Run Report ....

Canberra (AGM) 21 March 2009 ....

Held at Rydges Eaglehawk Resort, Federal Highwy, Sutton, NSW (just out of the ACT).

Bob Byrnes led the team of five Toranas down the Hume/Federal Highways without incident although the spectre of rain kept them nervous. Like its counterpart, the F3 to the north, the Hume is not the most inspiring drive but lamentably it is one of the essential arteries to wherever we need to go.

On arrival at Eaglehawk Resort (hah!), the members met-up with Mike and Gabby Holland (with 'Garfield'), who were appropriately tooled-up with stubbies and champagne to put a start to the Friday evening in the traditional manner. Fortunately we were all in good humour which helped us immensely with the accommodation.

We got about settling-in during which time James and Natalie joined us and the usual banter was exchanged, particularly who was going to do what to who in the Clipsal 500. We then repaired to the nearby Eaglehawk pub where the service and food quality were far superior than its rustic demeanour would suggest. A pleasant interlude was a visit by members of the ACT/Queanbeyan Torana Club.

Saturday morning saw us congregate after breakfast for a photoshoot before heading-off to our first pit stop of the day at Bungendore. This is an arty-crafty village accustomed to relieving the nation's highest (per capita) earners of their spoils. A very pleasant hour was spent as was the spoils of some of our members. Kevin is said to be grateful to us.

From the treasure chest of Bungendore we enjoyed a clear open road run to the lunch destination of Tarago, which centres around the very quaint 'Loaded Dog' Hotel. The food was as good as reported by ex-Metropolitan Wine and Food Society food mistress, Gabby, and we were again joined by members of the ACT/Queanbeyan Torana Club, Gary Harwood, Bruce Ingram and Laura Larsen to produce a fine roll up of nine Toranas basking in the southern tablelands sun.

A run back to Bungendore via the Mt Fairey route, saw us with clear space to let the Torries breath fresh country air and that is where we parted company with the visitors and continued on our way to one of the approximately 30 wineries scattered around the Canberra area, Lamberts of Wamboin. An elegant establishment with excellent produce. Unfortunately, the wine tasting was a passengers only affair which of course is only fair as the drivers so far had been well catered for with a good time.

Back to the resort and down to the business of the annual general meeting which was quickly despatched with office bearers elected, constitution changes effected and general business dealt with. Now, how's the Clipsal 500 doing and where's the beer?

Saturday evening saw us all again at the Eaglehawk Pub to cap-off a day of good solid eating. Diets start Monday!

Sunday breakfast showed no let up (except for Gabby who left early), for the foodies and should have seen most of us through to evening meal. No need to report back on that!

Goodbyes were said and we all timidly departed under the gaze of what looked to be about 8,954 police gathered with an amazingly colouful selection of vehicles at the adjacent servo, so good to have filled-up the night before as throaty Toranas can distract the constabulary from their more important duties.

A thank you from the new committee to all who attended our most significant event of the year, the mateship these overnight sorties engenders is priceless.

In attendance: Bob Byrnes, James Davidson and Natalie, Scott and Leanne Davidson, Les Wilson and Elizabeth Best, Rob and Leanne Farnsworth, Joe and Catherine Moellers, Mike and Gabby Holland.

Apologies: Lance Haslewood.

Mike Holland.

Photographs