The planning was done and I decided with Kirsty that a return to the Adelaide Hills for the Corvette club October long weekend was in store. After a search the little gem of the Hahndorf Discovery Park was found.
We originally had 13 cabins booked, but the usual Corvette General Hospital erupted and several couples had to withdraw.
We had 23 arrive on the Friday (including a few local club members) as we headed down to Sidewood Restaurant, a short walk away. After some food and drink we headed back for a few more drinks at the Park.
Saturday saw 14 cars head off after drivers briefing. Along for the ride were Hans and Val in their new C8 and Graeme and Christine from Victoria in their C6 Z06. We cruised north to Woodside where we visited Melba’s chocolate factory and the Cheese Factory. There is a Gin joint there but it wasn’t opening till later, much to the severe disappointment of Jim, who had to be consoled by Gary. After some coffee and chocolate and cheese buying it was time to head back, we had a date for lunch and the AFL Grand Final.
Coming back through Balhannah we were leading the Corvette Caravan in the C7 Z06 when a Range Rover came blasting through a give way sign, without giving way, hell he didn’t even slow down. Unfortunately for him there was a female cyclist just ahead of us, he had to slam on the brakes and somehow evaded smashing straight into her. Unfortunately that left him stopped and sideways across the main street directly in front of us. It was time for those big Brembo’s to step up and Vette stopped nicely without T boning the numbskull.
Back at Discovery Central the Vettes were parked and everyone began the leisurely stroll down to the Old Mill Hotel for lunch and the grand final. After eating, drinking and unfortunately watching Collingwood win it was time to stroll back again. Once the gang was back at the park, we engaged in that other Corvette club tradition of rearranging the furniture and the stage was set as we settled in for the evening overlooking the lake and being attacked by hungry ducks. The funny oblong pizzas arrived and after a few drinks Jim regaled us with slightly exaggerated tales of the good old days. The winner of the AFL tipping was Antoinetta, and the mug punter award went to Catherine.
Sunday morning and the sun was out bright and early. 23 Corvettes were assembled for the briefing. The club member that owns 3 Corvettes arrived in his Camaro. The caravan headed off on a Bling inspired magical mystery tour of the back roads, through rolling hills and onto Birdwood. There were a couple of Vettes waiting and 25 cars formed up on the lawns behind the National Motor Museum building. A separate lineup of C3 to C8 Vettes was assembled in front. Shannons sponsor car club entry, so it was free entry for the club members. The Fold Café across the road offered discount to club members, so over we went, rearranged all the furniture and made the most of that discount.
The weekenders made their way back to the Park later in the arvo. After some drinks, crackers and cheese, the ducks were pretty happy and brought more of their friends over. After that we headed down the main street to the Chinese Restaurant, should have taken some of those ducks with us. Some industrious members realised there was a bus stop at the Park entrance and headed down there on public transport.
We left the Park on Monday morning and headed down to Beerenberg for breakfast. 18 people plus George’s new owners attended in a private area for a scrumptious breaky, before everyone headed home for a well-earned rest. Thanks to everyone who attended at some point during the 4 days.
