My visit to Australia

[BT SNAKE]

I just arrived home from my trip to Melbourne Australia . I had one outstanding time.
Bernie Knight the movie star.(Was in a McDonalds commercial aired in Australia) invited me for the Phillip Island Historic and F-1. Bernie picked me up at the airport
And we drove to his home in Geelong. Because I was able to get some sleep on the airplane Bernie suggested we show up at the Cobra club meeting that evening. We drove to the Returned Services League (equivalent to our Veterans of Foreign Wars) where the meeting was held. There I met a bunch of great folks and had a fantastic steak dinner to match. I really like the way they conduct the meetings and the way they organize events for their members. They even put out a monthly magazine of their events and other happenings. Just a bunch of car crazies like myself I felt right at home.
The club was to meet at Phillip Island and display their cars on Sunday. We were invited to be there with them.
The next morning found us touring the city of Geelong. We spent most of the time down at the Eastern Beach Promenade where all the Bollards are. Most Aussies know what Bollards are but for those who don’t here is a link to some good photos I found on the web. http://www.webshots.com/search?query...lards&start=72
Bernie did a fantastic job explaining each Bollard and who they represented. I think the artist Jan Mitchell Did a wonderful thing for the city. It was one clever idea. She passed away I believe in 1999 of cancer. Hopefully her sons will carry one her legacy and keep the Bollards going.
Friday was a really fantastic day as well. Bernie and I were invited by Eddie Edwards to take a plane ride in his Cessna Centurion from Barwon Heads airport. Eddie took us all along the coast pointing out many interesting things. It was a real treat not only for the plane ride but also because Eddie owns one of the most beautiful RFGT40’s I’ve seen. It has the 4.6 engine in it and I can tell you first hand it hauls. Thanks Eddie !! The six speed Audi transaxle seems to be a good match for this car it performed extremely well under some spirited driving by Eddie.
Later that day we Visited Andrew who lives on a farm. He has paddocks with free range chooks (chickens to us Americans). He sells the eggs as such. Let me tell ya’, this guy and his family know the business and loves what they do. I believe Andrew is one of the happiest Aussies I ever met. He has such a fantastic disposition that it keeps him smiling. I can see why to with such a lovely family. (Andrew, Please asked David to be quite) Thank you my friend for inviting me to your home. Andrew also owns one outstanding RFGT40. This car has an unbelievable paint job. It actually changes in the sun. One beautiful yellow….. Gold color.
Sunday rolled around fast and we were on our way to the Phillip Island Historic. This is one great event to attend. We met the Cobra club there and they had several of their cars there on display. These Aussies love their cars. There were some very unusual makes on display. It would be a good idea if Barry Maguire from the car crazy show to come over to Australia. He would even be impressed by these enthusiasts.
The day went fast with a visit to the paddock to photograph the many cars and to watch the races from atop the garages. That track has got to be one of the best in the world.
Sunday evening we left Phillip Island and drove to Barry Nelson’s house who invited Bernie and I for dinner. I rode with Barry in his Cobra while Bernie followed from behind because frankly I don’t think Barry would allow him to get in front. Boy it was an exciting ride … What’s with all them friggin’ cameras anyway.
Barry spent most of the sixties in the USA. He worked for Bud Moore and other teams while here. He has a great photo album of many of the old cars he worked on. Barry is preparing a CD for me with all of these great historic photos. This guy has an unbelievable memory about those racing years. Barry, you’re a prince and I thank you for
Taking the time to make that CD.
Monday was our day at the Point Cook RAAF Museum. As we pulled into the parking lot there were several Bi-wing Tiger Moths doing touch and goes. Later I find out they do this almost everyday. You just can’t keep a good plane down. Inside the museum we saw displays that covered early aviation in Australia all the way up to the present. A history that made me ever so proud to know this nation has a true ally that has supported us through thick and thin. I can’t possibly describe all those things that I experienced here but I can say it will impress all American that visit here. The respect that is shown by Australians for their fallen soldiers is heartening to say the least. I for one am grateful for such proud people that have supported the U.S. many times over.
Tuesday and Bernie has a special surprise planned. We leave Mt. Gambier in the Ford Ute headed for Pt. Campbell. Bernie has arranged a helicopter ride to view the 12 Apostles and the great ocean road coastline. I was definitely surprised especially when Bernie says this flight ends three hours later in the center of Downtown Melbourne . On the way there we stopped at the Yering Winery in the Yarra Vally and tasted some really good wines. From there we continued on following the Yarra River right to the middle of the city. We landed on a pontoon pier across from the Crown Casino. Now I gotta tell you, I never experience anything like this, Flying right through the middle of the city below the tall buildings. It’s was just plain incredible. Bernie, I can’t top this. There is nothing I can think of that will even come close. So buddy, when you get here I just hope I can keep you entertained.
While we were at the winery we took a cab over to see Ian’s Cobra being built by Doug. Now this is a Cobra folks. Doug, you’re a true craftsman. Anyone that can shoe horn a 5.4 in a cobra that nice is a craftsman. I can’t wait to see it done. I know Ian is anxious to get his hands on it.
We headed back the next day in the helicopter to Prt. Campbell. Another fantastic journey over the Prince Phillip Bay and the great ocean road coastline. That coast and Highway are truly National Treasures. I am happy to have had the chance see this in such a fantastic way.
Friday was F-1 day for us. We took the train into Melbourne and entered at gate 9. We met Barry there and walked around through the V8 supercars paddock. I wish we had V8 supercars here in the U.S. Way more entertaining than NASCAR. One thing for sure, they ain’t short on bright colored paint. You gotta wear sunglasses to look at some of them. Also the Historic paddock was nice too. They had many of the same cars on display that were at Phillip Island.
Looks to me like that L. Hamilton is going to be the Tiger Woods of F-1. He drove a brilliant race.
Saturday we wound up back at the Barwon Heads airport to meet up with Eddie and Andrew. We were about to take their GT40’s for a ride on the Great Ocean Road to Lorne for Coffee at a popular Café. This ride was pretty cool. I rode with Andrew and Bernie hopped in with Eddie. Now I can’t go into much detail but let’s just say we got there rather quickly. Thanks again Andrew!
On the return trip after a fine Cappuccino, I rode with Eddie. Now if you guys want the details you are going to have to get that from Bernie.
There are many more things I got to do and see but this post is getting ridiculously long so I will end it here with one least comment. I will find it hard to top such a fantastic trip. I truly am at a loss for words on how much Bernie and all the Australian people who treated me so kind. I can see why you are such a proud people .



