Paynesville Rally
Report 18th - 22nd March 2021 Imi & Dieter Roscher "Come when you can, leave when you must." |
Paynesville Rally March 18 – 22
Another larger-than-usual group (45) rallied at Paynesville in the Lakes District. Some participants arriving a day or two earlier, to make the most of this more remote venue and of course, our new travel freedom.
The weather Gods were benign, other than some light rain one night and some infernal coastal wind. Our departure was followed by strong wind warnings and rain, so we were very fortunate indeed.
On Friday we had the first organised activities. A small group enjoyed a game of golf organised by Brian. A larger group went on a picnic lunch tag-a-long to the Buchan Caves Nature Reserve. We drove through some vast swathes of burnt bushland, which showed promising signs of regeneration. Fortunately, the lovely park at the caves had been spared and we enjoyed our picnic lunch in the ambience. Some enthusiasts had booked a tour of the Royal Cave and enjoyed the COVID limited tour numbers of 10 people only.
Meanwhile others went on some short local walks, the longer, fire affected walks being closed.
For Saturday afternoon, a cruise on the lakes from Lakes Entrance to Paynesville had been planned. Many took this opportunity to explore Lakes Entrance in the morning and buy lunch, or take a picnic, before boarding the Thunderbird catamaran for the afternoon cruise via Metung to Paynesville and return. Despite windy conditions, the catamaran was in sheltered waters and we even observed some cavorting seals near the Entrance.
For dinner, The Mains Hotel in Bairnsdale provided good food and very friendly service in a pleasant setting. On return a few people joined Anita (on guitar) and Robyn (ukulele or banjo) for a sing-a-long.
Helen kindly organised a bushwalk at Bruthen for a group of enthusiasts, on Sunday. Throughout the weekend, small groups did their ‘own thing’ at various times. A popular destination was the Bluff Lookout at Eagle Point and the drive along the 10 km long Silt Jetties (the longest in the world) to the river mouth of the Mitchell. A short ferry crossing to Raymond Island for Koala spotting and a ramble, or a drive by car, was another activity. Some paid Metung a visit to explore or have lunch, while others enjoyed a scenic walk along the Sunset Cove walking track, a short distance from our camp.
The friendly group of participants and the mostly sunny weather in the low 20’s made for an enjoyable rally.
Imi & Dieter
Another larger-than-usual group (45) rallied at Paynesville in the Lakes District. Some participants arriving a day or two earlier, to make the most of this more remote venue and of course, our new travel freedom.
The weather Gods were benign, other than some light rain one night and some infernal coastal wind. Our departure was followed by strong wind warnings and rain, so we were very fortunate indeed.
On Friday we had the first organised activities. A small group enjoyed a game of golf organised by Brian. A larger group went on a picnic lunch tag-a-long to the Buchan Caves Nature Reserve. We drove through some vast swathes of burnt bushland, which showed promising signs of regeneration. Fortunately, the lovely park at the caves had been spared and we enjoyed our picnic lunch in the ambience. Some enthusiasts had booked a tour of the Royal Cave and enjoyed the COVID limited tour numbers of 10 people only.
Meanwhile others went on some short local walks, the longer, fire affected walks being closed.
For Saturday afternoon, a cruise on the lakes from Lakes Entrance to Paynesville had been planned. Many took this opportunity to explore Lakes Entrance in the morning and buy lunch, or take a picnic, before boarding the Thunderbird catamaran for the afternoon cruise via Metung to Paynesville and return. Despite windy conditions, the catamaran was in sheltered waters and we even observed some cavorting seals near the Entrance.
For dinner, The Mains Hotel in Bairnsdale provided good food and very friendly service in a pleasant setting. On return a few people joined Anita (on guitar) and Robyn (ukulele or banjo) for a sing-a-long.
Helen kindly organised a bushwalk at Bruthen for a group of enthusiasts, on Sunday. Throughout the weekend, small groups did their ‘own thing’ at various times. A popular destination was the Bluff Lookout at Eagle Point and the drive along the 10 km long Silt Jetties (the longest in the world) to the river mouth of the Mitchell. A short ferry crossing to Raymond Island for Koala spotting and a ramble, or a drive by car, was another activity. Some paid Metung a visit to explore or have lunch, while others enjoyed a scenic walk along the Sunset Cove walking track, a short distance from our camp.
The friendly group of participants and the mostly sunny weather in the low 20’s made for an enjoyable rally.
Imi & Dieter
"Come when you can, leave when you must"