On a bright sunny Tuesday 11th Dec 2018, the Foon trip left Stratford just after 9am.
In were Wayne and Sharna Foon in a Toyota, Bob and Annette in their Discovery 4, Alan and Helen in their Defender, Greg and Lois in their Discovery 4, and Alan and Tonee in their Discovery 3.
The first stop was Dargo for morning tea and some great egg and bacon pies.
We then headed off on the Crooked River Road to Eaglevale camp ground for lunch and to check out the great work done by the club only weeks before.
After lunch we headed up the Eaglevale Track which starts with a very steep climb; enough for the Defender to take a second attempt.
Turning onto Cynthia Range Track, we headed to Wonnangatta Station to camp for the night. Wayne led us to a secluded camping area where we set up for the night.
After some of the more adventurous had a swim, the camp fire was started and a bbq tea was had by all.
After a good night in our tents, we took the time to look over the old station ruins, and then headed off for Bright.
As we were about to cross the Wonnangatta River, Wayne spotted a camp fire still smoking so a short stop was taken to pour buckets of water over it to ensure it was extinguished.
We stopped for morning tea on top of Van Dammes track. The 360 degree view was awesome! Various cakes were shared before we took off down Harry Shepherd, but we were soon stopped by a fallen tree. The chainsaw was put to good use and we were underway again.
As we got onto Abbeyard Road the speed picked up and we made Abbeyard camp ground for lunch next to the Buffalo River. The river runs into Lake Buffalo which was overflowing.
On reaching Myrtleford we turned onto the Great Alpine Way towards Bright, and our camping ground for the night.
On arrival we were warned of heavy rain and high winds, and the torrential rain certainly eventuated!
Once set up, and showered and changed, we set out to the local brewery for dinner and a few drinks before settling down for the night, hoping our tents stayed up and dry. The MacRaes and Foons were well keeping their feet dry in their roof top tents...
Due to a family requirement, Greg and Lois needed to leave early on the Thursday morning to get home. Our group was down to 8 now.
The plan for our day in Bright originally was to see the sights from a few lookouts and vantage points, however due the ceaseless downpour became indoor oriented which evolved to just eat and drink. So it was off to breakfast, then out to Gapsted Winery for a long lunch, and then after a quick look around some of the shops, back to the brewery for dinner and to stay out of the rain.
The day was completed with a visit to the local cinema (not gold class, but perhaps bronze) to see Bohemian Rhapsody, which was unanimously deemed to be excellent.
On Friday morning we all packed up our wet tents and after filling our fuel tanks with surprisingly well priced fuel, made for Omeo via Hotham, for coffee and more food. The weather was now sunny and the drive home was easy going, with one last stop for the MacRaes and Harlows at the Rose’s for a cuppa and more treats.
Kudos to Wayne and Sharna who organised a great trip, and were fantastic trip leaders, with great local knowledge.
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