|
|---|
|
A few of us travelled as far as Swansea on
our way to the Triabunna Rally, we were the guests of Peter & Veronica
who placed us on an area which gave beautiful views over Swansea and the
Hazards looking towards Coles Bay. The days were mainly sunny though there
was a bitter cold southerly which remained with us for our stay. Of course
we were to make the mandatory visit into the village and made a few purchases,
not to mention the mandatory happy hour. |
 |
 |
 |
Our
camp at Swansea Wednesday and Thursday night |
||
|
When we pushed on Friday morning it was raining
and very cold as drove into a head wind heading for our Rally at Triabunna.
It was a damp morning when we arrived with some concern with the area
we were to park. On inspection with our host's Peter & Marlene we
all trundled in and set up, it didn't take long for a few to find the
bar and enjoy a few beers by the very warm fire in the hotel. |
 |
 |
 |
Early happy
hour |
Christmas
decoration shop |
Marlene
rugged up outside shop |
|
A few of the brave hearts went on a tour
around the village along with Marlene braving the elements. They explored
the specialty shops and arrived back looking forward to happy hour which
was held in the lounge of the Hotel again by the fire. President Graeme welcomed all and announced the birthdays and anniversary's which met with loud applause, on a more sombre note we were to hear an update on Denise's battle with cancer and the members were unanimous that the chapter send her a sheath of flowers and best wishes on behalf of all chapter members and hopefully a speedy recovery. |
 |
 |
| Pleasure and fishing boats alongside jetty Triabunna | |
|
In the early hours
of Saturday morning we experienced non stop rain pelting down on our roofs,
somewhat soothing, though luckily it did not turn the paddock into a quagmire
due to the ground being so dry for such a long period. Triabunna still has
level three water restrictions thus the whole area though on flat land is
extremely dry. We were all out and about early and then gathered as a group at 9:30am. Peter & Marlene were to take us walkabout through Triabunna onto the Ambulance station first and then the the Fire Station and finally to the Bakery for lunch. We were all rugged up due to the cold southerly wind, though the rain had disappeared. Once inside the Ambulance station we were able to take off our coats. We were then given a very informative session on the role of the Triabunna Ambulance Service and the large district they have responsibility for. We were all enthralled by the Ambulance Superintendent, Philip, who has served as a volunteer for in excess of thirty six years. Philip readily answered any questions we had and then the rest of the ambulance crew supplied us with a beautiful morning tea, what a spread. It sure shows that country cooking is the best, a special thank you to the ladies. Then we were to shown the two ambulances located at the station and the equipment they carry to assist people requiring assistance either roadside or in the home. The ambulance officers then offered to take the blood pressure of any person wishing to do so, and everyone elected to do so only one Member having a higher than normal blood pressure. President Graeme thanked Philip for a most informative session and especially for the wonderful morning tea. |
 |
 |
 |
Getting
ready to go walkabout |
Volunteer
Ambulance Triabunna |
Addressing
Island Wanderers |
|
Then like browns cows we proceeded to the
Fire Station. We were met on arrival by the station officers and then
given an outline of responsibilities the station has and the large area that
they cover in the South East of Tasmania. We were to hear; that unlike other
areas of Tasmania this station has responsibility for areas normally covered
by S.E.S. After questions we were then shown the various appliances and the
equipment used in road accidents and fire situations. One of the officers
has been a volunteer for 36 years and the Fire Chief Ian 31 years such is
their dedication. It was with great pride they indicated they have junior
firefighter trainees and well as seasoned firemen. All in all it was a very informative session and Jim on behalf of the chapter members thanked them for a wonderful presentation and tour of the station. Many of us then wandered up to the local bakery and were amazed at the wonderful range of delights, so much so, we sort of pigged out on fresh pastries and cakes washed down by huge cups of coffee. An excellent lunch. |
 |
 |
 |
Fire Brigade
Officers |
Members
checking appliances |
Enjoying
lunch at the Bakery |
Many of
us spent a quiet afternoon looking at the alterations to the port and
the flash pleasure boats that abound, others had a quiet snooze before
our happy hour began in the hotel lounge by the huge wood fire. It was decided to make a donation to both the Ambulance and Fire Brigade as our way of thanking them for the wonderful response to our Chapter members. President Graeme thanked both Peter & Marlene for the wonderful weekend and the work they had put in to make the Rally a success. The hotel proprietor donated a bottle of nice red wine as a lucky seat prize, he made it a fun affair by first stating that everyone would be given a ticket and then when the expectation of tickets being passed out was at a pitch he then informed us we should all stand and look under our table mat for one had been marked "Winner". The lucky persons was Bob & Carol, from Bobbybago and he shared the bottle around to those who drank red wine. At six we all ordered an evening meal, separately of course, which was enjoyed with no complaints, some even found room for sweets such as Sticky date and Brandy Schnapps. It was a pleasant evening with the football commencing on the television after our meal. The bulk of us remained to watch the game between Geelong and Sydney and take in the ambiance of the fire and each others company. Others headed for bed content with the wonderful day organised by Peter & Marlene. |
 |
 |
 |
Wandering
around the Port |
Enjoying
the after dinner chat |
By the
fire watching football |
Wouldn't
you know it, Sunday morning we awoke to a brilliant sunny morning with
little breeze, so there was no hurry by anyone to depart for home or
other destinations. Walking again was the norm this morning for the port appears to change from day to day and the water and boats looked wonderful in the brilliant sunshine this morning. We we then advised that the local Lions Club was conducting a Market so we all went and inspected the goods for sale with purchases of vegetables, books, cakes, new clothes, video's and well as jewellery and other bric a brac being made. We all bought tickets in the chocolate wheel and Graeme and Irene were the lucky winners. They won a chicken and a bottle of wine. We eventually wandered back to our motorhomes and said our farewells, thanking Peter and Marlene again for a wonderful Rally. Then a few elected to stay a further night and others heading for home or staying overnight further up the coast. We meet again for our next Rally in September at Swansea where our hosts Peter & Veronica no doubt will make us welcome. |
| May | August |
October |
November | December | ||||||||
To view
Rally Happenings of previous month/s click on month of choice |
||||||||||||
 |