A beautiful autumn day was promised and it eventually delivered after the morning fog slowly burnt away. Driving roofless down to Poowong under over-hanging trees one could have been excused for thinking it was raining as the leaves shed the water droplets they?d collected overnight. However, by the time we reached the morning tea destination of Loch, the skies had cleared and sun-screen was the order of the day.
An eclectic group of about 15 cars assembled for a 9am departure from the Warragul Showgrounds where they received their route instructions from Ray and set off at their own pace. Ray then took the more direct route to Philip Island, cutting through Drouin South, Ripplebrook and Lang Lang, so as he could be there to open gates and organise parking for our group on the green grass when they arrived at the Visitor Centre on Churchill Island.
After enjoying muffins and a drink in Loch, the disjointed convoy made their way up the hill past the Cape Horn Lookout and on towards Krowera. The green rolling hills of South Gippsland made a picturesque backdrop as the drivers wound their way south towards the coast, passing through the interesting little Hamlet of Archies Creek before joining the Bass highway at Dalyston. From there it was simply follow the traffic through Kilcunda to the Philip Island turnoff at Anderson, then on to San Remo and over the bridge. Once on the Island it?s not far to the Churchill Island turnoff which takes you across a low, single lane bridge before turning into a gravel road for the last kilometre to the Visitor Centre.
Several members made their own way to Churchill Island, so our numbers ultimately reached 22 cars ? they looked good all lined up with Western Port Bay as a backdrop. Thanks to Ray for organising the run and persuading whomever it was who let us park on the grass. The picnic tables with shade umbrellas were put to good use over lunch and people were free to spend the afternoon at their leisure.
Pictures by Steve S and Kat Marmara-Stewart.
COMMENTS:
Allan Richards – “What a great day for topless motoring, after a Sunday morning commitment we decided to roll the midget out of the garage and head down to join the group. As we arrived we saw a few members already heading home. We arrived at Churchill Island approximately 1.00 pm and parked in the spot vacated by Steve’s Sprite as if “Midg” recognised the spot having been marked by her older sibling. We spent the remainder of the day with John and Marlene Moss, watching the last few laps of racing from outside the fence over looking Siberia. After enjoying a very nice ice cream in Cowes we also journeyed home.”
What a great day for topless motoring, after a Sunday morning commitment we decided to roll the midget out of the garage and head down to join the group. As we arrived we saw a few members already heading home. We arrived at Churchill Island approximately 1.00 pm and parked in the spot vacated by Steve’s Sprite as if “Midg” recognised the spot having been marked by her older sibling. We spent the remainder of the day with John and Marlene Moss, watching the last few laps of racing from outside the fence over looking Siberia. After enjoying a very nice ice cream in Cowes we also journeyed home.