MARYSVILLE OVERNIGHT TRIP, 7th and 8th May.

A small group of club members in four cars met in Yarragon on Sunday morning for the overnight run to Marysville. Phil and Judy Barnard were in their Porsche Boxster, Rod and Brenda Burney in their BMW Z4, Gavan and Judy Budge in their VW Passat, and Stephen and Nuala Hoole in their daughter’s Ford Focus. The last two cars might raise an eyebrow but the Budges chose the Passat over the Lotus because Gavan is recovering from surgery whilst the Hooles drove the Focus due to all their classic cars suffering from one form of malady or another.

The first morning was a familiar drive to Warburton via Neerim South and Powelltown, where we had lunch and a wander around. Then a brief leg to Healesville to the Four Pillars Distillery, where as anticipated it was a ‘full house’. We chose to brave the elements and sit outside where we all tried the ‘gin tasting paddle’. Excellent despite the cold. The final leg took us to Marysville where we all checked in to The Vibe Hotel. The Barnards and Burneys visited Stephenson Falls which by all accounts were spectacular. Later we enjoyed an excellent meal at The Vibe Restaurant before retiring for the night.

The next morning we all had a great buffet breakfast before setting out for Warburton via the wonderfully windy Reefton road. The weather remained showery with sunny spells, but the drive was quite haunting with misty clouds and stark burnt out trees contrasting with new green growth. On arriving at Warburton everyone was ready for a coffee.

The second leg of Day 2 took us to Gembrook where we visited The Motorist Vintage Motor Museum. Although small it is packed with fascinating exhibits. Our host and owner, David, explained the rationale behind the collection and each main feature. One of the most impressive vehicles was an extremely rare 1925 Studebaker built mainly out of brass with timber wheels. Apparently, it is a challenge to drive with only rear drum brakes and weighing in at three tonnes. The museum is well worth a visit and at $5.00 per person extremely good value.

We lunched at Spencer’s Cafe before saying our goodbyes and then following the Barnards from Gembrook to Pakenham where everyone headed home.

Stephen Hoole

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