OKA RALLY - Tooroongo falls, Noojee, VIC 5th - 7th January 2007

Written by Rowena Paterson

I think we had the whole little town of Noojee (east of Melbourne in the high country) talking, amazed at these weird looking trucks going through town heading up to the falls. They must have felt the army had arrived as 14 OKAs went through town during the weekend. What a sight it must have been, to those who have never seen an OKA before. All of a sudden there were OKAs everywhere.

With a roll up of 14 OKAs, 16 members, a fantastic little camping area on the Toorongo River who wouldn't be pleased. The whole area was green, a very welcome sight from the dry drought conditions gripping the majority of the countryside. Noojee is one of Victorias highest rainfall areas.

It was great to see the following members attend the rally: OKA Pete Furlong, Geoff & Annette Lloyd, Chris & Elanie Deed & family, Paul Nott, Lex & Corina Brown, Ian & Jackie Jones, Darren Visser & Janine Ridley & family, Fred Hallett & Vicki Blackley, Andrew Crowther & Pam, Geoff & Sandra Wilkinson, Jurgen & Robbie Mauracher, John & Dianne Smithard, OKA Bob & Marge, Peter Davis, Greg & Maree Boyle & family and myself.

We also had a number of visitors during the weekend, most being family members. Glen, a visitor from the Mornington area came along for a few hours on Saturday to learn about OKAs (as he is thinking about buying one). Glen had a talk to many of the members and also was lucky enough to have a drive of Jurgen's OKA (along some 4wd tracks in the Noojee area). I think he went home pretty happy. Maybe we have converted another person to join our OKA family.

We had hot weather on Friday with Saturday and Sunday being overcast with showers. The kids played in the river, it was freezing mountain water, but that didn't seem to worry them. Alot of us walked up to the Toorongo falls, a good hour walk from the camp.

Our OKAs created alot of interest to the campers in the area, with many driving around to have a good look. I heard one strange question "is this some type of movie set or something?" Another guy drove around his little hotted up car, hung his head out the window and asked "what are these funny trucks?" OKA Pete answered "made in Australia". The guy replied, "anything made in Australia good hey?" and off he went happy with the reply.

Majority of members left on Sunday. Before leaving, Jurgen decided to try out his 4wd skills, showing fellow campers what an OKA can do. He gave a demo on how to race up a steep embankment and how to rock climb. Everybody in the camp just stopped what they were doing and stared, amazed! Thanks Jurgen, great show!

We had 4 OKAs stay on Sunday night. A few campers joined us around the camp fire including Pat & Joanna (who originally came from Canada). They had never seen an OKA before, but soon learnt all about them. Joanna brought out her guitar and sang. We had some kids from the neighbouring camp also join us. Before long we were making heaps of noise including Didgeridoo, Guitar, Tapping Sticks, singing & dancing. Sandra and the kids were having a ball dancing around the camp fire.

Then the question came from Pat "when's your next rally?, we would love to come". I think somebody really enjoyed our company.

Thanks to Paul for removing the huge black snake from the ladies toilet. Well done!