Well folks, if you missed out on the Walhalla weekend then you missed a real cracker. The riding was excellent, the weather great, the company fantastic, and an altogether top time was had by all.
Some would know that this has been in the planning for some time and involved the VMMA attending the Walhalla Lodge on the Saturday night, for an official visit. Noel Harris, senior deacon of the lodge was instrumental in negotiating our visit. So, having committed ourselves we duly travelled and attended, and in doing so nearly broke the VMMA attendance record. So, here’s who turned up: Chris and Sharyn, Dean and Terri, Bob and Jean, Drew and Karma, Cliff and Laurel, Cameron and Barbara, Don and Eleanor, Wazza, Gary Porter, Casper, The Colonel, Red, Taxi, Dave Cash, Eric Palant, Noel Harris, and Pedro.
Don Lowe striding up the steps. Chris & Cliff also made it up the steps.
There were two groups travelling up; one riding from Yarra Junction, the other came via the Princes Highway. Our riding group met at 1130 on Saturday at Yarra Junction, and consisted of Chris & Sharyn, Dean & Terri, Eric, Gary, Pedro, and Bob & Jean in the car. Jean changed into her bike gear and rode pillion with Dean, while Terri hoped on the back with me.
We rode at a fairly quick pace, and it wasn’t long before the group was split. On arrival at Noojee, we were surprised not to see the others arrive, and after 20 anxious minutes Gary arrived to tell us that one of the bikes had electrical problems (Typical Harley - webGuy). I dreaded the thought of having to tow a bike, but thankfully Chris was able to adjust the high tension leads on the disabled bike and get it going; and thereafter it never missed a beat over the weekend.
Thankfully the log trucks were not working on Saturday, and the traffic was very light on the road through Noojee, Fumina, Hill End and Willow Grove. Pulling up at the ‘T’ intersection at the Moe/Eric road to re-group I was told that the tail-enders had noticed two young Policeman setting up a speed camera. Sighs of relief all round. Both Jean and Terri were pretty pleased with their pillion ride up to this point, but there was more fun to come.
L to R: Gary, Wazza, Cliff, Eric, Dennis, Pedro and Taxi.
We tootled into Moe to refuel and met the highway group, which consisted of Cameron & Barb, Taxi, Colonel, Red, Casper, and Dave Cash. After a shortish stop for food and supplies, we headed off to Rawson. This time joined by Cameron on his beautifully prepared Vincent. Gee that bike sounds fantastic and runs very well. No wonder he is so proud of it! Although I advised caution on the road up to Erica and Rawson, the lack of traffic and those (generally) smooth corners yearned for some swift riding.
Fortunately our progress was not impeded by the local constabulary and we arrived at the Rawson Resort around 4ish. Having settled in to our digs we enjoyed a social drink, and Noel confirmed that the work for the evening was to be a demonstration of the second degree. Someone suggested that Dean, our entered apprentice, could possibly be passed to the second degree, instead of the demonstration. After some hasty phone calls we gained approval for this to occur, and the Master of Walhalla Lodge was happy to oblige.
We headed off to the meeting, and joined a large number of visitors to make the total number attending the meeting swell to 74. The VMMA entered just prior to the Coal Creek Lodge, on its official visit. We were lucky to get a seat, and with a lack of air-conditioning in the temple, the hymn books came in very handy as a hand fan.
VMMA members with dean on passing to the 2nd degree.
Dean’s second degree went well and we were all very proud of him. On retiring to the small adjoining supper room it quickly became evident there was a lack of seating, and there were plenty of people standing up to eat. Brian and I gave the usual VMMA ‘talking heads’ recital of our aims and achievements. Many in attendance were surprised and supportive of our efforts.
Yes, Dean it is all over you can relax!!!
One particular local Gippsland brother was sufficiently impressed that he asked for membership papers on the spot. It’s a great pleasure to visit these small country lodges, particularly to see that when groups like us talk about our charity or community service work, brethren are very happy to open their wallets and spend money on a worthy cause. The raffle and charity bowl realised $248, and the Master then pledged a cheque for $250 to the VMMA’s chosen charity. We sincerely thank the Walhalla Lodge, and all the visitors for contributing so generously.
While we were doing our secret squirrel stuff, some of our ladies enjoyed a visit to the local Walhalla hotels, all two of them: the Walhalla Hotel, and the Lone Star Hotel. Suffice is to say the Lone Star, situated below the Walhalla Lodge, was packed with yuppies, and apparently the drinks were not cheap.
Brian and Pedro speaking in the south.
While the ladies were in the vicinity they climbed onto the nearby band rotunda and attempted to entertain anyone who would listen. Pity we were making so much of our own noise from singing that we couldn’t hear them anyway.
Having completed our supper we trundled off back to Rawson to continue the party in our accommodation recreation area. Some chose to sneak off to bed while the hardened party goers kicked on into the wee hours. Needless to say there were some pretty rugged looking characters at breakfast.
The south is also full at Walhalla.
A hearty breakfast was had by most before we departed around 10ish. Again we split into groups with a few less riders going back the way we came i.e. via Noojee etc. A stop at Noojee revealed that Eric was suffering from his lack of sleep and other things, and he was not really enjoying the ride home all that much. I waved the group farewell at this point and rode back to Launching Place, to spend the remainder of the weekend with Bron.
Thanks to all VMMA members in attendance for your company and friendship over this time. This is my second trip to Walhalla Lodge , and will certainly not be my last.
PS. I’ve been asked to pass on special thanks to "boom boom" Eric the Viking for entertaining the members all night.
Ride safe
Ciao Pedro
