Day 8 - Mansfield
This stunning weather continues - I even got sunburnt today. I'm looking at it as adhering to doctor's advice. My doctor said I was low in Vitamin D so I got an extra boost today 😊 (I also realise that's irresponsible and my legs are now super warm and will probably keep me awake).
A lazy morning in the sunshine, chatting to the caravanners who didn't go out 4WDing, eating birthday cake for elevenses and doing a bit of housekeeping. My lovely cousins Greg and Sharon arrived at about 12:30pm. When they discovered they couldn't come for my birthday lunch yesterday because they were at a car rally in Albury, they decided to come here on the way home and booked two nights in an AirBnB so we could do some things together. Their car (a 1953 Lancia) attracted a bit of attention in the showgrounds although I don't think anyone thought it would be a suitable replacement tow vehicle! Being only a 2 seater meant they had to leave it here while we piled into the F truck to head out to lunch. We decided on the other pub to yesterday's birthday lunch and it was pretty good, washed down with some local beers. I then took them on my walking tour of the main street of Mansfield, which included an additional op shop and a fabulous deli cafe. They stocked up at the IGA for their 2 night stay and we were back at the Showgrounds just before 4pm for my yappy hour and for them to go and check in. Still no luck in this afternoon's raffle (shame too, because first prize was three bottles of local Shiraz). However, my delightful neighbour won third prize which included this lovely cheese board, made by one of our caravanning group and as she had already been gifted one, she gave this one to me.
Very kind of her and a delightful sourvenir of this trip.
After yappy hour, I drove out to Greg and Sharon's accommodation which is really lovely, out of town a bit with stunning views of Lake Eildon and the mountains. We drank wine and watched the sunset which was so lovely.
We chatted some more, enjoyed a light dinner after our big pub lunch and I headed home, conscious I might disturb the oldies here driving in at the late hour of 9:45pm!
Day 7 - Birthday in Mansfield
My birthday - a day I was dreading in the scheme of "firsts" I still have to get through. My first birthday without Greg, my first birthday morning where I had to make my own coffee, and just the loneliness of waking up alone on my birthday. This morning was hard - there were many tears. I had this lovely stash of presents - some I brought with me under strict instructions not to open until my birthday; some I collected during the week which helped me cheer me up a little.
I was still having my coffee in bed when I heard the call that breakfast was up, which was a bit earlier than expected. I knew the Show Society were coming in to cook egg and bacon rolls for $10 but that was supposed to be at 9am! So I abandoned my coffee, got dressed and was at least early for the breakfast queue. And a delicious breakfast it was too! so after that and a bit of chatter, I headed back to the van, made another coffee and got back into bed to enjoy it! A few phone calls, some more tears, a shower and I was ready for my friendly pick up from Uber Neill.
Off to lunch at the Mansfield Hotel, where Scott, Julie and Grayson met us and we drank plenty of bubbles, ate pretty good food, chatted, laughed and had a good time. Julie had brought me a lovely birthday cake from Brunetti's in Melbourne - and the beauty of long term friends is that they know your favourite kind!
Back to the campsite for some more bubbles or coffees for those who wanted them and my lovely camp neighbours even brough over more campstools so we could all sit around. my friends all left by 4pm so I could go up to "yappy hour" which was around the fire tonight. They all sang happy birthday to me but I didn't have the birthday luck to win tonight's raffle. Back to the van to catch up on phone calls, messages etc from all the lovely people who wished me happy birthday. Then it was games time and my birthday luck was present there when I won the first game of Mahjong! My mother would be proud!
So all in all, it was a lovely day. Lots of tears and a real sadness that Greg wasn't by my side to share it but thank you to everyone who did make it special,
Day 6 - Mansfield
Another stunning day! A morning for housekeeping, rearranging things, a bit of cleaning and pottering. Then it was time to freshen up and head out for our lunch date. In true Tasmanian style (but nothing to do with Tasmania) one of our group used to work with the current owner of the Buller Road Brewery so we (or at least 62 of us) headed there for lunch today. They were so chuffed with the turnup that they closed to the public for us. Plenty of beers for tasting and what a warm sunny day for it - perfect beer weather. And they just kept bringing the food - nibblies, chicken wings, pizzas and more. The kitchen kept rolling it out and you would think these Sunlandians hadn't eaten in months they way they swarmed on the food. After we had demolished all on offer, the owners took us through their production style and told us about their beers. It was a fun filled afternoon! One of the co-owners found out it was my birthday tomorrow so she gave me these two chuppa-chups for dessert!
Back to the Showgrounds for a rest in the sun before I went for a walk, to compensate for all the pizza! So much so, I was a little late back for Yappy Hour! More fun and frivolity before a very light dinner and then we returned to the main hall which had been transformed into a cinema. Perhaps not quite Gold Class but there was plenty of popcorn! Very appropriately, tonight's viewing was The Man From Snowy River. We all really enjoyed it and how appropriate given we are in the foothills of the High Country. Another lovely day.
Day 5 - Mansfield
An absolutely beautiful day in the Victorian High Country! A brisk morning that needed the heater to work its magic before I could get up to make coffee but it steadily warmed up after that. I had a knock at the door at 9:10am from my neighbour asking if I wanted to go there for coffee - he even has the same kind of coffee machine as me! - but as I was still having my own coffee in bed, I had to decline.