Sometimes Thank You is all you can say,


Hersh

PS.. Guys, I tried desperatly to include photos but by the time I sized them correctly to 39.1 KB there wasn't much left to look at but a postage stamp size photo... Sorry

[HSVREDSLED]

Wow..

sounds like you had a brilliant trip. All kudos to the local fellas who showed you a great time..

[sambo]

"Wow" for sure! I found myself saying that word several times as I was reading your post. Bernie you've done us proud. Now let's have some more details about the Great Ocean Road drive, hey?

[400TT]

Thanks Hersh for posting all the details, what a fantastic trip. Bernie you really are a star, everyone needs mates like that.

Hersh, I'm making the trip over to Run & Gun this year. I'm really looking forward to catching up with you & Bernie and seeing your GT40 out on the track.

[trularin]

WOW, Hersh it sounds like you had a great time. It is good to be able to read about your adventure, thanks for posting it.

Hope to see both of you in London.

[BT SNAKE]

Guys,
It was the same for me. WOW! was what Bernie heard a lot. I just plain ran out of descriptive terms. Everyday was
an adventure.

If things work out right Dave, Bernie and I will be at the LCS. It's just a little too early to say for sure.

Craig, That is great news that you are coming over for R&G. I know Fran will take good care of you. He has lots to
show and tell. His place is anything but boring. I have not seen his new factory but from the photos it looks spectacular. If per chance you have the time then you are welcome to come out my way and visit awhile. I got plenty of room. There is loads to see and do here in Phoenix. The Phoenix Cobra club will show you a good time as well.

