TransAlpine 2021
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29th Oct - 1st Nov |
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Decisions, decisions, are we going away or not? Is our level changing with this Covid-19? No change even though the Virus had got into Christchurch, so we were away Friday morning, yippee! Oh, what if the West Coast does not welcome us? No problem there as sub-committee members assured them we would wear masks and practise social distancing to anybody who was worried.
After meeting at the Yaldhurst Pub car park, getting our lovely window sticker, and handing in our entry and Indemnity form we got on the road to Springfield to collect some more members, then off to Flock Hill for a lovely morning tea organised for us. After an enjoyable drive to the Recreation Hotel in Greymouth, we all settled in to our rooms. Richard and Sue last to arrive as a few Ks down the road from home and oops, a tow home and select another car and get on the road again. Friday night the Hot Rod Club put on a BBQ at their clubrooms for us, very welcoming members and a great food selection including dessert. Muzz on the BBQ grill but the rest of the Lotus Club not allowed to do anything. The club decided to give a donation to their rebuilding fund in appreciation. |
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Saturday morning we drove to Hokitika to the Westland Industrial Heritage Park, (Rusty Relics). The club visited in 2011 on a very very windy day and some members may remember George was getting out of his lovely yellow Series 4 Lotus 7 and his door flew off and missed hitting any cars. We were made most welcome with a special car parking place and a beautiful home baked morning tea then looked around with good information given by members, the fire engine came out for a ride, a Fergie tractor with a trailer to give a tour of the property and no train running because of Covid-19. The venue has gone ahead so much and is a credit to the members and well worth a visit if ever you go over that way again. The club also gave them a donation in appreciation.
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After lunch in Hokitika members chose to do the treetop walk, the Gorge walk or drive around sightseeing. Peter decided to do the walk so I sat reading with the door open and nearly had a weka in the car, I shut the door and it was back again when I opened it along with a huge sand-fly which bit my hand so no door open again. Members did it quicker than the information said and again another thing that is much improved since our last visit.
Our evening meal was at the Greymouth RSA so some sub-committee members went down and decorated the venue with a black and white theme. Champion balloon blower was Murray. The courtesy van was driven by Helen who was in charge of arrangements and nothing was too much trouble, she was great and collected us from our accommodation which was 4 minutes down the road as it was raining after a lovely sunny day. We had a DJ quietly playing while we ate our buffet meal then prizes for the best costumes. Bev and Graham, George, Grant, Linda, Paul and Rosemary all won prizes of chocolate and wine. Most members joined in with the black and white theme and looked great. The DJ cranked up for dancing and about 6 locals joined in and it was a very enjoyable evening while the rain continued to really pour down, so Helen got us all home when we needed to go. We did not have to pack up all the decorating either which was nice.
Sunday morning some members left to go home and the rest of us went on to Blackball stopping at the Brunner Coal Mine Disaster Memorial site on the way. It was starting to rain when we arrived at the Blackball Pub and they had organised a special menu for us. Everybody enjoyed their choices while we watched the rain fall. A local paper wanted some info about the Lotus invasion and we made it to the news. Leaving the pouring rain some more members started for home or elsewhere and the rest arrived at the Pike River memorial in blazing sun. A very well presented memorial and very sad reading. I had noticed they had added the list to the Brunner Coal mine Disaster memorial as well. Back to Greymouth and sat in the car for 5 minutes outside our room waiting for the rain to ease so we could get inside. We had a lovely meal in the Recreation Hotel dining room that night.
Monday morning some members left very early to get through Arthurs Pass which was closing at 10am for rock work. We decided to return through Lewis Pass and the traffic was very light our side of the road. This was a very enjoyable TransAlpine and thanks to all the members who made it so much fun with lots of laughs and good fellowship. I did not hear of any serious contenders for the piston broke trophy but others may have ideas, you may well be an entry Richard.
Our Recreation Hotel was clean and good beds and those of us who took our own breakfast found out on Saturday night that we would find toasters in the laundry room over the way. It pays to talk to the cleaning staff. One member did use one and set off the smoke alarm!
Julia Flewellen, on behalf of the TransAlpine sub-committee
Monday morning some members left very early to get through Arthurs Pass which was closing at 10am for rock work. We decided to return through Lewis Pass and the traffic was very light our side of the road. This was a very enjoyable TransAlpine and thanks to all the members who made it so much fun with lots of laughs and good fellowship. I did not hear of any serious contenders for the piston broke trophy but others may have ideas, you may well be an entry Richard.
Our Recreation Hotel was clean and good beds and those of us who took our own breakfast found out on Saturday night that we would find toasters in the laundry room over the way. It pays to talk to the cleaning staff. One member did use one and set off the smoke alarm!
Julia Flewellen, on behalf of the TransAlpine sub-committee
