Thought I'd add a small topic of Bellas' Nationals trip.

Day One (1)
To start with under darkening skies we assembled at the Toll Gate, Bruno came to see us off as he was to be wing man to another Belletier or should that be Florianer (or Group 3 as I believe they became know as !?)
A nervous drive through to Pinaroo ensued, though completely without incident. After 6 years in the shed and then two months of frantic weekends to get Bella ready it was always going to be nervous the first long drive.
Surprisingly we got through to Pinagil before filling up. 375km on 36 litres of fuel is doing pretty good. Even better was the zero oil consumption. Think I can relax and enjoy the trip from now on.There seemed to be a Wasp following us everywhere

The skies darkened while we sorted accommodation in Moulamein and hooked up with the Queensland contingent

The evening meal was one of the best pizzas' I and many of us have ever had and all this in a town in the middle of nowhere, strange but true. No pictures as we ate it rather than photoing it. Donkey might have made a friend

Day Two (2)

The trip from Moulamein to Albury was surprisingly unsurprising apart from the narrow NSW goat tracks.

We're here.

Day Three (3)

So after rocking in to Albury and getting set up for the weekend it was off the motel for a chin wag and a quick tour of the surrounds before dinner in the evening at the Siesta. It was great to be able to catch up with everyone I haven't seen for far too long.

Love the panorama shots Rob, didn't even think of that myself. Might have fitted all the cars in if I did
Great shots and it was awesome catching up bro

Yeah mate. It was great to see everyone and get to talk to new people as well. I'm sure I missed some people, just hope they forgive me wasn't on purpose.

Day Four (4) .. I think ... lol

Fantastic day for ducks. The Show and Shine was a great day to stay indoors but like the true enthusists we are we dutifully presented our cars to the judges and the Rain Gods

The dinner was good fun and the tour of the Ettamooga Pub added that little bit extra to a wonderful night. Not sure it was planned that way but we'll take it anyway

Its was a fun day to celebrate my birthday as well .. woo hoo

Possibly Day 5 ... I was losing track of time by now

It was a really nice day apart from the puncture still Bella kept rolling on.
A very big thank you to everyone who helped get the tire changed and to Neil for the bigarse compressor to pump the spare up.
Update "Sadly where the stake went in ment that Beaurepairs wouldnt fix it so I had to buy a whole new tyre"

You will alos note amongst the pictures Donkey getting dirty ..

Day 6 .. Beechworth and then home

So rather than hang around for the last day I chose to head home knowing I had to be back a work soon.
However I decided a little detour to the Bakery at Beechworth was worthwhile. I couldnt find the bakery or more correctly the GPS decide the Asylum was a bakery !!??
Only in Victoria I guess.

So I found a bonus on the way back a covered parking bay. So was able to change the the rear tyre in comfort, except ...
For dumb Victorians. Ten parking bays undercover so what do one car load of seniors do. Park next to me, then after they left a blonde with three kids in the car tries to park in my door.
Do these people really need to park next to someone to not feel lonely or is it to show off their dumb SUVs ? Idiots ... rant over.

Ten and half hours later and pretty bleary eyed made it back home to a lovely hug from Jill.

So keep safe everyone and see you next time.

Cheers
Rob

People are just drawn to Bella like flies to a honey pot