Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Langhorne Creek Run

Our QCar run on October 19 was organised by Hillary. It was great day out. We had a tour of Bleasdale winery and learnt all about the history of the family that established the enterprise. A rain shower forced us from enjoying a picnic at the local park so we were taken off to Hillary’s relative’s place where we dined in their backyard. They too, the Cleggets, are vignerons and wine makers so we were able to sample their ‘brews’ while having our lunch.

A big thanks to Hillary for preparing the talk and the tour. Great stuff!



Hillary being histrionic, meanwhile Tricia keeps tabs on the speech and flowers.(sorry that should read 'historic')



The old disused cellar beneath Bleasdale Winery at Langhorne Creek.



"The cellars, constructed from red gum and limestone, house the old red gum vats and some of the equipment used by previous generations. The splendid red gum lever press, hand-sawn in the 1890's, is well worth a look. Built in 1892, the Press is still used today. The lever weighs 3.5 tons, its 15 metres long and stands 7 metres high. Today's winery has the latest technology but still maintains the family traditions - the Pott's philosophy of producing honest, consistent, reliable wines, which are receiving accolades throughout the world." From the Bleasdale website.





One of the fortified barrels at Bleasdale.

Bay to Birdwood

On September 28 QCAr spent the morning by the side of North East Road eyeing off a two hour procession of vintage and veteran cars – the biennial Bay to Birdwood Run. Clinton and Brenton had organised a barbecue (complete with gluten free sausages) to eat while we watched the cars go by. I had great fun taking photos and took lots and lots.



This little fella just wanted to have his photo taken with his beloved Melbourne Bitter. Who was I to refuse?



No-one wants their photo taken. David looking away, Sandy hiding behind her hand, Michelle looking dead ahead, Brenton trying to look interested in the cars, Julie oblivious to it all ensuring the lamp-post doesn't fall down and Robyn wondering if she's in the shot.



Malcolm took part in the Bay To Birdwood for the first time in his newly restored 1948 Wolseley.



Malcolm with his sister.



Datsun Fairlady.



35 Chevy - it says so on the number plate.



Umm . . . old cars . . .

Port Broughton Weekend Away

On September 19-21 QCar went to Port Broughton for a weekend. We stayed in nice cabins at the Port Broughton Caravan Park, on the foreshore of the town. On the Saturday we drove inland and visited a few towns, the highlight being a visit to Melrose and the North Star Hotel and the cellar door which operates from there. They make a good sparkly red.

That evening we visited Robyn and Julie’s shack just up the road from Port Broughton (they organised the trip away). We got there just in time to watch the sun go down. And unfortunately also just in time for the mosquito horde to descend. That night we dined at Palate to Palette in Port Broughton’s main street.

On the Sunday we visited Port Germein and Wallaroo. We took a drive along the beach at Wallaroo and went for a walk down to one of the most unique houses/shacks around. The shack is 100m from the shore on a spit of rocks in the main bay of the town and is surrounded by public land and beach. A colony of shags seem to reside a few metres from the shack’s front door.

We had lunch at the new pub, restaurant, apartment and docking facility next at the new canal estate in Wallaroo. We saw the new ferry too, that takes cars across the gulf saving drivers 400km off their trip.

Lunch was great and as it was a beautiful day.

A big thanks to Robyn and Julie for organising the weekend.

(To see the pictures at a bigger size click on them)



In one of Robyn's photos I'm bending over next to the lighthouse at Port Germein. This is what i was taking a photo of.



The 'Broome Pearl' shed at Port Germein.



The stools in the new pub/restuarant at Wallaroo where we had lunch on the Sunday.



The old lighthouse at Port Germein.



David and Hillary and Lucy in Laura.



The group.



The footpath meeting at Laura.



Rod, Laura.



The pine tree canopy at the little historic spot we stopped at.



Tarmac meeting, Laura.



Julie through the sunroof.



On the beach at Wallaroo.



Carl using the cam.



Up to no good. Brenton and Clinton.

Port Broughton - Liz's Pics



Robyn, Julie and Rod



Carl and Julie



Hillary comtemplating the view