Riverland Run
40 members and 22 cars attended the Riverland Run held on Friday October 14 – Monday 17. We met at the Clubrooms at 8.30 am for a 9 am departure, with some members leaving earlier and we all gathered at Karoonda for morning tea, there were 13 classic and 7 modern vehicles towing caravans and 2 motor homes.
Arlene Chapman always manages to find a treasure or two in the Karoonda Bakery/Cafe & Craft shop.
Good weather for a drive through the Riverland arriving in Berri at lunchtime. Members with vans etc booked into the Berri Caravan Park then we all assembled at the boat ramp across from the park after lunch to visit John Flanagan’s interesting collections of vehicles in both Berri and Renmark, Armstrong Siddley, Rolls Royce, GT MK 11 Cortina, MK 1 Zephyr sedan catching the interest of members.
We then returned to the Caravan Park for drinks before walking to the Berri Hotel for Dinner.
Saturday 15th October
Some members chose to visit the markets at 7.30 am and later meeting at the boat ramp at 9 am. We then travelled to Paringa and were just in time to view the Historic Paringa Bridge raised to allow boats through along the river.
Today the weather was a warm 30C and very windy so after a short stop at Headings Cliff Lookout it was decided to move on to Wilkadene Wool Shed Brewery to have our morning tea. Even though Wilkadene only opens at 11 am they made us welcome, allowing us to find a shady protected spot on their delightful lawned area along the river bank. So we settled in for the morning and had a BBQ lunch, also tasted the various brews they had on offer.
After lunch we returned to a local resident’s property to view his private collection consisting of everything from rabbit traps to home wares motor vehicles tractors and farm machinery.
From there we returned to Paringa to explore Cammies Antiques & Collectables which was very popular with members. Returning to Berri to finish the day with happy hour nibbles pizza and good conversation.
Sunday 16th October
A more leisurely start to the days outings as we gathered at 10.30 am heading to Ruston’s Roses & Museum for coffee and cake in their cafe followed by a stroll through the rose gardens, while the men checked the small but impressive collection of notable cars e.g. 1960s Zeta, Lotus Elite along with a 1926 Amilcar CGSS that raced in the 1936 Grand Prix at Victor Harbor plus other exhibits. Just as we were leaving Ruston’s the rain started and as we arrived at The Lakes Bakery Cafe the rain had really set in.
After lunch it was a short drive to the Cobdogla Steam & Irrigation Museum where were greeted and given a very informative and interesting talk on the history of the Humphrey Pump and shown through the building where a dedicated group of men are restoring the historic pump back to it’s working condition. Many ladies viewed the museum shop and displays, photos and memorabilia of the Loveday Internment Camp.
The rain had stopped and the museum staff were eager to take us for a ride on board the train for a 5 km loop through the area which was most enjoyable. However the cold weather had taken its toll so it was decided to go to the Cobdogla Community Club early where the staff made us most welcome and we all enjoyed their hospitality and delicious food.
Monday 17th October
Time to return home. Thank you to all club members for joining us and making this a very enjoyable and memorable weekend away.
Elaine and Roy Bretag
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