Social Days for 2023

February 9th Thursday
Mystery Day Trip:
Starts at 9.30am Victoria Hotel Car Park.
Organised by Julia/Bruno

Report:-

A glorious warm, sunny day enticed forty three 4WD group members and friends to an interesting trip through the backroads of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The morning was not without incident- one couple had a flat tyre when leaving home, hold ups in traffic roadworks and one couple went to the Victory Hotel at Sellicks Beach instead of the Victoria Hotel, Ohalloran Hill.

Nevertheless, a convoy of 16 vehicles headed off at 2 minute intervals from the carpark at the Victoria Hotel. After an easy drive to Clarendon and towards Kuitpo Forest, we travelled through native bushland on well-formed dirt roads. On Range Rd we were greeted with some panoramic views.

Around 10.30am, vehicles starting arriving at the Mt Compass Wetlands for morning tea. Everyone enjoyed chatting and catching up with old and new members. It was hard to get a couple of people moving as they were quite happy to mingle. We had to arrive at our lunch venue by 1.30pm.

About an hour later, cars started off again through farmland around Nangkita, Tooperang, onto Deep Creek Rd and Flagstaff Hill Rd with stunning views of Encounter Bay.

Heading towards Goolwa, there was a dirt track with tall grass and deep ruts which tested the driving skills of our members. Everyone negotiated this successfully.

The mighty River Murray greeted us as we drove along the water’s edge to the Barrages carpark.

Several members had time to stroll under the huge Norfolk Island pines and along the manicured pathway. We learnt lots about the river’s locks system.

The group had stretched out by this time and we all gradually reached our final destination which was was just over the Hindmarsh Island bridge at the Islander Tavern. We were warmly greeted by six other 4WD members who didn’t do the drive.

The tavern staff were very attentive as we enjoyed our lunch overlooking the calm waters of the marina.

No Mystery Trip is complete without a quiz to answer along the way. This encourages everyone to be alert to the surroundings and follow the directions to the end of the trip.

Prizes for the trip quiz were awarded to 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Winners were Lesley & Wayne, Raelene & Rodney and Edith & Stuart.

Our 4WD members and friends had fun answering the quiz, enjoyed the scenic trip & especially enjoyed the camaraderie at lunch. A fine end to a fine day!

Report by trip organiser

Julia.

See photos:

March Friday 17th
Guided walking tour of Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
Organised by Lesley.

On Friday March 17th, St Patricks Day, a group of 15 met at the kiosk by the lake in the Botanic Gardens, Adelaide for a morning coffee at 10 am before meeting our guide for a walk through some areas of the gardens. We were all pleased to sample coffee not the other green drinks as we were not really involved with St Patrick. It was a sunny day which was going to be fairly warm. Some of us had managed to find car parks on Botanic Drive while others very cleverly had managed to obtain lifts into the city. Along the road we saw evidence of the Womad Festival with stands and other equipment being dismantled.

At 10.30 we met our guide, Michelle Walker, who came armed with a folder of photographs & a bag of specimens. As the theme for this walk was Aboriginal use of the plants, both for food and medicine, we headed into a more wooded area of the gardens where we saw many trees with their various uses explained. Remembering their names was at times difficult but many of our members could identify them from their frequent trips into outback territory. During our walk of 60 minutes we found that trees would have multiple uses such as wood for weapons or for fire, fruit for food or for medicine, shelter, or the means of trapping animals or birds. We saw a large range of plants but these are some I found most memorable.

The Grass Tree is a local plant with many uses. Firstly it was used as a source of sweet nectar in the spring while the shaft of the flower spike was important for lightweight spears and for fire sticks. Grass tree spears were made by attaching a pointed, hardwood end to the stem of the flowering spike. This sharp end was tied on using kangaroo sinews and a cement resin gathered from the trunk of grass-trees. Both the whitish base of the young leaves and roots of the plant were edible. In summer the seeds were ground to make flour for damper. The stems of the flower sticks were joined to make rafts.

Although from Queensland we saw the Macadamia Tree with nuts that have one of the hardest shells in the world and are difficult to crack without mashing their contents. Aboriginal people in Queensland used an ingenious method of cracking these nuts by using slabs of tough rock with a number of depressions in the ground. Nuts, tightly held in the depressions, were expertly cracked with a blow from a hammer stone.

The so called Bottle Tree can survive long periods of dryness by storing water in its trunk. Aboriginal people needing water would chop into the trunk and squeeze the soft, moist wood to obtain a drink.

Wood from Casuarina is hard and ideal for making a number of implements including spears, clubs, clapping sticks, digging sticks and return boomerangs. Also small cones high up on the trees were soaked in drinking water to provide a lemon flavoured drink.

