After a frustrating drive over the Sidling behind a couple of 'gypsies', we arrived at the Lookout for morning tea, where Leon and Heather Ranson were waiting. The Ransons were our 'hosts' for the day, and had plenty of information on what to see and do in Scottsdale. It was still cold and frosty, but as clear as a bell, and the view was wonderful. The line-up of Jags in the car park attracted the attention of a group of caravans which seemed to be travelling together. They stopped in a line on the side of the highway, and the occupants came over to see the view and inspect the cars. Unfortunately, Tony's camera had a meltdown after taking a single picture, and as a result there are no other pictures available from this event.
After partaking of cups of tea and lots of delightful 'nibbles' our convoy set off for the remainder of the run to Scottsdale. Here we were given about two hours to visit whichever craft venues we wished to see, and have a bite of lunch, before meeting up again for the drive to Jetsonville. Unfortunately Warrick and Betty Holmes had to leave us in Scottsdale and head home for farm chores, but the newly-acquired Series III E-Type Roadster certainly looked a picture in the sun.
On arriving at 'Oakdene', the Open Garden at Jetsonville, we proceeded to take up most of the car park (and part of the front paddock!) We were then allowed to wander at will around the garden and inspect the fantastic collections of memorabilia, including clothes, tools, farm implements - even film projectors! The owners of Oakdene were very informative hosts, and delighted in telling us the background and details of their collections.
Leon Ranson then rounded us up to drive the short distance (across the road) to the workshop of Max Hodgetts where afternoon tea was set up for us. Unfortunately, several navigators mistook their lefts and rights, and headed off in the wrong direction for several kilometres, with one of the cars carrying the remains of Tony's birthday cake (supplied by Betty Holmes), causing great consternation!! Luckily, they realised their error, and returned - with cake intact - to join us. Max is a skilled woodworker, and his spotless workshop had to be seen to be believed. He demonstrated creating a tiny model rabbit using a miniature fretsaw, and we crowded around in wonder as the three-dimensional animal emerged from a pine offcut. Max also showed us his collection of knick-knacks and tools of yesteryear ("Who knows what this is used for?") We gazed in awe at his animal puzzles and miniature furniture, in all kinds of wood. He also had us flummoxed trying to discover the means by which a particular puzzle was constructed, and no amount of bribing would convince Max's wife Janice to part with his secret.
We were all so enthralled by his work that it was getting on for 4:30 in the afternoon by the time we said our goodbyes and headed for home. Those member who couldn't join us on this run missed a fascinating day out, and we must thank Heather and Leon Ranson for organising the event.
- Geoff and Tony.