Hamilton Rally
Report 3rd - 7th November 2022 John and Carmel Garrity "Come when you can, leave when you must." |
Knox U3A wanders caravan report for Hamilton held in November. With 23 participants.
Co-ordinated by John and Carmel Garrity.
Thursday: Had inclement weather and low temperatures, but 21 hardy souls arrived to enjoy the Happy Hour Nibbles and drinks. There was information displayed on the white board indicating activities on offer for people to enjoy.
Friday: At the usual morning tea get-together the first item suggested was to visit The Nigretta and Wannon falls, which were flowing exceedingly well due to recent rains. It was apparent that the colour of the water, which was likened to Coke coming out of the bottle a dark chocolate colour, was due to tannin being disturbed by the fast river flow over volcanic rocks. Proceeded to the town of Coleraine to visit the chocolate shop, whilst some stopped for a coffee and cake, the rest of the party travelled on to Casterton for lunch, then a visit to the information center to learn about the Kelpie. At Happy Hour Gary Caulfield, singing unaccompanied entertained us, with the odd joke and poetry thrown in.
Saturday: The group headed out on the Kanawinka Geotrail. To explore the volcano area, we went to The Byaduk Lava caves formed from the outflow from Mt Napier volcano some 10,000 years ago. The caves were created when the lava solidified on top and the molten lava continued to flow underneath. Pausing at Harman’s look out seeing the carving out of the valley by lava. We then proceeded on to the lava blisters (Tumuli) a series of mounds formed from molten lava, it is one of three areas in the world, the others being Africa and Iceland. Lunch spot at Mt Rouse Picnic ground with views of the Grampians, and after lunch, the group climbed The Stairs to the lookout where a group photo was taken. On the way back to Hamilton, some of the group visited the Penshurst Volcano discovery center. The traditional pub dinner was at the “The Cally” otherwise the Caledonian bar and bistro.
Sunday: “Choose your own adventure day “Some chose to visit Dunkeld, the local craft market was held at the Rural Museum grounds, with miniature train rides available for the young at heart. The happy hour was very relaxed with again Gary Caulfield giving a performance to the group, the BYO BBQ was well attended and the evening ended with early goodbyes from those seeking an early start next morning,
"Come when you can, leave when you must"