Mansfield Rally Report 15th to 18th March 2019 Organisers: Dieter & Imi Roscher |
The 32 Wanderers were blessed with dry sunny weather at the Mansfield rally for its duration, although a smoke haze hung around the area from the fires burning to our East. So no 4WD trips possible this time, due to track closures and Power’s Lookout was too close to the fires for clear views of the King Valley.
As usual most people arrived on Thursday from noon onwards and spent the afternoon setting up, greeting friends and meeting new ones, or walking their dogs.
As we had booked out the entire*, very roomy, powered sites of the Mansfield Holiday Park, we had the huge, open camp kitchen for Happy Hour all to ourselves.
*Some Wanderers had to camp in the ‘town’ caravan park, but joined in any activities planned throughout the weekend.
Morning tea in the C.K. on Friday was an opportunity to sort out the afternoon, tag-along trip to Eildon via Bonnie Doon, for those participating. We took the partially dirt, high road with frequent views of Lake Eildon, albeit somewhat shrouded by the smoke. Arrived in good time for afternoon tea on the deck of the Eildon Bakery Café. Then we all returned via Alexandra in our own time, arriving just before Happy Hour.
Saturday morning every man and his dog (literally), climbed into cars and off we went to Howes Creek Farm - a 17 min drive. The owners Matt and Jackie breed the rare Berkshire pigs and run a boutique, smallgoods business, with a farm gate shop – a true paddock to plate experience. Matt gave us a tour of the farm, enthusiastically enlightening us about his organically and lovingly raised pigs and all that entailed. Then Jackie invited us to sit at tables in the shade of a gigantic, ancient, oak for morning tea – a glorious rural setting. She had prepared tasting platters of their charcuterie to sample and made pastries stuffed with pork. With the teas and coffees, there were homemade cakes and slices to choose – including gluten free options. Many then availed themselves of the chance to purchase homemade bacon, sausages, ham, pork pie etc. - all nitrate free, with no commercial flavourings!
Saturday night was at the Delatite Hotel Mansfield. The staff could not have been more accommodating. At the ‘11th hour’ when the numerous dog owners realised it was too hot to leave their dogs in the car, they set up the undercover outdoor area for the dog owners beside the dining room and opened the french doors between. Perfect! All seemed happy with their chosen meals as well.
Sunday saw us all on a trip to Kevington. En route we stopped at the Bimbi Car and Memorabilia Museum just shy of Jamieson. One huge shed contained Steve’s immaculate, vintage car collection and another Carol’s Memorabilia - well displayed and totally dust free. The couple only ask for a gold coin donation for charity. Definitely well worth visiting (ring first). Next stop Jamieson for an hour. On the banks of the river most enjoyed a B.Y.O. morning tea, while the rest decamped to Deb’s Jamieson Café for coffee. Some even ventured a walk along the banks of the Jamieson, chancing on some of the historic buildings from Jamieson’s past as a supply town for the nearby gold diggings. Finally to Kevington - our destination and a pub lunch on the river. The iconic Kevington Hotel was first established in 1862 and is the only one of its era left. While waiting for lunch we could explore this rustic, ramshackle pub with its rough charm.
No-one felt sufficiently energetic to tackle the High Country Maze on the return journey.
Throughout the weekend, people used their free time to explore Mansfield, indulge in some retail therapy, or walk to town via the bike track. They walked their dogs, had coffee in the High Country Bakery or tasted beer at the Social Bandit Brewery just around the corner in walking distance of the camp. Some took the opportunity to watch a Camp Draft Competition held on a nearby hillside or paid a visit to the Historic Museum.
A few people had to leave earlier, with the rest leaving on Monday.
As usual most people arrived on Thursday from noon onwards and spent the afternoon setting up, greeting friends and meeting new ones, or walking their dogs.
As we had booked out the entire*, very roomy, powered sites of the Mansfield Holiday Park, we had the huge, open camp kitchen for Happy Hour all to ourselves.
*Some Wanderers had to camp in the ‘town’ caravan park, but joined in any activities planned throughout the weekend.
Morning tea in the C.K. on Friday was an opportunity to sort out the afternoon, tag-along trip to Eildon via Bonnie Doon, for those participating. We took the partially dirt, high road with frequent views of Lake Eildon, albeit somewhat shrouded by the smoke. Arrived in good time for afternoon tea on the deck of the Eildon Bakery Café. Then we all returned via Alexandra in our own time, arriving just before Happy Hour.
Saturday morning every man and his dog (literally), climbed into cars and off we went to Howes Creek Farm - a 17 min drive. The owners Matt and Jackie breed the rare Berkshire pigs and run a boutique, smallgoods business, with a farm gate shop – a true paddock to plate experience. Matt gave us a tour of the farm, enthusiastically enlightening us about his organically and lovingly raised pigs and all that entailed. Then Jackie invited us to sit at tables in the shade of a gigantic, ancient, oak for morning tea – a glorious rural setting. She had prepared tasting platters of their charcuterie to sample and made pastries stuffed with pork. With the teas and coffees, there were homemade cakes and slices to choose – including gluten free options. Many then availed themselves of the chance to purchase homemade bacon, sausages, ham, pork pie etc. - all nitrate free, with no commercial flavourings!
Saturday night was at the Delatite Hotel Mansfield. The staff could not have been more accommodating. At the ‘11th hour’ when the numerous dog owners realised it was too hot to leave their dogs in the car, they set up the undercover outdoor area for the dog owners beside the dining room and opened the french doors between. Perfect! All seemed happy with their chosen meals as well.
Sunday saw us all on a trip to Kevington. En route we stopped at the Bimbi Car and Memorabilia Museum just shy of Jamieson. One huge shed contained Steve’s immaculate, vintage car collection and another Carol’s Memorabilia - well displayed and totally dust free. The couple only ask for a gold coin donation for charity. Definitely well worth visiting (ring first). Next stop Jamieson for an hour. On the banks of the river most enjoyed a B.Y.O. morning tea, while the rest decamped to Deb’s Jamieson Café for coffee. Some even ventured a walk along the banks of the Jamieson, chancing on some of the historic buildings from Jamieson’s past as a supply town for the nearby gold diggings. Finally to Kevington - our destination and a pub lunch on the river. The iconic Kevington Hotel was first established in 1862 and is the only one of its era left. While waiting for lunch we could explore this rustic, ramshackle pub with its rough charm.
No-one felt sufficiently energetic to tackle the High Country Maze on the return journey.
Throughout the weekend, people used their free time to explore Mansfield, indulge in some retail therapy, or walk to town via the bike track. They walked their dogs, had coffee in the High Country Bakery or tasted beer at the Social Bandit Brewery just around the corner in walking distance of the camp. Some took the opportunity to watch a Camp Draft Competition held on a nearby hillside or paid a visit to the Historic Museum.
A few people had to leave earlier, with the rest leaving on Monday.
"Come when you can, leave when you must"