Canberra run to the President’s Picnic
30 September 2023 / Report and Photos – Norm Barker. Additional photos by Rod Nicholas
A small group (4 cars with one to join at the picnic) set off from Maccas at the Show Ground at 8:30 on the Saturday morning. The weather was perfect 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 at the “Grand Ettie” Cafe. This is an updated cafe with a reputation for excellent food. We were not disappointed and must visit here again next time for lunch.
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 found main street parking together for the 4 cars and walked across the road to Café Oberon for lunch. This café is popular but having arrived early we had our pick of tables. The food was good as was the service. After lunch 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. At 6:30 we all met and made our way to the Richmond Club for a buffet dinner which was excellent, then back to the motel and a good night’s sleep.
An early start was necessary as some of us were judging the show and shine. What a picturesque site it is, and the little church (opened in 1809) 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 210 people admired the 150 cars on display and had a very nice lunch, after which presentations were made for the show and shine. One of our group, Simon, even won best NC. He was pretty stoked.
Winners are grinners!
The weather was cloudless and hot 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. 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.
Norm Barker, Run Leader &Organiser
[There are plenty of photos of this event on the Club’s Facebook pages, and undoubtedly in other reports. Rob Wilko has some great shots on his Flickr page.]
