Monday 19. October to Sunday 25. October, Shearing Shed, Cowes, Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia
Small, BUT BEAUTIFUL
Monday, 19. October
Time to register: At last, after a long trip to Australia – many of us members had arrived earlier, others remained much longer – it was time to register. At the rally about 80 women participated (and some men) from 13 different nations. That was a substantial number in spite of the wide path. Every now and then an engine noise, yes and when they came, the women on your z.T. leased and loaned by friends motorcycles. Some were even with campers or cars on the road – really great just to meet friends from near and far repeatedly.
Our hall was already busily decorated with flags etc … .also into our Welcome bags were ready. This time, everything in “Purple”
Opening: Well prepared our President Claudia opened the rally and greeted our hosts. This was followed by a wonderful dinner with fish and beef steak and the party could begin.
No disco, but nice to be able to talk with others in a normal volume times and just to enjoy the talks.
Tuesday, October 20
Breakfast was included and this we also enjoyed … it was still spring and the Outside-sitting a little too cool.
Already the first outing was planned: a morning exit to Cranbourne for “Native Botanic Garden” and in the afternoon for “Churchill Farm”. The farm’s gave a demonstration how schärt sheep (formerly and now).
Today was trash – evening and we had to let yet come up with something. We Swiss have a dance practiced with Margrith (5 minutes) … and almost every country brought a contribution. The Japanese had even rehearsed a great choreography.
Yes, and it was late … because the wine was so good ….
Wednesday, October 21
Unfortunately, it rained in the morning, just as the track for “Healesville Wildlife Sanctury” was still nearly 200 km long. Since Uli and Gertha had a car, I was allowed to go with them and was happy to find that most of them were semi-frozen and wet at their destination. A beautiful park with many animals … so I saw the first kangaroos and wallabies … also Tasmanian Devil … and Koalas. (Kangaroos are not so often seen in the wild, because they “come out of the bush” only at dusk)
On the way back a barbeque (Australia’s favorite food) in “Caldemeade Diary and Café” was announced. The weather improved gradually, the women came on motorcycle to not quite so wet, but were happy about something hot to eat in the dry.
Thursday, October 22
East of Phillip Iceland is the “Wilson Promontory”, a huge national park. With Uli, Gertha and Stefanie we took the track under the wheels … of course you do not go there by simply because a photo there, “Oh how beautiful” … and always in search of wild animals. Suddenly they were there, the wild EMAT … .they are not noticed, so we could watch them at your leisure. Everywhere there were “lookouts” … as well as at the Whiskey Beach. Unbelievable what impressions you get from the mighty rock in the sea, in all colors, the change also depending on the light, the secluded sandy beaches and the plants. Back at camp a next barbeque was organized and in the early evening we took a bus to the site, the little penguins come on to their nests daily from the sea. What a spectacle … even in the parking lot were warning signs: “please check under your car, befor driving away.” In fact, the small, cute Pinguinie came up to the car park. It was cold and windy and semi-frozen we went back to the camp, where of course we had to rehash us “liquids”. Who was always last still on ???
Friday 23 Otkober
Our day off, because in the afternoon the “Presidents meeting and -dinner” took place. It had a new vice president to be chosen because Keiko was unfortunately announced her resignation. The choice was between Simone from Switzerland and shortly came, or the solicitation of Asa from Sweden to. Was elected Asa.
We drove back at a zoo in Cowes, so very close. There we could feed the kangaroos and Wallabis itself. They were very friendly and were even stroke – heartedly that Wallabiemutter with their little ones in the bag. Impressed it gave me personally but the koalas.
Because it was a mild evening, we cooked in the camper and ate out at a magnificent sunset. Later we sat in the hall again in a relaxed atmosphere until the “bitter end”.
Saturday, October 24
Already it was time for the parade. Suddenly everyone was busy … you had still the flags placed at the Bike. Ready for departure there was a photo shoot … so helmets again, put together and on and off again … ..
The parade led us through Cowes … Cathy, Linda and Claudia with the big WIMA – Flag in “front”. Soon direction Camp abbiegend (we thought) … we went suddenly into higher speeds on the main road … and drove and drove … ca. 100 km. We were surprised that the parade did not end at the camp. Of course, we had lost the photographers … and since we did not know exactly where we were, had to then fight our detours … but finally they met even one.
Yes, and already was it the last night. A fine “farewell dinner” was served to us. Uli from Vienna got the Ellen-Pfeiffer-Award and finally ended with the official act Claudia Wima Australia. Mood was not big on … just nice conversations … goodbyes … and already it was all over. Something to which we all had so enjoyed it, it was for many a huge effort to Australia to travel … BUT … it has definitely paid off.
Sunday, October 25
Time to say goodbye … yes it is good bye … ..but also sayonara and goodbye.
Many thanks to WIMA Australia that they allowed us such a beautiful rally and not forgetting the unforgettable participation in the Moto GP.
See you next year in Hungary.
All the best
Elsbeth – author
Gertha – fotographer: here’s the pictures – & gt; gallery code
Uli – lector :-)))