Canberra Chapter run to the President's Picnic

30 September 2024 / Story: Norm Barker, Photos: Norm Barker, Rob Wilko, Rod Nicholas

A small group (5 cars with one to join at the picnic) set off from Maccas at the Show Ground at 8:30 on the Friday morning. The weather was cool and windy and the drive on the Federal Highway was easy with little traffic. Lake George, now full, looked wonderful after years of being desolate paddocks. As we joined the Hume Highway, we picked up a little more traffic and turned off into Goulburn. We took the back road around the city, past the old railway station and across the highway towards Taralga. Arriving in Taralga we stopped for coffee but the “Grand Ettie” Café was no more, so we had coffee from the general store.

Once we had refreshed with coffee, tea and snacks we headed off to Oberon. This road is a quiet one and takes a meandering route through quite varied countryside. Scenery was photogenic but once on the road in our cars no one (except for a couple of passengers) wants to stop. Couldn’t have wished for better conditions and we all enjoyed the run.

On arrival in Oberon, we parked in a side street and walked around the corner to a café for lunch. Once everyone was fed we stretched our legs and walked the main street.

Leaving Oberon, we took the Duckmaloi Rd to Jenolan Caves Rd and on to Hartley. The scenery through this road was beautiful and we had a near clear run, on to Mt Victoria and across to Bell. Not long after Bell we picked up some traffic which increased in intensity all the way to Richmond. We booked into our Motel for the evening (Richmond Colonial). Once we settled into our rooms, drivers took the opportunity to wash the insects off the cars before a rest and a walk around town and a refreshing ale at the Royal Hotel. At 6:30 we all met and made our way to the Barrels and Ashes restaurant for dinner which was excellent, then back to the motel and a good night’s sleep.

An early start was not necessary as our volunteers were not required early. What a picturesque site it is and the little church looks like it has come straight out of a painting. Of course, the attraction of the day was the cars with the NCs and NDs dominating. The 250 people admired the cars and had a very nice lunch, after which presentations were made for the show and shine. One of our group, Rod, even won best ND. He was pretty stoked. The weather was cloudless and mild for the time of year and everyone had a fantastic day. Our little group made its way home via the Old Northern Road and onto the Hume Highway less Norm and Roz as they stayed in Sydney to visit relatives. We will spread the word in the Canberra Chapter for next year. Thanks to all the organisers of the day for a great picnic and event.