I just arrived home from my trip to Melbourne Australia . I had one outstanding time.
Bernie Knight the movie star.(Was in a McDonalds commercial aired in Australia) invited me for the Phillip Island Historic and F-1. Bernie picked me up at the airport
And we drove to his home in Geelong. Because I was able to get some sleep on the airplane Bernie suggested we show up at the Cobra club meeting that evening. We drove to the Returned Services League (equivalent to our Veterans of Foreign Wars) where the meeting was held. There I met a bunch of great folks and had a fantastic steak dinner to match. I really like the way they conduct the meetings and the way they organize events for their members. They even put out a monthly magazine of their events and other happenings. Just a bunch of car crazies like myself I felt right at home.
The club was to meet at Phillip Island and display their cars on Sunday. We were invited to be there with them.
The next morning found us touring the city of Geelong. We spent most of the time down at the Eastern Beach Promenade where all the Bollards are. Most Aussies know what Bollards are but for those who don’t here is a link to some good photos I found on the web.
http://www.webshots.com/search?query...lards&start=72
Bernie did a fantastic job explaining each Bollard and who they represented. I think the artist Jan Mitchell Did a wonderful thing for the city. It was one clever idea. She passed away I believe in 1999 of cancer. Hopefully her sons will carry one her legacy and keep the Bollards going.
Friday was a really fantastic day as well. Bernie and I were invited by Eddie Edwards to take a plane ride in his Cessna Centurion from Barwon Heads airport. Eddie took us all along the coast pointing out many interesting things. It was a real treat not only for the plane ride but also because Eddie owns one of the most beautiful RFGT40’s I’ve seen. It has the 4.6 engine in it and I can tell you first hand it hauls. Thanks Eddie !! The six speed Audi transaxle seems to be a good match for this car it performed extremely well under some spirited driving by Eddie.
Later that day we Visited Andrew who lives on a farm. He has paddocks with free range chooks (chickens to us Americans). He sells the eggs as such. Let me tell ya’, this guy and his family know the business and loves what they do. I believe Andrew is one of the happiest Aussies I ever met. He has such a fantastic disposition that it keeps him smiling. I can see why to with such a lovely family. (Andrew, Please asked David to be quite) Thank you my friend for inviting me to your home. Andrew also owns one outstanding RFGT40. This car has an unbelievable paint job. It actually changes in the sun. One beautiful yellow….. Gold color.
Sunday rolled around fast and we were on our way to the Phillip Island Historic. This is one great event to attend. We met the Cobra club there and they had several of their cars there on display. These Aussies love their cars. There were some very unusual makes on display. It would be a good idea if Barry Maguire from the car crazy show to come over to Australia. He would even be impressed by these enthusiasts.
The day went fast with a visit to the paddock to photograph the many cars and to watch the races from atop the garages. That track has got to be one of the best in the world.
Sunday evening we left Phillip Island and drove to Barry Nelson’s house who invited Bernie and I for dinner. I rode with Barry in his Cobra while Bernie followed from behind because frankly I don’t think Barry would allow him to get in front. Boy it was an exciting ride … What’s with all them friggin’ cameras anyway.
Barry spent most of the sixties in the USA. He worked for Bud Moore and other teams while here. He has a great photo album of many of the old cars he worked on. Barry is preparing a CD for me with all of these great historic photos. This guy has an unbelievable memory about those racing years. Barry, you’re a prince and I thank you for
Taking the time to make that CD.
Monday was our day at the Point Cook RAAF Museum. As we pulled into the parking lot there were several Bi-wing Tiger Moths doing touch and goes. Later I find out they do this almost everyday. You just can’t keep a good plane down. Inside the museum we saw displays that covered early aviation in Australia all the way up to the present. A history that made me ever so proud to know this nation has a true ally that has supported us through thick and thin. I can’t possibly describe all those things that I experienced here but I can say it will impress all American that visit here. The respect that is shown by Australians for their fallen soldiers is heartening to say the least. I for one am grateful for such proud people that have supported the U.S. many times over.
Tuesday and Bernie has a special surprise planned. We leave Mt. Gambier in the Ford Ute headed for Pt. Campbell. Bernie has arranged a helicopter ride to view the 12 Apostles and the great ocean road coastline. I was definitely surprised especially when Bernie says this flight ends three hours later in the center of Downtown Melbourne . On the way there we stopped at the Yering Winery in the Yarra Vally and tasted some really good wines. From there we continued on following the Yarra River right to the middle of the city. We landed on a pontoon pier across from the Crown Casino. Now I gotta tell you, I never experience anything like this, Flying right through the middle of the city below the tall buildings. It’s was just plain incredible. Bernie, I can’t top this. There is nothing I can think of that will even come close. So buddy, when you get here I just hope I can keep you entertained.
While we were at the winery we took a cab over to see Ian’s Cobra being built by Doug. Now this is a Cobra folks. Doug, you’re a true craftsman. Anyone that can shoe horn a 5.4 in a cobra that nice is a craftsman. I can’t wait to see it done. I know Ian is anxious to get his hands on it.
We headed back the next day in the helicopter to Prt. Campbell. Another fantastic journey over the Prince Phillip Bay and the great ocean road coastline. That coast and Highway are truly National Treasures. I am happy to have had the chance see this in such a fantastic way.
Friday was F-1 day for us. We took the train into Melbourne and entered at gate 9. We met Barry there and walked around through the V8 supercars paddock. I wish we had V8 supercars here in the U.S. Way more entertaining than NASCAR. One thing for sure, they ain’t short on bright colored paint. You gotta wear sunglasses to look at some of them. Also the Historic paddock was nice too. They had many of the same cars on display that were at Phillip Island.
Looks to me like that L. Hamilton is going to be the Tiger Woods of F-1. He drove a brilliant race.
Saturday we wound up back at the Barwon Heads airport to meet up with Eddie and Andrew. We were about to take their GT40’s for a ride on the Great Ocean Road to Lorne for Coffee at a popular Café. This ride was pretty cool. I rode with Andrew and Bernie hopped in with Eddie. Now I can’t go into much detail but let’s just say we got there rather quickly. Thanks again Andrew!
On the return trip after a fine Cappuccino, I rode with Eddie. Now if you guys want the details you are going to have to get that from Bernie.
There are many more things I got to do and see but this post is getting ridiculously long so I will end it here with one least comment. I will find it hard to top such a fantastic trip. I truly am at a loss for words on how much Bernie and all the Australian people who treated me so kind. I can see why you are such a proud people .
Sometimes Thank You is all you can say,
Hersh
PS.. Guys, I tried desperatly to include photos but by the time I sized them correctly to 39.1 KB there wasn't much left to look at but a postage stamp size photo... Sorry
My visit to Australia
Threaded Mode
