TRIP REPORTS
Monday 22 nd April - Day 4
For some, today was pack up. Others were staying on a
few more days. It was a relaxed and easy start.
Today we were heading to the Rheola Easter Carnival,
the 149 th actually, some 30km away. The plan was for
those returning home to head off from the carnival
when they felt like it. Those staying on would return to
Moonambel when they had had enough.
We arrived at Rheola at 11:30. Small town but people
had come from near & far. The car parks were packed
and there were people everywhere.
The Rheola Easter Carnival has been going for 149 years
and supports local hospitals and charities. What an
event. Wood chopping, “V8” chainsaw events, sheep
dog trials, show jumping, sheaf tossing, egg throwing,
foot races, classic cars, stationary engines and of course
the vintage tractor pull (pre 1954). Add the quilting and
some food and drink, there was something for
everyone. Ron should have just brought a chair and
would have been quite happy just watching the tractor
pull all day ! Awesome !
There was so much to see and take in. Real country
entertainment at its best.
But people had to head home and they did so at
different times throughout the afternoon. Likewise,
some that did not have to be back at work at 9:00 in the
morning, were able to sojourn back to Moonambel to
continue the fivesees tradition.
It had been a great day.
Carol Reed (963)
Finally, here’s a wrap up of the trip from Terry
Barbie
Friday - arrived Moonambel Recreation Reserve just a
couple of minute drive outside the town centre. The
site has excellent shower and toilet facilities. After
setting up camp Ron took us on a quick afternoon drive
to get our bearings.
Saturday was a full day's drive through the St Arnaud
Range. Great views of large areas of flat farmland, with
mountain ranges in the distance providing nice vistas. A
shredded alternator belt later in the day shortened the
trip, though thankfully the driving to that point provided
a mix of easy and black trails that kept the driving
interesting and skills tested. Back to Moonambel
Recreation reserve for fivesees.
Sunday was sleep-in day. At midday we arrived at the
Moonambel Olive Tree farm for a tour by the owners
and purchases of delicious Kalamata olives and olive oil.
A voluntary navigation run provided some afternoon
fun, combining navigation points with landmarks to find
and record while discovering some of the active and
abandoned gold mining operations
Monday was a visit to the Rheola Easter Carnival for
tractor pulling, wood chopping, sheep dog trials,
equestrian events, vintage and rare cars.
A great trip & thanks to Ron and Carol for leading and
organising a pleasant Easter break.
Thanks again – Terry Barbie (1906)