We spent an extremely enjoyable evening last night with Joan and Bruce Heinrich from Lucknow, who stayed overnight and joined in a community dinner at their cablin.

 

A cool but beautiful morning greeted us as Bruce and Joan led the way towards Bathurst, with Bruce enlightening us with local knowledge.  He had organised for us to visit Bunnings at Bathurst, Bunnings being one of our sponsors.  The staff there had arranged an enjoyable early morning tea for our group, which was most appreciated.  After this, photos of the staff with the tractor were taken outside.

 

Bruce and Joan continued to lead us through the lovely countryside to Mount Panorama where the Formula One car races are held each year and are due to be held again within two weeks, therefore the site is a flurry of activity to have it ready for the big event.

 

Another 9G tractor enthusiast, Dennis Coopes, brought his tractor along to Mount Panorama.  We drove around the circuit in our vehicles trying to imagine what it would be like in a high speed racing car, surrounded by other cars going even faster.  Because the circuit is never closed, there were many other vehicles using it in both directions.  Then the tractor did a couple of circuits which was enough to have the adrenalin pumping - especially through the tight s-bends which word has it are normally taken on only two wheels!

 

Dick was even more excited than the rest of us and stated that this was positively the best experience of our trip.l

 

Joan and Bruce left us shortly after leaving Bathurst and we continued towards Crookwell where we were met by 9G Tractor Club member Lindsay Crowe and Rob Temple from the local Vintage Farm Machinery Club and other members of their club.  Rob had organised for the tractor to be on display in Goulburn in front of Belmore Park and a good crowd attended on a lovely sunny day.  He also arranged for two local breast cancer survivors to be on hand with information pamphlets.

 

We would have liked to have spent more time exploring Goulburn but as always the itinerary is tight. 

 

 Although the countryside is green, it is obvious that the extensive drought is taking its toll and feed is in short supply for this time of the year.  They simply have not have had sufficient follow up rains this year.  Our thoughts go out to those who are doing it so tough.

 

Once again, we thank those who have shown such wonderful interest and support in our re-enactment.