Hersh

[Baz]

Hershal,

It makes me real proud to be an Aussie after reading of your experiences with Bernie. He has done our great Country proud and should be officially recognised for what he has now done for our tourisim. This particularly relates to any of your fellow countrymen who read your thread. They will all want to come over and you know what; they are more than welcome here.

You didn't mention if you managed to visit Canberra and Sydney during your short trip. I'm sorry we didn't get to meet, but there's always another time, whether it be in your Country or mine.

Your thread made great reading and I was sorry you finished it when you did. Maybe you could continue Part 2 in a follow-up edition. We would really love to hear the whole story of your trip.

Well done Bernie. Iv'e told you before that your a legend. Now you've gone and proved it.


Regards

Baz.

[400TT]

Originally Posted by BT SNAKE

If per chance you have the time then you are welcome to come out my way and visit awhile. I got plenty of room. There is loads to see and do here in Phoenix. The Phoenix Cobra club will show you a good time as well.

Hersh

Thanks Hersh, appreciate the offer. Will see how the schedule goes.

[BMK]

Hershal,

Glad that you had a good time here. It was a real pleasure to show you around.

Now I must be honest a say that this is not the lifestyle that I normally lead every day - flying all over Victoria in helicopters and landing at the casino. Only once a week or so..

Thanks to Ian and the guys at 12 Apostle helicopters.

www.12ah.com



Now the trip down the Ocean Road in the GT40's.

.. just let me say that these young guys in their 'rice cars' are not the only ones who know how to drift. In our case it was in GT40's on the Great Ocean Road - 250 feet above the ocean on the cliff edge..

Hershal. I'm glad you had a good time. It was certainly a fun filled week or so. Glad I could re pay some of that wonderful hospitality that the US has afforded me over the last four years or so.

Stay safe.

[BMK]

Hi all again.

I had an email regarding the helicopter flight and thought I would let everyone who knows the area know what we did.

Firstly, let me thank my friend Ian the owner and Chief Pilot at the 12 Apostle Helicopters and Johnathan the owner of Microflite who shouted us the flights and flew us about for the two days in their time. Your time and efforts were really appreciated.

The flights filming the Ocean Road area....

We flew out of the Port Campbell airport at the 12 Apostles and after flying over the Apostles, we headed east along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay where we flew at low level over Appollo Bay and the Great Ocean Road. We were at road level and below at times - filming for Hershal.

Fantastic....

We then headed over Lorne, Aireys Inlet along the Anglesea, Bells Beach and Torquay towns to the Point Lonsdale heads only metres above the ocean and roads.

At the heads we watched the Port Phillip Pilots on a cargo ship line up for the heads approach. We were able to see the pilot boat heading back into the bay ahead of the ship.

We flew north east up the bay to Morrabbin airport where we landed after flying over the Mornington peninsular and town to Morrabbin.

We then flew out from Morrabbin with Ian and the gang to Lilydale in eastern Melbourne. This flight took us over old Melbourne town suburbs - to the winery on the outskirts of Lilydale.

The flight back to Melbourne saw us fly west over Lilydale, Ringwood, Blackburn, Prahran, Toorak and directly into the heart of Melbourne.

We approached over the Tennis centre, MCG and the Arts Centre and then lined up the Yarra flying in over the Flinders Street Station along the Yarra droping down between the city buildings and landing opposite the Crown Casino.

The next day saw us fly back over Melbourne and do a full loop along the north end of the bay over Port Melbourne, Newport, Williamstown and then south along the Geelong Road to Geelong.

We had the opportunity to do a few low level loops over my home in Geelong and wave to my daughter and Anne my wife.

We then headed inland over Winchelsea to Colac and back to Port Campbell over rural western Victoria.

Hope this covers the flight for you guys who know the area...

Again, thanks to Ian and the gang at the '12 Apostles helicopters' and Johnathan at 'Microflite' in Melbourne.

If you are thinking of a flight use these two guys. Here are a few links with photos of the helicopters we used.

www.12ah.com

www.microflite.com.au

Mmmm back to making burgers....