We had to pay for our accommodation at 10:30am so that was pretty straight forward. A group were heading up to Sheepyard Flat but given Greg and I had camped up there, I didn't feel the need to go again. Besides, I had plans! One of the many very kind Sunlandians had offered to let me try one of their e-bikes as this is something I have been thinking about. So he gave me some lessons on his wife's bike, I had a few practice rides around the Showgrounds and then he and I headed out. I can see the benefits! Although we didn't do any major hills, the various levels of power assist were very handy and made it a lot more enjoyable! The weather was perfect for an easy cycle but even though we were only out for three quarters of an hour, my bum certainly felt it!
Back in time for lunch in what was a fairly quiet campground as many were out either on the drive or doing their own thing. I then chose to walk into town, for a bit of exercise, to check out the shops, to see where I had to drop the car off on Tuesday etc. I did the op shops (love a good op shop), got a couple of things at the supermarket, checked out the bicycle store and talked a bit more about e-bikes and was back in good time for the 4pm "yappy hour". Tonight's presentation was on all the huts in the High Country and really interesting, especially as not all have been, or will be, rebuilt after the various bushires.
Dinner back at the van which I shared a table with my neighbours (but brought my own dinner!) before it was time for games night. Tonight was Mahjong, a game that my mother adored. Turns out I should have had some lessons from her but I had a good teacher tonight and it was a lot of fun too.
It's a very well organised gathering, with lots of activities, friendly people and in a lovely location.
Day 4 - Berwick to Mansfield
I almost feel like I'm part of a cult! The same kind of caravan as far as the eye can see, and the only reason we are all here is because we own the same kind of caravan. Friendly people, don't get me wrong, and there's no praying or sacrificing but it does seem really weird to get 150 people together just because they own a Sunland caravan!
Pack up at the Thomas campground this morning was easy enough and after hugs and farewells, I was on the road just after 10:30am. The 2.5 hour drive took me on freeways, through suburbia, and then into country towns and rural roads. All roads that were once familiar to me and I did have to chuckle when I drove past the Yarra Glen Racecourse, where we spent so many childhood Saturdays.
Apart from a quick toilet stop, I drove straight through. Signage for all Sunlands to the Mansfield Showgrounds was well done as was the check in and the finding of a spot. I'm next to some lovely people I met in Tassie when they came to one of the mini-Sunland gatherings Jan and I organised, and in fact, I have caught up with many others I met at the three gatherings we held. Those people in particular (because they had met him) were very sympathetic about Greg and several shared stories of times spent together.
I got all set up, had a late lunch, chatted to lots more people and admired the many caravans. The section I am in is only one of three - we have definitely taken over the Showgrounds!
4pm is "Yappy Hour" - BYO drinks up to the main hall for chatter, and we had a couple of presentations today as well. Suggested and planned activities were outlined, we all learnt some things, and there was much laughter and chatter. Back to the vans for dinner and I took the opportunity to test the TV out. More than two years since we bought the van and this is the first time it's been used!
Back to the Luncheon Hall for games and trivia, which was very amusing and provided great entertainment. I met another lady who was born in Tasmania but I am officially the only Sunlandian here from Tassie.
As the sun set on the first day, and while it might all seem very quirky, I have met and caught up with some truly lovely people so I'm sure the next week will be fun.
Day 3 - Berwick and the Dandenongs
Spending time around here, I sometimes feel like I have landed in an alien world. The Berwick of my high school years (1985-1990) is almost unrecognisable. The main street is pretty much the same (although shock, horror - the charcoal chicken shop (where us "country train" kids used to go for a delicious snack between school finishing and our train arriving) has closed - just recently though. Today I went south, along roads that used to be country lanes and are now four lane major roads, struggling to see any familiar landmarks, and instead seeing concrete jungles of takeaway food places and big box shops. It is really strange.
In the middle of the day, Lisa and I went for a drive up into the Dandenongs for lunch. Thankfully, the Dandenongs have not changed much. The roads, the buildings, the houses all look much the same. Still beautiful, olde world and with towering gum trees. We had lunch at Miss Marple's tea rooms, which are a bit of an institution in the area. I was hungry so had a "proper" lunch while Lisa had the scones which were as huge and fresh and delicious looking as always.
We drove home a different way and some roads or buildings would trigger a childhood memory, while others make the place alien like. It is really a clash of old meets new - in my head anyway.
Lisa did some more work this afternoon so I went and picked up Kobi from school, and then did a grocery shop, a Bunnings shop and got fuel - slightly cheaper here than home. Lisa was out tonight so the rest of the family and I sat down to a delicious dinner. Tomorrow, I move on up to the Victorian high country and the Sunland caravan gathering.
Day 2 - Berwick
A trip down memory lane today - back to what was when we were children, the best restaurant in Berwick. Our parents went there for fancy dinners, as we got older we helped Marg (Lisa's mum) with fundraising events there, Lisa had her wedding there and we were there for the literal last supper wehn Marg held an International Women's Day event there 10 years ago, right before the old owners closed it up. Fast forward ten years, and it re-opened a couple of months ago. The new people might not have got everything right in the beginning but Lisa, Marg and I went there for my birthday lunch today (yes, the festival of Tracey continues, and it's still 5 days until my actual birthday!) and Lisa said it has improved a lot! Most importantly, the building is still the same, down to the same crockery.
After lunch, the trip down memory lane continued, back to many old haunts, including (not very excitingly) a stop at the servo in Beaconsfield where Lisa filled up but I remembered my mother putting $2 worth of petrol in the car to get us home the 30km to Nar Nar Goon North 40-odd years ago!
A quiet afternoon and then a delicious meal at home with this birthday cake to add to the birthday festival.
