It was only then we all realised that the ultimate travellers in the group were the Roth couple, who have been on the road living in their Geist for three years.

By 8pm and having had our meals we were all a bit weary and most set about finding their bed for the night and catching up from the long trek.

Saturday was a blaze of anticipation because we were having a 9am presentation on Geist and its future.

Geist caravans at the rally

We all gathered and I was able to pass on some information to those attending about some possible new product, spare parts, roles of www.geistowners.com as well as answer some questions that people had for me in regards to their vans and www.geistowners.com's function.

It was a very interesting discussion and I think we all walked away having learnt something new.

On Saturday afternoon a large group of us tasted some local wine at Tasters, a local wine shop, and tried some fantastic olives, cheese and asparagus.

Shortly after this we went and met up with a local identity - my father Ken - who explained the local vegetable industry which produces lettuce for MacDonald's, sweetcorn, peas, beans, lettuce, asparagus, capsicums and brussels sprouts amongst other vegies for Coles and Woolworths.

We also visited my parent's farm, where I now spend most of the daytime working.

Quite often I will be talking to Geist owners from the paddock, a tractor, a motorbike or yarding cattle whilst helping them find a spare part or answering a question when they ring.

This farm has been ticking along but with many new plans evolving it is now in a growth period.

My father was able to explain the principles of farming, show the Geist owners some cattle up close, discuss the grass-fed environmentally produced cattle practices now essential for top market results, and how consumers should watch what they eat.

After an afternoon tea in the garden we all retired back to Lindenow South for happy hour and a superb local meal with local vegetables, meat and scrumptious corn.

Local Marg Watt, famous in the area for her cakes, also treated us to a beautiful sponge cake.

Then my father came to tell yarns about the local area as well as some attempts to take off the Irish With Maureen Pollock in the room she was very kind to suggest later that his Southern Irish accent wasn't so bad.

By around 9pm some retired but quite a few were lured back out in their PJs to listen as Michael Ricci started to sing, the first time for two years.

His classical ballads sent the ladies a bit mystical, with Maureen Smith encouraging all to join in.

It was supposed to be an early finish for me that night with early fishing in the morning, but of course a wine in the hand and plenty of people to talk to, I was also one of the last to leave the spontaneous party.

Sunday morning came quickly and a few of us went fishing in the Mitchell River, near Eagle Point.

This was going well until I was called back to fix the generator.

So of course I didn't catch the fish I would have had I stayed there ... but at least most hooked into a nice fish, with Phil Smith coming back with a beautiful bream.

It was time to check out the 'vans and I was able to look under most to see what was happening, give some tips and answer questions.

This all took longer than anticipated and I was unable to attend golf that afternoon. From what I heard though, it was a huge success, with Rod Harper taking out the www.geistowners.com trophy and Helen Dayman successfully holding off Jill McLean in the 9-hole group.

Rod Harper also picked up a great eagle. Malcolm McLean did the best air swing.

By Sunday night we were ready for another nice meal and went to the Lindenow Pub where we presented trophies. Rachel and I were very humbled to receive some lovely gifts and super card from the Geist owners who attended.

Heading back that night there were some - who will remain nameless - who continued the party but by 11.30pm they were tucked up in bed and no complaints were heard. Overall, a very good weekend was had by all.

Monday morning saw most moved out by 10am and other than John and Gillian Flux, who stayed on for a few extra days, by lunchtime we were all gone and I was asleep on my bed by 2pm.

Yep I was drained but very excited about the prospect of doing it all again later in the year.

Thanks to the Lindenow South Recreation Reserve Committee and all who attended.

The next Geist gathering is planned for late August 2010, the venue still to be announced.
 

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