April 2 Echuca

Kev headed off to the airport for practice day whilst Mum and I planned a touristy day in Echuca.  Our first item to mark off the “bucket list” was a riverboat cruise on a paddle steamer.  So we booked a time on the Pride of the Murray and then bought food and staples for the next few days.  The paddle steamer itself was beautifully maintained  and well appointed.  We enjoyed a very calm cruise upstream and were surprised at the number of restored paddleboats there were on the Murray.  The tidal flow was very fast and many kayakers were taking advantage of it.

Pride of the Murray

Emmy Lou

Britannia

After the cruise we went into the old area of the wharves and wandered through craft shops including woodworking and ironmongers shop, the chocolate factory and many gift stores.  The town had a lovely chestnut horse pulling a lovely wagon on a tour of the main town blocks.  That wagon and horse passed us at least 6 times during our travels – he was very popular.  We also saw a banner advertising the Airshow which was planned for tomorrow (Sunday) and there at the bottom was a photo of our Stinson parked there in 2007.  (I could even see myself walking by)

The official AAAA event commenced with a dinner at the Airfield that evening.  A huge marquis had been organized with caterers.  The people and atmosphere were all friendly and a great camaraderie was offered by all attendees.  The meal was plentiful and well received on the cold night.  The MC for the evening was our friend, fun-loving Peter Bernardi and Craig Taberner announced the category winners.

Longest traveled was Rod Edwards, Stearman from WA…..

The President’s Choice was our Stinson Reliant from WA…….

The Reserve Champion was Chris & Lorrie Shine’s Staggerwing from WA…..

And Grand Champion was ………….  another Stearman from WA………

Once again, WA had blitzed most of the awards

The lovely black and yellow CT4 won Best Military and 2 Tiger Moths won Best Vintage and Best Restoration. 

We caught up with Dick & Margaret Nell from Goulburn, Colin & Maeva Smith from Croyden in NZ., Mark Michell from SA, Jim & Jenny Wickham from Tyabb as well as many other new friends from Victoria.