Rochester Rally
Report 6th - 10th March 2022 Inge and Uli Hoefer "Come when you can, leave when you must." |
Rochester Report
Low in numbers but high in enthusiasm ensured another thoroughly successful rally.
We arrived on Thursday in steady rain and depressing forecasts of flooding of the Campaspe River and impending evacuation. Some returned home and some had decided not to even embark on the long drive. However, the river was still a long way down. About 13 people decided to stay.
Well, by Thursday evening we were having happy hour outdoors round a small fire tub which Uli had brought.
Neither did we need coats on Friday for our various excursions. A planned trip to a camel farm didn’t eventuate because they hadn’t reopened to tourist since Covid. Never mind. People walked along the picturesque Campaspe River and into town. Others drove to Elmore to an interestingly stocked local museum with an informative video, and to admire the street art and silo paintings in Rochester.
Over night the river had risen by over a metre and we strategically placed our sticks to determine whether the water was s till rising. It was! It was a major conversation topic. Sitting in the sun by the river was so pleasant that any other activity was postponed till 11am. Then some of us drove to Echuca while others explored Lake Eppalock with its overflowing spillway. The massively gushing, foaming, swirling masses of white water were truly spectacular. Our little group returned to Rochester via Colbinabbin to look at some more very well executed silo art and enjoy a late lunch.
Dinner at the Shamrock Hotel was particularly enjoyable with a small group in a room to ourselves.
By Sunday, with the precarious water conditions, a few more people had left for home but those remaining enjoyed wonderful weather wandering around the Girgarre market.
And so ended a relaxed, sunny and very enjoyable rally. Many thanks to Inge and Uli for their time and effort in preparing and running it. It defied all the predictions.
Brigitte.
"Come when you can, leave when you must"