Event date: 7 November 2023

On the morning of, we had time to give our car a quick wash down before we headed off to meet at Hastings. Bling! It's back to being shiny clean, looking immaculate (after the dirty rain the night before).

We arrived at Hastings in plenty of time to do some meet and greets, everyone was very welcoming and friendly, just as we'd hoped. There was even time to check out the other cars, so many nice BMW's and we could certainly tell everyone takes great pride in their cars.

With a quick announcement on the day's happenings, it was all systems go. We were in the second group to take off but watched as group one took to the road, on their way to the Cape Schank lighthouse where we'd all meet up again and convoy it to T'Gallants for lunch.

It was our first time driving in a convoy, there were about 15 or so cars in our group, similar to group one. The UHF radio was something new for us, but well worth the purchase and with a quick radio check we were off.

Left turn out of the Club Headquarters and across the rail lines onward through some of the windy roads the Peninsula has to offer, through Flinders we paraded our cars, driving through the township, with many people stopping to admire.

The UHF sure made the drive a breeze and the coordination from the lead to tail car was impressive, advising us where to turn, how many non-group cars were in the mix, regrouping and keeping us in the loop at all times, with some chatter in between.

Arriving at Cape Schank lighthouse and national park we did a quick lap around the car park, it was clearly a busy day for the area, plenty of tourists, so we parked up the main road and walked back towards the lighthouse area. We didn't partake in the lighthouse tour, but by all accounts, listening to others at lunch, it was certainly very interesting to learn about the history of the area and the lighthouse's purpose.

The weather was quite warm as we walked some of the trails amongst the beautiful scenery, sea and rock settings. In the distance we could also see the beach, which we figured was where all the cars parked along one of the roads we drove a bit earlier, led to.

We spent about an hour at the national park before both groups started in convoy towards Main Ridge, for lunch. Off we set, through some main and back roads, up Arthur's Seat, always a highlight to drive, whether it be by car or motorbike. Who doesn't love a bendy road with spectacular views! Then down through Red Hill and onto Main Ridge to T'Gallants.

We really are spoilt for choice on the Peninsula, so many wineries and touristy spots, but what a perfect setting for lunch. The venue was the perfect size for the Club, hats off to Jo and Co. for a great choice and in organising the event.

On arrival, our tables had a choice of T'Gallants red or white wine to indulge in and soon after some tasty platters were served for entree.

It was then down to business, as the list of horses for the Melbourne Cup was delivered to the tables, only to be taken away in haste after realising it was the list from the 2022 Cup. A slight technical hitch, giddy up! A good talking point nonetheless, along with loads of laughs.

Then the correct 2023 horse names were presented in a tub at $5 a horse. There was an exciting buzz around the pavilion with the cross sharing of horse names, as to who had which horse and who's the favourite, which jockey is riding which horse. We all seemed pretty pleased with our lucky dips, after all it's anyone's race.

Mains followed soon after, with an array of tasty food on offer.

There were some fine hats and head pieces on show with a special shout out to Martin's promptly made serviette hat! I'm not sure if an eventual winner was declared, but everyone enjoyed showcasing their hats.

The Cup was run and won with some of the group winning twice, having lucky dipped the same horse. With prizes awarded and claimed, some finished in front $$, others not - we were in the 'not'! Never mind, maybe next year.

With the day's festivities over, coffees had, farewells said, we soon departed. Thanks to everyone for sharing such an enjoyable drive and a great day out.

Susan Wilson | Member #1110
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne