Our New Years Eve Rally was held at the 5 star Resort at Tarraleah in the Central Highlands of Tasmania, (currently undergoing refurbishment and to open fully in October 2006) as has been the custom and practice of recent times a few members again travelled the day before the Rally with a stopover at the Poatina Mountain Rest Area and others opting for the rear of the Miena Chalet where they had an evening meal.
Those who have stayed at the Mountain Rest Area can attest to the wonderful landscape scenery on display and at night the flickering lights of the many villages, towns and the City of Launceston.
Unfortunately, next morning there was a very heavy fog covering the top of the mountain, therefore we were to miss the sunrise which we hoped to capture. Once on the top of the mountain and heading towards Miena the fog lifted and we were to experience the splendor of the Great Lake and its surrounds.
We decided to go off the Lake Highway and head along 17 Kilometers of gravel road to explore the old Waddamana Power Station which is located nearly in the centre of Tasmania. What an excellent decision for we stepped back in time, back to the early 1900's, In 1912 the Waddamana Power Scheme was commenced. The original power station commenced operation in 1922 and was decommissioned in 1965 with the second part of the station closed in 1995, it is not intended to give the full history here for when you visit you can explore and possibly be as gob smacked as we were looking at the old power plant, old offices and the interior of the station meticulously maintained by Hydro Tasmania, the power station itself is a self guided tour.
Country side from Mountain Rest Area Waddamana Power Station
The documentation is quite extensive and the information very informative, of course it took a special type of worker to handle the very harsh working conditions of the central highlands that is virtually snow bound during the winter months. If you wished to work at the Waddamana construction site it meant you had to walk to the area from areas such as Deloraine some 88 kilometers away from Waddamana. The job advertisements of the time stated that it was a leisurely two day walk to get to the construction site, if you completed the journey you were hired for 8 shillings a week, (80 cents) work all weathers! The office is old and the telephones and old equipment was still in use until the closure in 1995. It is all well maintained and you can easily spend a full day soaking up the history which will hold you in good stead for other more modern power stations you may visit. Well worth the effort!
Early 1900's office Generator with exposed pelton wheel
When arriving at Tarraleah rally site our hosts were on hand to welcome us and offer a hot tea or coffee which is always great, it was good to see so many motorhomes had already arrived and our yellow canopy had been set up for the forthcoming festivities. Our happy hour was the usual happy event with plenty of laughter and good humored shiacking. President Ian spoke of the events planned and our host Peter and Marlene set out the arrangements etc for our Rally.
After our evening meal a few went and searched out the locals in the refurbished Tavern and spent a few hours soaking up the history; others played cards in doors for the weather was cold and windy, being the hardy souls that we are, it did not diminish our fervor for laughter and camaraderie.
It would be remiss of us if we did not mention that Tarraleah is another old Hydro Electricity village that was occupied by workers when the building of the dams and lakes plus the power stations both here and at Tungatinah.
The dams and other electrical generating equipment was installed and operated after world war 2 and it was the European labour that contributed so greatly to ongoing Dam Building and Power Stations this area. There are brass plaques in the village in honour of the polish people who toiled long and hard to ensure that we had sufficient power for industry and home use today. Again, to gain employment these hardy Europeans had to walk from Hobart after leaving their ships that carried them to Australia, a distance of approximately 127 Kilometers
Fountain centre piece of the village Members at the registration desk
Friday morning dawned very blustery and was to remain that way until mid afternoon when it abated, it was then replaced by sunshine and clear blue sky's.
Those that normally walk set about having a good look at the village for there is more to see than can be imagined; from the fountain centre piece to the many walking tracks and for those who fish for trout there are plenty of streams, one of our members was to land a 4.5 kilo trout from the river at the bottom of the gorge.
There was a steady stream of members arriving during the day and we also welcomed four CMCA members from the mainland that dropped in to spend New Years Eve with us.
Many took the leisurely walk to the visit the highland cattle that had been introduced as part of the resort experience, others took the bird life interpretive walk or Quoll walk or down to the water falls there was plenty to see and do.
Others opted for disc bowls or just relaxed and took in the peaceful surroundings.
Fergus & Hamish Highland Cattle One of the many waterfalls on the walking track
At our happy hour we were fortunate to have one of the principle owners, Valdon, discuss with us the company's future aspirations for the resort, there will be 3.5, 4, and 5 star accommodation available in units, houses and the Chalet. Valdon outlined the many features being developed such as animal enclosures and children's play area along with bush cooking displays and the walking tracks such as the Quoll walk, Eagle track, highland cattle enclosure, Golf course along with a frisbee golf course and a Helicopter pad for emergency health problems that may arise. Every part of the complex is to be based on a quality tourist experience for all. There has been a new tavern built (which a few of us have sampled) and total refurbishment of the village is underway with completion and official opening scheduled for October 2006. The Motorhome and Caravan park is well laid out with the best toilet and shower facilities we have experienced to date.
Members were to ask many questions with Valdon requesting feed back on what changes could be implemented to make it a more comfortable destination for Motorhomer's. To date the ablutions block was built around suggestions made by members of this Chapter with the company only to willing to make those suggested changes. Valdon was thanked for a most informative talk then President Ian then outlined the evenings entertainment.
Valdon outlining the vision of the Resort Another wonderful happy hour
After our happy hour or so we adjourned to the Tavern for a lovely meal of Lasagne and salad at a most reasonable cost, a wonderful meal and if this the quality of the food to be available it will be a real dining experience on the full opening of the complex. The chef is from Dubai where he was in charge of three hundred chef's, yes, we thought the same, why would he come here? apparently he is taken with the Resorts concept that he has opted to take on this role and be part of Resort's establishment.
After our meal there was a workshop held for members where a demonstration was given on the how the web site was operated and established and the ongoing upgrading and new features, in fact a few members have been involved in putting together this web page together for the benefit of all, after the workshop a few opted to go and sit by the fire at the Presidents motorhome and chew the fat while others opted for an early night or watching television.
Enjoying a meal in the Tavern Gathered around the fire on dusk

Saturday the 31st of December 2005 the last day of the year and we fondly remember those Chapter members that passed away during the year thus unable to join us in these festivities. The morning was overcast and raining though it cleared away mid morning.
The disc bowls competition was underway by 11am and all three links were in use, which was good to see given the competitions coming up at the Combined Chapters Rally in February. A few ventured out to the Frisbee Golf course for a game and in keeping with Golf the Frisbee's were going everywhere other than at the intended flag pole. It was good to hear the laughter and the casual way that members and visitors were enjoying themselves.
Three rink Disc Bowls Frisbee Golf participants
During the afternoon many opted again to just relax while others went off to explore the surrounding areas, there is certainly plenty to do and see. It had been decided that we would all come together this evening under our yellow canopy and use the chapters barbecue to cook and eat our meal together as one, thus out came the tables and chairs and soon there were four rows set out.
Several of our ladies generously indicated they would make desert for all, and what a pleasant surprise; golden syrup dumplings, fruit salad, apple crumble, plum crumble and a beautiful sticky date pudding with plenty of custard.
Pre dinner drinks
Settling in for the meal
Satisfied diners
Given the time factor for the creation of these delicious sweets it was real credit to the ladies and certainly their skills in this area was unbelievable. There were seconds, thirds and even a fourth helping the ladies had produced such a quantity of delightful treats. A rousing acclamation for their efforts was given, ringing out across the park, other ladies opting to wash the many pots, bowls and other cooking equipment, what a beautiful community spirited effort by Chapter Members once again.
Eating under the yellow canopy
Desert awaiting serving
Margaret serving her famous golden syrup dumplings

The firepots were blazing away and after our meal we gathered around the fire, some opting for tea and coffee and there was much talk of the excellent deserts that had been served up. The rain then started and we adjourned to the verandah of the Tavern where the management had set up an outside gas fire for our comfort, there was a karaoke machine in operation and goodness there so many out of tune singing that it bought much laughter.
Unfortunately, not all members awaited the midnight hour and went off to bed early, those that stayed hopped into the spirit of the moment wearing strange hats and florescent rings and other strange contraptions.
The hour finally arrived and the lone piper piped in the new year amidst the poppers, sparklers and the singing of many songs, there was much merriment by those that were able to stay to welcome in the new year. The rain was to fall heavy way until dawn the next morning when it slowed to slight rain, which made the ground wet, though it did not matter given that we were parked on grass which had a solid base. It has been many years since the Chapter has celebrated New Year in dry conditions.
Sunday, the first day of 2006 greeted us all with light consistent rain which tapered off during the afternoon though the temperature was to remain low all day with fog and no sun.
Most opted to have good old sleep in this morning and others started the fire pots around our yellow canopy at ten o'clock we were fortunate enough to have Phil Jones from Canberra offer digital photography sessions which was very informative. It was obvious that we all leant a few pointers that should improve our future photo endeavors. The bulk of the participants had digital camera's with a few coming along to ensure when they buy their first digital camera's they select what is right for them.
Phil's workshop on Digital Camera's Coralie's Workshop on editing preparation of Photo's for printing
The session was to go longer than anticipated due to the desire by all to learn as much as possible. Coralie Walker also from Canberra was to offer advice on cropping and editing your photo's, some corrections to photo faults, placing text into photo's and preparing photo's for printing. It was decided to split the numbers equally so all could have the opportunity to be part of both sessions.
It was so informative, therefore it was decided to resume at 2pm in the afternoon with Phil continuing on the technical issues associated with photography and others joining Coralie for her session. It is interesting to note that Phil is a TAFE Teacher and Coralie a High School Teacher in Canberra.
At the completion of both workshops it was agreed by all that both sessions and sections by Phil and Coralie was indeed excellent and both were thanked for their patience and the passing on of their skills.
Our last happy hour together was full of merriment given the terrible weather that we were experiencing. The only element missing was snow, given all the announcements our host Peter thought he had kept silent the fact that the yesterday was his 70th birthday.
After much shiacking Marlene bought out a special birthday cake that was shared around members and the Scottish bag pipes gave a very good rendition of happy birthday.
After happy hour most adjourned to the warmth of their Motorhomes with just four hardy members gathering around the fire pots for warmth. A few of us were to go to the warmth of the Tavern for our evening meal others opting to cook in and watch the evening movie. In all it has been a very cold miserable day though there has been plenty to occupy us all and take our minds off the weather.
Peter cutting birthday cake for his 70th Section of 32 plus Motorhome who attended New Years Eve
Monday dawned cold with showery conditions though most opted to stay for lunch before departing our Rally which other than the cold has been very entertaining and worth the effort of course this was due to the fine work put into the Rally programme by our Host Peter & Marlene.
We have said our good bye's and safe travelling to our mainland guests with many indicating that they would be attending our next Rally at Tamar Ridge Vineyard, they were to indicate that they were impressed with the friendliness and camaraderie that exists in the Chapter.
So it was sad to dismantle our Yellow Canopy, pack the gear away in the Chapter trailer and as is the custom say our final fare well's to each other vowing to meet at our next rally.

 

New Year
January
February
March
April
June
July
August
September
October
November
 December
To view Rally Happenings of previous month/s click on month of choice


 



Should you wish to view previous Rally Happenings for 2004 or 2005 click on appropriate year
Return Home Page