Panorama House 2009
Sunday 18th January 2009
Well the first run for 2009 certainly did not disappoint!!
Many of us were very keen for this run given that we got to combine a breakfast with a trip to the beach all with our GT Club Family.
Getting up at 6am and opening the blinds I was greeted by a postcard perfect day - bright blue skies and more moderate temperatures than we have had during the week. I thought how great the view would be from Panorama House on such a clear summer day and couldn't wait to get down there.
After getting the family organised I fired up the X-Dub and we were on our way to Uncle Leo's. We arrived at the meeting point at 7.45am and there were already in excess of 30 cars all assembled and glistening in the morning sun. The banter had already started with Alf leading the charge (as always!!). After meeting and greeting all and Rob explaining the route and destination, it was time to fire up Henry's finest and make our way down to Bulli Tops.
The drive was very relaxing and this time I was at the front of the convoy - a few times I almost ran off the road because I was looking more in the rear view mirror than ahead of me - I am still blown away by the sight of metal, chrome, colour and sounds of these real muscle cars. The sight of a convoy in excess of 30 of these cars is pure heaven!!
Arriving at Panorama House we were greeted with three or four GT's already in the carpark - most parked up on the grass where it looked like a GT show was being put on. The view of the carpark was almost matched by the breathtaking view from Panorama House out over Wollongong and the south coast.
Liaising with management of Panorama House, Ollie's event management skills came to the fore and everyone arranged themselves in groups of 10 to be seated inside. The venue was even better than we anticipated with decore befitting a wedding reception.
Everyone enjoyed a full buffet breakfast really enjoying each other's company and the surroundings. One common feature of all of our runs to date (that we are most proud of) is the fact that we have a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere - it was certainly the case yesterday.
After breakfast we chatting some more in the carpark and before long fired up the cars for a short drive down Bulli Pass to Thirroul beach.
We were lucky enough to be able to find a section of the carpark that we could all park in - no mean feat given it was a popular beach day with lots of people spread out over the beach and pool.
Alfy was busy as always selling raffle tickets and members with kids started up a game of cricket - other grabbed a seat to chat while others just hung around the cars.
Rob Barnsley was awarded the best car on the run for his unique and immaculate XB GT Hardtop "Horn Car" - well done Rob!!
Before long people started leaving and many like ourselves opted for the scenic drive home via the Sea Cliff Bridge - great ocean views and many people out and about creating a festival like atmosphere.
Overall another great run to begin the new year and thanks to all the members that came along to make this day truely memorable.
Cheers
Bob
Well the first run for 2009 certainly did not disappoint!!
Many of us were very keen for this run given that we got to combine a breakfast with a trip to the beach all with our GT Club Family.
Getting up at 6am and opening the blinds I was greeted by a postcard perfect day - bright blue skies and more moderate temperatures than we have had during the week. I thought how great the view would be from Panorama House on such a clear summer day and couldn't wait to get down there.
After getting the family organised I fired up the X-Dub and we were on our way to Uncle Leo's. We arrived at the meeting point at 7.45am and there were already in excess of 30 cars all assembled and glistening in the morning sun. The banter had already started with Alf leading the charge (as always!!). After meeting and greeting all and Rob explaining the route and destination, it was time to fire up Henry's finest and make our way down to Bulli Tops.
The drive was very relaxing and this time I was at the front of the convoy - a few times I almost ran off the road because I was looking more in the rear view mirror than ahead of me - I am still blown away by the sight of metal, chrome, colour and sounds of these real muscle cars. The sight of a convoy in excess of 30 of these cars is pure heaven!!
Arriving at Panorama House we were greeted with three or four GT's already in the carpark - most parked up on the grass where it looked like a GT show was being put on. The view of the carpark was almost matched by the breathtaking view from Panorama House out over Wollongong and the south coast.
Liaising with management of Panorama House, Ollie's event management skills came to the fore and everyone arranged themselves in groups of 10 to be seated inside. The venue was even better than we anticipated with decore befitting a wedding reception.
Everyone enjoyed a full buffet breakfast really enjoying each other's company and the surroundings. One common feature of all of our runs to date (that we are most proud of) is the fact that we have a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere - it was certainly the case yesterday.
After breakfast we chatting some more in the carpark and before long fired up the cars for a short drive down Bulli Pass to Thirroul beach.
We were lucky enough to be able to find a section of the carpark that we could all park in - no mean feat given it was a popular beach day with lots of people spread out over the beach and pool.
Alfy was busy as always selling raffle tickets and members with kids started up a game of cricket - other grabbed a seat to chat while others just hung around the cars.
Rob Barnsley was awarded the best car on the run for his unique and immaculate XB GT Hardtop "Horn Car" - well done Rob!!
Before long people started leaving and many like ourselves opted for the scenic drive home via the Sea Cliff Bridge - great ocean views and many people out and about creating a festival like atmosphere.
Overall another great run to begin the new year and thanks to all the members that came along to make this day truely memorable.
Cheers
Bob
