Initially overcast skies greeted the 24 members who congregated outside Middel?s Restaurant in Drouin to commence the Drouin to Woori Yallock run. While some members chose to kick start with a coffee in Middel?s, others gathered to have a quick catch up before commencing the run. As usual with GSCCR club runs, there was quite a range of marques represented, ranging from Mercedes, Porsches, Honda, Jaguar, Holden, MG?s, Mazda, Mustang and Hyundai. The sheet of directions handed out to the navigators instructed them to head south towards Ripplebrook and then head westward through Modella, Cora Lynn, Catani and then cross the Princes Highway at Pakenham. The run then headed north through Upper Beaconsfield onto Emerald, where drivers stopped for a quick comfort break and regrouped before proceeding to Woori Yallock via Macclesfield and Seville. The aim of the mapped route was to give members a variety of straight and winding roads as well as a number of roads that members may have not have traveled before. Judging from the feedback, I believe that objective was achieved.
About 30 minutes into the run the skies cleared and it turned into a perfect sunny spring day for touring our wonderful countryside. For those members driving their convertibles, the air was a bit bracing going through the shaded forest areas, but in the true spirit of our pioneering car enthusiasts we braved the elements – unlike those cocooned in their tin-tops!!!.
Upon reaching our destination at the Woori Yallock Hotel we discovered a hidden gem behind the inconspicuous fa?ade. Once inside we were blessed with a panoramic view of the Yarra Valley looking toward Warburton. The menu offered an excellent selection of meals at a reasonable price and judging from the general comments by those GSCCR members attending, there was nothing but praise for the quality of the meals, service and price. Many indicated that they would note this venue as a return destination.
After completing their lunch, drivers and their partners dispersed out into the glorious spring sunshine to make their way home. I must thank Kevin Riley for nominating the route and destination venue.
Phil Barnard
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