Blog 11

26th April Cradle Mountain

Set off early on our own, most of the other morganeers stayed in Sheffield. It was a long winding road with lovely scenery. We passed a late model sedan that had run off the treacherous road. Arrived at visitor centre and caught the shuttle bus (complimentary with park fees) to Dove Lake. I circumnavigated the lake.

It was a very picturesque walk. It was supposed to take two hours but we completed it in three hours! we caught the bus back to the ranger station which had an explanation centre attached. Then we walked along the Pencil Pine Falls and Rainforest Walk. I saw a rufus wallaby and lots of crows.

Next we did the Enchanted Forest Walk. There I was privileged to witness a mother wombat coming from her burrow with baby walking beside her. This was the highlight of the whole day. I meet up with Bruce and Ros Callahan on the walk and saw Sue and David Lyons back at the Lodge when I’d finished walking. We finished the day with a meal and drink with the rest of the morganeers at the local pub.

27th April Sheffield to Devonport (Spirit of Tasmania)

We started the day with a photo shoot (morgans) at the motel, which was really an excuse to thank Geoff and Stephanie for all their organization in arranging the tour. It was a laugh really. We were then shouted a coffee at the local bakery before heading off. We went to Ashgrove Cheese Factory, Hellier’s Whiskey Distillery and Betta Cheese Factory or Mersey Valley Cheese. These were all sensational and delicious.

Then we drove on to Penguin for coffee then to Devonport to catch the ferry back to the mainland. I had some red wine and slept like a log.

28th April Melbourne to Rutherglen

Up early at 5.20am for shower in the cabin, dressed and back to our morgan to drive off the boat. We all met up at McDonalds for breakfast and then Geoff piloted us all onto the highway via a very circumlocutious route.

We stopped at Nagambie for coffee by a lovely lake.

Next stop was lunch at , on the Murray River. Drove on to Rutherglen, established our digs before visiting three wineries to sample their wares. We had a scratch BBQ dinner with all the morganeers before saying farewell to another two mogs tomorrow. Another good night was enjoyed by all.

29th April Rutherglen Wineries

I stayed in for the morning to sort out my computer, while Linda went off with Robin to visit three wineries viz, “All Saints”, “Pfeiffer”, “Valhalla” and the “Three Pickled Sisters”.

I thought it to early to sample the wines in the am so I went with Linda in the pm. In the arvo we visited “Morris”, “Mount Prior”, and “All Saints”. What a wonderful relaxing , enjoyable way to pass an afternoon, and all for free, well almost, apart for when I bought a bottle or three. “St Leonards” Winery was shut but only because the owner had passed away and the estate still had to be resolved.

I had a look at Rutherglen township before making sure I hadn’t missed anything at the Information centre, while more wines were available for sampling. I went back to our motel to get ready for our last morgan supper before we all went our separate ways. We all enjoyed a lovely meal and congenial company with lots of wine. I staggered home to the motel and was asleep before my head hit the pillow!

30th April Rutherglen to Tuross Head

Up early to pack and was almost finished before Linda got up. We left at 8.45am for our long drive to Tuross. The weather was simply outstanding, possibly the best day we have had. Linda drove via Wodonga, We just had to stop at Bonegilla near Albury to take a few photos and look at the magnificent lake view.

I can a sure you my photos do not do it justice. Then to Corryong and stopped to take a photo of Jack Riley “The Real Man From Snowy River”, a magnificent horseman.

Then along the Alpine Way, to Threadbo, Cooma and lunched at Jindabyne. We arrived at John and Caroline’s Home by 5pm. Linda drove all the way in a most spectacular fashion. I don’t know how she got us here so well. I closed my eyes for a short while and hey presto we arrived! Noddy felt very special being parked in the garage with two other morgans, sheer bliss. John and Caroline were very welcoming, we enjoyed a delicious meal at the club before having a good laugh and cuppa with port on our return.

1st May Tuross Head to Megalong Valley

Alas the morgans did not breed overnight! What a disappointment. I enjoyed John’s porridge for breakfast. It was so good I had seconds, yum. He took me for a ride in his series 1, 1949 Morgan.

This is an extremely authentic, well loved and maintained edition of our mark. Linda also insisted on having a ride in the series 1, she too was amazed at how great the series 1 was, it was her first ride in a series 1. John and Caroline showed us around their town and all the sites. After fond farewells we left just after lunch.

Linda drove all the way back. She certainly put her foot down but I felt extremely safe because I nodded off to sleep. We covered the distance in 5.5 hours

I had a fantastic mog holiday. All the Australian Morganeers made me most welcome. I would like to thank all the members of MOCA for making it such a wonderful holiday, especially Geoff and Stephanie for their organisation. THANK YOU ALL.

2nd May Back Home at Megalong

A day of catching up. I computed all day and half the night! Linda did 5 loads of washing and putting the gear away, after our great Tassie tour. Linda collapsed by the tele at night and I kept computing. Just another ordinary day really, boring!

3rd May

Linda off for 6.30 am swim at Fairmont Leura, I slept in and we breakfasted together when she got back. I down loaded my blog with lots of photos and flicka. Washed and cleaned Noddy. Finished in time for a nice glass or three of red!