in to the Heritage Gateway Hotel, unpacking, ladies popping off to the shops - fortunately for the men there were very few of these, and the usual drinks and nibbles on the lawn when tall tales of the journey were exchanged, was followed by a lovely 3 course dinner in the main dining room.
On Saturday morning after a great breakfast we travelled north to Brancott Station Farm to visit a very expansive country garden. Jemma our hostess was a delight. We then travelled on through the McKenzie Basin and up the great driving road alongside Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook in glorious sunshine and a temperature of 28ᵒ. The view of the lake and Mt Cook was simply stunning.
After lunch at the Hermitage - Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe´ many spent time on short walks, visiting the museum and the planetarium, then travelled back to Omarama at their leisure, some venturing into Lake Ohau on the way. We were joined by 2 more cars including Art & Carol Markus from Wanaka and Peter & Liz Cammock from Christchurch.
Everyone then gathered again for drinks and nibbles on the lawn before disappearing to dress up in Retro Revival gear for dinner. There were many great outfits and lots of laughs. Wigs were certainly in fashion
Awards were handed out for the Towrope Special – who shall remain anonymous. Misdemeanours included 1 person leaving all their shirts behind, a wife locking herself out just after arriving at the rooms, to someone having a wine first claiming she couldn’t find the electric jug to make a coffee. Then there was an Elise owner who travelled with no tools trying to effect a repair, and another was spotted trying to fish out an errant piece of metal from under his seat with a piece of number 8 wire. A BRZ required a jump start to get going Saturday morning and another member was overheard boasting that his 7 was made up of lawn mower parts. It is unbelievable what comes out on a TransAlpine.
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On Sunday morning many members were up at 4.00am to watch the All Blacks win the World Cup. What an achievement but this did make for a long day.
Those members travelling home on Sunday left at about 10.30am with most driving up to the Mt John Observatory for lunch and a great view – an then on through Geraldine. Those staying on for Sunday walked next door to the Ladybird Winery and Salmon Farm where several members went fishing with Rosemary Royer, a “1st timer,” catching the biggest salmon of our group. After a delicious lunch outside under the trees again in perfect weather, we all ambled back with several seen disappearing for a snooze and others doing the rounds of the local shops including a very interesting antique shop where several items if interest were purchased including a rare Lotus Model F1 car! A light dinner rounded off the day.
On Monday after breakfast we travelled through to Twizel for coffee with the ladies finding a clothing shop - that also catered for men with couches on which to sit and read the car magazines provided – very considerate of them! Then it was on to Mt John Observatory and after battling with the strong wind in the car park we made it to the restaurant for a really nice lunch. Unfortunately one of member’s cars disgraced itself with a broken bolt in the rear suspension and limped down to Tekapo for repairs. While waiting in the hot sun our mechanic was called out to the Volunteer Fire Brigade to tend to a local fire – but another stepped in to complete the job and we were on our way to Geraldine for well-earned drinks. With farewells all round, we departed for Christchurch by way of Ashburton arriving home around 7.00pm.
Another great Transalpine weekend was enjoyed by all attending.
Janette McFedries
Those members travelling home on Sunday left at about 10.30am with most driving up to the Mt John Observatory for lunch and a great view – an then on through Geraldine. Those staying on for Sunday walked next door to the Ladybird Winery and Salmon Farm where several members went fishing with Rosemary Royer, a “1st timer,” catching the biggest salmon of our group. After a delicious lunch outside under the trees again in perfect weather, we all ambled back with several seen disappearing for a snooze and others doing the rounds of the local shops including a very interesting antique shop where several items if interest were purchased including a rare Lotus Model F1 car! A light dinner rounded off the day.
On Monday after breakfast we travelled through to Twizel for coffee with the ladies finding a clothing shop - that also catered for men with couches on which to sit and read the car magazines provided – very considerate of them! Then it was on to Mt John Observatory and after battling with the strong wind in the car park we made it to the restaurant for a really nice lunch. Unfortunately one of member’s cars disgraced itself with a broken bolt in the rear suspension and limped down to Tekapo for repairs. While waiting in the hot sun our mechanic was called out to the Volunteer Fire Brigade to tend to a local fire – but another stepped in to complete the job and we were on our way to Geraldine for well-earned drinks. With farewells all round, we departed for Christchurch by way of Ashburton arriving home around 7.00pm.
Another great Transalpine weekend was enjoyed by all attending.
Janette McFedries
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