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Just three cars, carrying Geoff and Tony, the Ransons, and Jim Dickenson, left the Automobile Museum car park in Launceston on a cool but sunny morning. Just east of Deloraine, we picked up the Swans, the Holmes, and friends of the Holmes in their 4WD. A few kilometres west, we collected the Reynolds, and carried on uneventfully to Latrobe where we were to have a picnic lunch on Bells Parade beside the river.

Here, things didn't quite go according to plan, when the lead driver's memory failed him, and he led the convoy way past the entrance to the car park. After a hasty about-face, we found the entrance and were soon setting up our picnic. We were quickly joined by the Grahams and the Brooks (with the Jacobs as passengers), as well as Howard Smith, and Ken Vayne.

In sunny but now windy conditions, we partook of a pleasant picnic lunch in a nearby shelter, and chatted amicably amongst ourselves. Outgoing Northern Chairman Geoff Henry took advantage of the gathering to hand over his position and NC badge to Jim Dickenson, who briefly addressed the throng.

After lunch we 'elected' Howard Brooks as our leader (because of his local knowledge) and headed off in convoy towards Wilmot. Our route took us on some wonderful driver's roads (including a Targa stage), and one could be forgiven for thinking we had become lost! However, our leader pressed on, confident in his role. Evidence of the recent destructive winds in the area was everywhere, as we passed numerous uprooted trees and debris on the roadsides.

Almost exactly at the estimated time we arrived at Wilmot Hills and entered the winery gates, parking among the trees. Here we were met by our hosts John and Ruth Cole, and also Chris and Maryanne King, who had arrived from a bushwalk in the Queenstown area. The winery is a small affair, run solely by Ruth and John, with Ruth making her fabulous fruit wines from raspberries etc. grown on the property, and John overseeing the cider-making from their own traditional cider apples. Very soon most of us were lining up for a taste of the Coles' wares, with many members opting to buy a bottle or two. The raspberry wine proved particularly popular, and would be a very tasty addition to a dessert.

All too soon it was time to take our leave and head for our respective homes. Some elected to head directly north and the highway, while a few of us headed further south and stopped at Wilmot for coffee and scones. From here your scribes headed even further south to Moina, before turning towards Sheffield and heading home.

Another great day, with some excellent driving, good company, and interesting places. It was great to see Howard and Barbara Brooks, and Barry and Jenny Jacobs at the event; Howard in particular has not been well, and really enjoyed himself on this run. He has been a member for over 35 years.

  - Geoff and Tony



You can find pictures from this event in the Galleries.

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