John really excelled himself in planning the November Mid-Week Run ? a perfect day (great for convertibles) some of the best roads in Gippsland, a wonderful collection of cars, and above all, great people all raring to go on a drive together.
Following our coffee get-together at the Darnum Stump, seventeen cars set out, following John and Jan?s Jaguar along East-West Road to the Nilma-Bona Vista Road. After recent rains the countryside was at its very best with lush greenery as far as the eye could see.
We joined the Bona Vista Road which led us to Gainsborough Road and then on to Hazeldene Road. The convoy was now stretched out and some catch ups were called for.
Passing through more lush dairying country we soon reached the Korumburra-Warragul Road carrying more traffic, and headed south.
Not wanting to visit Korumburra, we soon turned left onto the Warragul-Leongatha Road and headed toward what must be one of the best roads in Victoria (the World?) ? the Grand Ridge Road.
The road sign said ?Seaview? so we anticipated views of the sea from our elevated position on the Grand Ridge Road. Not so. Instead we saw the most impressive landscape of lush green rolling hills dotted with grazing cattle and the occasional farmhouse. Our journey also took us through some magnificent shady forests.
The road is a mecca for sporting cars and we enjoyed winding and twisting our way in pursuit of John and Jan. We also passed several motorcycles out to enjoy such a lovely day.
All too soon we reached the Strzelecki Highway and turned left towards Mirboo North, soon arriving at the hotel in the main street. Here we were joined by some others who had made their way directly to the lunch venue.
The hotel is now under new management. The owners made us very welcome and had prepared an excellent menu with many choices. The food was excellent, backed up by courteous and friendly service. A great venue enjoyed by the thirty four travellers.
Next month we go to the Noojee hotel. We can hardly wait.
Thanks to John and Jan for treating us to a wonderful day out.
Words by Ken Wright, photos by John Fowler and Steve Schmidt
The number of attendees for the meal at Mirboo North was 38.
We also had a couple following the tour only, and another two singles just joined us at the Tearooms for a chat.
Cheers
John Fowler