The Spear Lily from NSW had many uses. The large flower stalk was soaked prior to roasting and eating. The edible roots were crushed with rocks and then baked. The flowers attracted many nectar-feeding birds. Camouflaged hunters with nets would hide under the large leaves waiting to capture these birds for food. The leaves could be easily split into strips for weaving mats and basket

We saw a magnificent example of the Red River Gum, which has been growing here, on what was Kaurna land, for more than 250 years -100 years before Europeans came to South Australia, an amazing thought. On the eastern side, at the base of the trunk, is a dead wood hollow typical of these trees. Kaurna people would sometimes burn the dead wood in the centre of big red gums trees to form a shelter. It was possible to see the shape of missing bark on the trunk similar to the shape cut for canoes. The wood was used for a range of utensils and weapons including digging sticks, carrying dishes, shields and boomerangs.

Many insects, birds and other animals that live in and around the tree were hunted. The scratches on the northern side of this tree are possum marks. Native bees living in the tree were a source of honey and wax. Hollows also provided homes for birds like parrots, kookaburras and wood ducks, all of which could be hunted for food.

Different types of crushed gum leaves provided relief from congestion and when laid on a fire the vapours were said to smoke out fever.

I think this talk tested our botanical knowledge but there is no doubt we were very impressed by the variety of examples shown on this walk. At 11.30 we thanked Michelle for a very interesting walk or perhaps a stroll as we moved slowly stopping to look at the vegetation.

Next we moved to the Royal Oak Hotel in O’Connell for our lunch to complete an enjoyable morning.

Report by trip organiser

Lesley

April Thursday 6th

Tour of RM Williams, Percy St, Prospect, with lunch at the Wellington Hotel.

On the 6th of April 2023, 14 people arrived at 10.15 am at Barker Gardens, Prospect, for morning tea and a chat.

At 10.45 am, some members walked and others drove to nearby 5 Percy Street, Prospect, where R.M.WilliamsCompany was founded and established in 1932.

Started by Reginald Murray Williams making quality leather ridding boots and saddle ware.

A self guilded tour of the museum at the back of the shop we were able to learn of the history of the man and Compny from 1908 - 2020, displayed in photographs and written word.

The shop front displays goods from wallets, belts,shirts and jackets, trousers and shorts to the famous boots.

After an hour of brousing the museum and shop, we were joined by extra members who enjoyed a pleasent meal at the Wellington Hotel, North Adelaide.

May 11th Mystery Day Trip
Organised by Keith.

Mystery Trip Report

What a perfect day! Beautiful mild,
sunny autumn weather enticed 26 members out for a great morning of driving on unfamiliar roads, admiring
the clear views and exercising observation skills whilst deciphering some obscure and cryptic clues to answer a set of questions (good brain exercise).

Starting from the Mylor Oval the Group enjoyed a chat over morning tea at 10am, and were given a set of directions to follow in order to locate the quiz answers and guide them to a mystery destination for lunch. The drive took them over back roads of the Adelaide Hills, traveling in a south-easterly direction between Mt Barker and Strathalbyn via the very scenic Bugle Ranges.
Scenery changed from bush land, to lush green farm pastures with contented stock, to vineyards, to open drier farm land and finished up at an oasis complete with palm trees.

More specifically The Oasis Gardens Restaurant & Function Centre (just out of Belvidere between Strathalbyn and Langhorne Creek) was the venue for lunch, where full table service for a fixed menu was enjoyed by all. See separate menu.
Here are some examples of the observations which needed to be made in obtaining answers to the quiz. If you wish to see them more clearly you can expand the picture by clicking on it and stretching
the corners.

Congratulations to the winners for the day ,Rick & Mazz.

Keith, trip organiser.

June Tuesday 27th - Friday 30th

Morgan Caravan Park

Organiser Julia

Morgan Riverland Getaway 27– 29 June 2023

Trip Report.

Rather than have a one-day social outing for 4WD members, a three-night getaway was planned as an alternative.

Morgan Caravan Park was our base camp with eight members choosing cabin accommodation and

seven members staying in their caravans. Two members stayed in nearby Cadell in a holiday home.

The weather was glorious with crispy, chilly mornings and mild, sunny blue skies greeted us each day.

We had heavy rain over night on Tuesday but on the following days the roads and dirt tracks were all in good condition.

Tuesday 27th June – Julia & Bruno, leaders of the trip, welcomed the group in the camp kitchen for a

happy hour and discussion about the two days' activities. Some members arrived on Monday and others stayed on until Saturday.

Wednesday 28th June - Scenic Drive to Waikerie

A leisurely 9.30am start opposite the caravan park. Seven vehicles made up our convoy, we set our

radios to channel 38 and Mazz and Rick went tail end Charlie.

Following the Goyder Hwy north of the River Murray, we arrived at Lock 2 for morning tea and a short walk. The weir was overflowing, and birds were swooping around looking for a feed.

The indicator shows the 2023 flood level at 11.2metres.

At Waikerie we crossed the ferry and continued on to view the giant murals painted on the silos.

Members did their own thing for lunch with the bakery being a favourite spot. We gathered again at the Lions riverfront park and then took a scenic route to Cadell passing through Ramco, several historic buildings and numerous orange groves.

At Cadell we visited the boat ramp and enjoyed a close-up view of the river.

Further along the 4WD track we tested our driving skills when confronted with a fallen tree.

