Our run to Serpentine for lunch was a little light on for starters with the forecast of some pretty crook weather on its way but the 14 bods who braved the weather had a “Great Day”. In anticipation of the bad weather, a few were reluctant to get their BUICKS wet and bought moderns. We started off in full sunshine, and we wondered what all the fuss was about.
We now have definite proof that God drives a BUICK as the rain didn’t arrive until after we had finished a great lunch in the newly renovated Tavern and were heading for home. A good run and great company.
Buick General Meeting at Chidlow
Almost a Spring Day today for our May Buick Club general meeting. We met at Centre Point in Midland for a coffee and a chin wag and then a leisurely cruise though the hills to Chidlow. We held our meeting in the park over the road from the pub and the sun was that enjoyable that no one wanted to move when it was time to head to the tavern for lunch. Being National Motoring Heritage Day today there were a few car clubs at the tavern. Food was great and so was the band. A bit loud for us oldies and the general comment was “50 years ago we would have been screaming for them to turn the volume UP”. However. I have to admit that I did see a few turning their hearing aids OFF. We headed off about 2.00 and all in all it was a good day.
Buick Breakfast held first Tuesday of the month
Articles from our trip to the 2018 Buick National Oueensland
The Oueensland Nationals 2018 – by The Wife. As you girls know, the Nationals don’t start the morning you leave, they start one or two weeks prior. First uncovering the Buick, then wash, polish and vacuum before it leaves the shed. Then it’s time to visit Repco. Oils, filters, grease and spare parts. Don’t even think about the budget, then it’s back home to the shed to service the car, only then can we think about packing the car for the trip and that only comes after himself does a final inspection to make sure we haven’t forgotten anything. Well, its time to leave, bright and early, whilst I am getting the house locked up, I ask His Lordship to pack the car. Next thing I hear is the horn (come on). As I get to the car, there he is, sitting behind the wheel, motor running, and ready to go, Esky on the back seat of course, but the luggage is still on the ground.
“What about the luggage” I said? His response was, “We don’t need all that stuff do we? I’ve packed the Esky.” So after a robust chat with His Lordship, I packed the luggage in only to be told everything I did was wrong. A good stare did the trick. We depart home and travel about 100kms when smoke appears at the rear of the car. As His Lordship investigates the cause, I sit there dreaming of Qantas and sipping a glass of Champers. Suddenly he puts his head through the window and informs me the mechanic has left an oil line loose. After he fixes it, he hops in and says, “Don’ worry pet, we’re alright now.” It was a short lived dream. The next morning, I awaken with a fright. His Lordship pats me on the bottom and as you girls would realise, I fly straight out of bed only to be met with, “Any chance of a cuppa and a piece of toast?” Another god almighty stare does the trick.
Silence, then a very nervous husband packs the car for the day. As we travel along this route quite often, we stay in the same motels and have never had to book accommodation, but for some reason, every motel is completely booked out. As we could not get a room at Pt. Augusta, His Lordship decides we have to drive to Broken Hill. Upon arriving in Broken Hill, our usual motel is fully booked. We checked out all motels only to find there are no rooms available. A smile comes to His Lordships face and says, “We will have to stay in the pub.” Eventually we find a pub that has one room left with two single beds. “Beauty”, His Lordship says quickly, “book us in” which creates my most memorable moment. After paying for the room, I go out to inform himself we are booked in. Now girls, this is one of those moments that you need your camera at hand. As I hop in the car, he says, “Where do we park the Buick?” This is when I inform him the Buick must sleep out on the street.
Well, the look on His Lordships face was priceless, it will live with me a lifetime. “We can’t leave her on the street” he states. “Well what do you expect me to do”, I say, “sleep in the car?” With that he says, “Would you really?” Another hard stare mixed with quite a nasty snarl put a stop to that idea. Well, if you’ve ever slept in a pub, you’ll probably realise it would have been more comfy in the car, lots of noise as it usually happens, every hour or so there is a loud noise or a mallee between god knows who, but it is enough for His Lordship to get up and check the car every time this happens. So at 4.15 in the morning, I was quite relieved to be on our way, only to be informed, “Gee that was a good pub.” Finding the service station, at 4.30 am, it didn’t open till 5am, we had forgotten to change our watches. Upon reaching our destination, we stop to fuel up, check oil etc., up goes the bonnet and opposite us another car enthusiast, which quite often happens on the runs, he asks, “How was the trip?” “Fabulous” says His Lordship. “How was your’s” he asks the other chap? “Tops”, he says. “How was the food”, he asks His Lordship? “Well except for the cold shoulder and tongue pie, it was pretty good.”
“I know what you mean”, says his new best friend. With that his wife looks across to me and gives me a wink and a lovely smile. Down with the bonnet but not before he gives a pat on the air filter and the radiator which is done everyday. We had an absolutely wonderful time on the Nationals and Post Tour. Presentation Dinner was a fun night for all, trophy presentations, games and lots of catching up with old and new acquaintances. We accepted with please, the Davidson Driving Encouragement Award for the Oldest Car Driven the Longest Distance.
The ole girl did herself proud and never missed a beat. On our last day, my daughter rings me and I ask straight away, “Is everything alright, kids, animals etc?” Hoping for the best and dreaming of Qantas again. “Yes Mum”, she says, “I’m just ringing to wish you a lovely trip back home with Dad.” Was this all a nightmare, or is this all a dream? I will let you decide.
-------Jenny McLennan, W.A.
