Oh What a Weekend!
Brad and Bernadette Aitken have “done it again” – Well planned drive, perfect accommodation, exceptional venues, certainly a drivers delight in our Italian made vehicles, all the way to Armidale and back!
Our initial rendezvous was Windsor, a great drive along the Putty Rd (the delight began)stopping at the Grey Gum International Cafe. Soon after, we were back on the road, bound for the James Estate winery in Pokolbin. After an excellent lunch & wine tasting, we were off once again and bound for Gloucester. Our Friday night meal at the Fox Den Cafe was shared in the great company of members!
Saturday morning saw us depart in convoy bound for Carson’s Lookout, where homemade cakes were shared to the accompaniment of member Vito Mazzotta playing the “squeeze box” – assisted digestion!
Onward to Walcha – where a warm coffee (after visiting the township) was most welcomed. From there we saddled up and made our way to Uralla where we had many lunch options including the Thunderbolt Pub! Our final leg of the Saturday tour, saw us in Armidale, where we had a meal at the New England Hotel, followed by our accommodation at the Moore Park Inn, where a few light refreshments were enjoyed near a roaring log fire, in the piano lounge, that same afternoon!
Sunday morning saw our cars displayed at the Armidale Farmer’s Market, attracting a great deal of interest. many members took this opportunity to purchase local produce and also took a “Historic Walk” through Armidale – what a lovely town! We then made out way to Peterson’s guest house for brunch – another very classy venue. Brunch was concluded with a wine tasting session.
After Peterson’s we made our way to Apsley Falls, a natural waterway and a “waterfall” that reminded many of us of the Daintree, within The Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
Next, was the most memorable drive thus far, at any IMSMC event – Apsley Falls to Port Macquarie via the Oxley Highway – 84km of perfect roads, 50+ Km of the windiest, smooth, clearly visible, 100% correctly cambered roads in the country! Certainly the talk of the remainder of the weekend.
Port Macquarie marking our final night’s stay – but not without another gathering for dinner within the Rydges Hotel.Monday morning saw a number of scattered departures (some earlier than others)... another 400+Km of driving our Italian Machines.
What a weekend – the greatest highlight, of course, was the company – reinforcing our social nature. Well done everyone and again, Thankyou to Brad and Bernadette Aitken for your expertly executed event.