While at Cadell we visited the Community Club which only opens Wednesday and Friday evenings for a buffet dinner. So we decided to come back that night for happy hour and a hearty dinner. It was only a 10Km trip back to Morgan across the ferry, however four members chose to stay in the town. Some members preferred to eat at home.

It was a lucky night for Rick and Julia because they both won meat trays in the raffles.

Thursday 29 June – scenic trip to Mount Mary

Today we could sleep in or take the scenic walk around the historic wharf area and township of Morgan.

The convoy headed off at 11.30am and followed Brenda Park Shack Rd south of Morgan.

Several shacks were in various stages of repair and the height of the floodwaters was visible as a brown line on the shack walls.

As we saw in Cadell, piles of flood-damaged building material still lined the track along the river.

Time to leave the river and head inland via Stock Road, through saltbush and mallee countryside with a few sheep and two swift emus. At our lunch destination, the popular Mount Mary Hotel, we enjoyed the open wood fire in our dining room and of course the delicious country pub food. My scallop hotpot was yummy!

Back at Morgan, we gathered later in the camp kitchen for happy hour while Bruno cooked the winnings of Julia's meat tray to share around. After much conversation we adjourned to the warmth of our accommodation.

Friday 30th

The June- Departure

The group made their farewells after an enjoyable, relaxing getaway and look forward to the next one.

Participants were Dawn & John, Edith & Stuart, Fae & Jim, Garry, Julia & Bruno, Lesley & Barrie, Lesley

& Wayne, Mazz & Rick, Yvonne & Brendan.

Report & photos by trip leader, Julia.

July Friday 14th

Mid winter lunch at the Southern Bar Bistro St Marys.

July’s Social Day was a mid-winter lunch, and this looks like becoming a regular feature in the Group’s social program.

This year saw 26 members and a grandson gather at the Southern Bar and Bistro at St Marys for an informal lunch, starting at 12 noon. It gave participants time to enjoy the company of past traveling companions, and to reminisce about trips they had been on in past years. 3 inaugural members of the Group were present.

The opportunity was taken for the social committee to have a meeting afterwards, and some thoughts for events and trips for 2024 were discussed.

As usual, the venue provided a menu of excellent variety and the time together was enjoyed by all.

Keith.

Organiser.

August Thursday 24th Mystery Day Trip

Organisers Rodney and Raelene

Trip Report:-

What a turnaround – after weeks of cold, wet weather, we had the good fortune of a beautiful sunny day for our Mystery Run on 24th August. Member participating numbered 23, with 3 more later joining in for lunch.

After meeting at Balhannah’s Johnston Memorial Park for morning tea, each vehicle ventured forth for a 2 ½ - 3 hour trip, finishing at the Victoria Hotel in Strathalbyn for lunch. The route traversed a range of back roads with landscapes varying from vineyards and livestock properties in the Hills, to open paddocks, stunning yellow canola fields and woodlands on the plains, with magnificent views across country from several roads, including Iron Range Rd, Dishers Hill Rd and Shady Grove Rd.

Along the way participants discovered the Bremer River ,Monarto Woodlands, the Murray Bridge to Onkaparinga pipeline and Kidman Trail, where Dorper sheep are bred, bluestone is quarried, copper is mined and Neutrog garden products are made. A little piece of history was also learnt, with the inclusion of 2 South Australian heritage listed properties, the Shady Grove Unitarian Church and Cemetery, and Mooney’s German barnhouse. Knowledge of 4WD vehicles was also put to the test with the inclusion of a question asking for identification of a Willys Jeep, which was one of the few 4WD vehicles made for the public in the late 1950s.

Some questions were challenging, but nevertheless there were several outstanding quiz responses, with Bruno and Julia taking out the winning prize, closely followed by Lesley and Wayne, then Chris and Barry. Prizes

awarded included locally made Hills products from Beerenberg, Emmalines and Nepenthe Winery.

Tuesday 27th June – Julia & Bruno, leaders of the trip, welcomed the group in the camp kitchen for a

happy hour and discussion about the two days' activities. Some members arrived on Monday and others stayed on until Saturday.

September Thursday 21

Tour of Pt Adelaide Train Museum: lunch at Birkenhead Tavern.

Organiser Lesley S

See photos:- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1823391484620323/?source_id=267575853759692

TOUR OF NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM, PORT ADELAIDE

On Thursday 21 September 2023 members from Retire Active SA 4WD and Computer and Technology Groups gathered at the National Railway Museum for a fabulous tour of the railway museum, the history of rail in South Australia. They have an amazing collection of locomotives and carriages from times gone by.

Our guide, Hugh, gave us a very informative tour, explaining the history of rail in South Australia, giving an interesting history of the locomotives on display – some were built in UK, a few at Islington Workshops and James Martin Gawler. Would definitely recommend a visit.

Following the tour of the National Railway Museum we went to the Birkenhead Tavern for a delicious lunch, which was enjoyed by everyone. The Birkenhead Tavern is located on the banks of the Port River, which is a magnificent location