[LoBelly]

As we pulled into the parking lot there were several Bi-wing Tiger Moths doing touch and goes. Later I find out they do this almost everyday.

That's our Air Force all right - practice practice practice.

It was great to meet you Hershal and to hear your tall tales and true.

I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed your trip and hope to meet up with you again.

regards

LoBelly

[BMK]

LoBelly,

Funny you should say our Air Force. The Bi - Planes are actually owned by the RAAF museum staff who regularly take flights from the Point Cook Air Base.

We just did not have time on the day to do either a Bi - Plane or Mustang flight in the old Warbirds..


www.defence.gov.au/Raaf/raafmuseum/

Well worth a visit when in Melbourne. Just ring your tour organiser..

Bernie

[REPTYL]

It was a real pleasure to catch up with you at the Cobra meeting Hersh.

Cheers,
Jason.

[Seagull81]

Hersh,
I really enjoyed the accounts of your visit. I have always wanted to visit Australia and maybe one day I will get there. The post wasn't too long for sure. I enjoyed every sentence by both of you.
Bernie,
I hope if I ever got down your way you can give me a list of the good place to go to see the real Australia, not just the tourist things. Oh well, maybe some day.
Thanks guys,
Steve

[BT SNAKE]

First I want to thank Bernie for picking up on a few points I did not mention. Mainly because I am not familiar with the areas we visited and their names. I have to throw one large blanket of thank you and appreciation to all as I do have a poor memory for names. Believe me when I say that every last minute spend in your beautiful country was of a positive and enjoyable light. Heck, I even started to get used to being on the "Left" side of the road. Although it was a bit unsettling in the GT's in the twisties on the Great Ocean Road. I think I put a dent in the floor where the brake should be. I do know that it got real exciting a few times as a certain part of my Derriere tightened up enough to cut fishing line. Thankfully I was in good hands.

Bas, You have much to be proud about. Bernie is well versed in the history of Australia and he shares it with enthusiasm. I have learn many new things about Australia I never new.
No, we weren't able to see Canberra or Sydney this trip. I had to save something for the next time. We did see the Melbourne War Memorial on the last trip and I can tell you it is a moving experience. From atop the hill it looks directly through the center of Melbourne. One awesome sight.
I too look forward to meeting you and if you come over here then I do hope that you wil allow me to show you a few places here.

Lobelly, Steve, and Jason, All of you know for sure that you have an open invite to my home and I will do all I can to ensure a fun time.

Hersh

[ROUSHAC]

Sure sounds like a great time, Hersh. Bernie and the folks "Down Under" certainly showed you around with graciousness and style.

I hope they all know that they are always as welcome here as you were there.

See you at R&G again this Fall.

[Great Asp]

Hersh,

Sounds like you had a fantastic time.

I have spent weeks in Melbourne before, seeing the 12 Apostles, playing golf, and the people and countryside.

Fantastic country, better than fantastic people.

Everywhere I went it was "no drama then".

I have to go back!

E

[Barry Nelson]

From Barry's computer
Hershal it was a pleasure to have both yourself and Bernie at our home for a barbie after Phillip Island. our conversation we had on America and Australia was interesting.
Hershal you were lucky to have Barry to open up on his time spent in the USA in the sixties it surprised me to say the least as he dose not dwell on the past. I know that he has started on the picture cd for you as I can hear the colourfull language coming from his office at the moment.
Barry and myself will be coming America later this year and we will catch up with
you and your family (hopefully August) Brooke is going to Europe to ride the World Masters Titles so Barry will run the shop while he is away.
Best Regards
Di Nelson.
PS
It was a pitty you could not play golf when you were here the boy's would
loved to have had a game with you at there club.
Brooke and Barry played on good friday and won the comp with a 12 under 60.

[BMK]

Roushac

Dave,

..we did not do any of the local hills on the Great Ocean Road. Left the bikes at home..

Bernie

[BMK]

Barry Nelson

Hi guys, thanks again for your hospitality after the Phillip Island Classic event.

Must say it was a fast moving couple of weeks and I think that we had something to do every day..

You may be able to make the Run N Gun and SEMA..

Bernie