Foster Bay Rally
Report 18th - 22nd April 2024 Lawrie & Alison Gaylard "Come when you can, leave when you must." |
Foster Rally April 2024
Thirty-three Wanderers members attended, however four returned home early because of illness, we missed having their company on the activities we took on.
Foster is an old goldmining town established in the 1880’s but the gold ran out about 100 years ago. The Wanderer’s last stayed in Foster in Sept 2010, so for many of us this was a new venue.
It was disappointing that the caravan park facilities needed a lot of attention and money invested to bring them to a better standard.
Many of us had arrived on Thursday and the first joint function of the rally was, of course, “Happy Hour” in the large and breezy camp kitchen.
On Friday, it was decided that the weather was a bit damp, when someone mentioned that the folk in nearby Mirboo North were still recovering from a recent disastrous storm. It was decided, on the spot, that we should visit and hopefully help improve the towns’ economy. A convoy set off through the Strzelecki ranges, pulling up in the main street of Mirboo North. About 25 of us then went along to the Mirboo North Commercial Hotel for lunch. The food was good and reasonably priced, the staff really friendly and helpful. Most of us were surprised that a small country town could support such a great venue.
On the way back to Foster, we stopped off at Meeniyan, even though many of the Wanderers had feasted well, there was always time for coffee and cake at the Meeniyan Bakery. It was nice to have some of the Bakery staff thank us for visiting.
As usual another “Happy Hour” followed and went “overtime” by an hour or so.
Saturday morning began with an early morning tea, then an hour's drive to “The Prom”, where most met at the Tidal River café for coffee and a walk around the river and beach. The weather was fine but quite windy. A few stayed on at the café for lunch.
Saturday night dinner was at the Exchange Hotel in Foster, a good meal with great company, then back to the caravan park for some to watch the footy.
On Sunday at morning tea many decided that a trip to nearby Yarram was in order and all but a couple went along for the drive. John and Bev led the “caravan of cars” and took us via Port Welshpool and its extra long jetty. Wally tells us that Rita and he later returned and walked the whole length. In the meantime, John and Carmel took a trip up to the beautiful Agnes Falls.
After Port Welshpool a detour was made to Port Albert, where the Fish and Chip shop of local renown, tempted a few appetites. The “shop” is now a really cosy café and those who “dined in” gave a good report.
The remainder then drove to Yarram, where many businesses have had murals painted on the outside of the building or on the inside walls. The water tower just out of town was painted in an indigenous theme, worth the drive to see it.
Afterwards return to camp and the final “happy hour” turned out to be quite a noisy affair.
Alison and I would like to thank those who attended, we trust you had a great time. We certainly did, but on stepping onto the scales when we arrived home, I seem to have gained just over 2 kg.
When my cardiologist sees me next, I’ll blame “The Wanderers”.
Lawrie
Thirty-three Wanderers members attended, however four returned home early because of illness, we missed having their company on the activities we took on.
Foster is an old goldmining town established in the 1880’s but the gold ran out about 100 years ago. The Wanderer’s last stayed in Foster in Sept 2010, so for many of us this was a new venue.
It was disappointing that the caravan park facilities needed a lot of attention and money invested to bring them to a better standard.
Many of us had arrived on Thursday and the first joint function of the rally was, of course, “Happy Hour” in the large and breezy camp kitchen.
On Friday, it was decided that the weather was a bit damp, when someone mentioned that the folk in nearby Mirboo North were still recovering from a recent disastrous storm. It was decided, on the spot, that we should visit and hopefully help improve the towns’ economy. A convoy set off through the Strzelecki ranges, pulling up in the main street of Mirboo North. About 25 of us then went along to the Mirboo North Commercial Hotel for lunch. The food was good and reasonably priced, the staff really friendly and helpful. Most of us were surprised that a small country town could support such a great venue.
On the way back to Foster, we stopped off at Meeniyan, even though many of the Wanderers had feasted well, there was always time for coffee and cake at the Meeniyan Bakery. It was nice to have some of the Bakery staff thank us for visiting.
As usual another “Happy Hour” followed and went “overtime” by an hour or so.
Saturday morning began with an early morning tea, then an hour's drive to “The Prom”, where most met at the Tidal River café for coffee and a walk around the river and beach. The weather was fine but quite windy. A few stayed on at the café for lunch.
Saturday night dinner was at the Exchange Hotel in Foster, a good meal with great company, then back to the caravan park for some to watch the footy.
On Sunday at morning tea many decided that a trip to nearby Yarram was in order and all but a couple went along for the drive. John and Bev led the “caravan of cars” and took us via Port Welshpool and its extra long jetty. Wally tells us that Rita and he later returned and walked the whole length. In the meantime, John and Carmel took a trip up to the beautiful Agnes Falls.
After Port Welshpool a detour was made to Port Albert, where the Fish and Chip shop of local renown, tempted a few appetites. The “shop” is now a really cosy café and those who “dined in” gave a good report.
The remainder then drove to Yarram, where many businesses have had murals painted on the outside of the building or on the inside walls. The water tower just out of town was painted in an indigenous theme, worth the drive to see it.
Afterwards return to camp and the final “happy hour” turned out to be quite a noisy affair.
Alison and I would like to thank those who attended, we trust you had a great time. We certainly did, but on stepping onto the scales when we arrived home, I seem to have gained just over 2 kg.
When my cardiologist sees me next, I’ll blame “The Wanderers”.
Lawrie
"Come when you can, leave when you must"