Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

roverdriver · Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2015 3:54 am Post subject: Polly goes over the Mountains

Polly, our 1950 Rover 75, had done sterling work taking my wife and myself away for an extended weekend in the New South Wales town of Corowa. We decided to return via the Alpine Way, even though it would add 60 miles to our homeward drive. We had used this route, but in the opposite direction, a few years ago in our other Rover P4, so had a good idea of what lay ahead.

There was nice motoring from Corowa, over the border into Victoria and through interesting small townships on the way, then we drove up the Ovens Valley to the little town of Harrietville which owes its origins to the days of the goldrush, memorialised here with this gentleman.

Harrietville is 1,673 feet above sea level, and at the start of the climb to Mount Hotham, which is only 30.5 k's away (18.95 miles). We set off up the road, which as you might guess is fairly narrow, winding and steep, so there were few places to stop for photo opportunities.

Here is Polly having a brief rest, after we had been climbing for about 20
minutes.

On we went climbing ever higher. Most of the road required the use of third gear, but there were some extend stretches where second had to be employed and a few sharp pinches that necessitated dropping into first.

Another pause as we get closer to the summit.

Once we were above the tree line, my wife was able to take photos as we drove, here is a look back at the road just travelled.

..As well as a glance at the road before us.

On we climbed now into areas that will be snow covered by June and July.

Although Harrietville to the main ski village at Hotham is 18.95 miles, once the initial steep climb is over there is quite a mileage of undulating road. I am guessing that the main climbing road is only about 14 miles, then there is some 'downing' as well as 'upping' involved.

At last we approached the ski resort area, and proceeded on.

Now, the road followed a long ridge, but generally slowly descending. It was quite a lot less winding that the first stage. Our aim was to reach Omeo to stay the night there.

Omeo also owes its beginnings to gold. There is a nicely set out museum there featuring the gold-rush days.

We located the caravan park and booked into a cabin for the night. This park has a wonderful location and the proprietors are extremely helpful and friendly. Even Polly found a new friend.

Next morning we set off early descending into the Tambo Valley near Swifts Creek, and from there the road followed the river through the steep valley, so was rather winding, until reaching Bruthen, then, at last, after many miles of slow driving, Polly could stretch her legs and run at the State speed limit of 100 kph for the next 150 or so miles to home.

Mount Hotham has an elevation of 6,109 feet, so it is 4,436 feet above Harrietville. Of the nearly 19 miles of road between them, I guess that less than 14 miles is actually climbing, but that makes the average rate of climb about 317 feet per mile.

All in all, a great experience, but having now done the trip in each direction, I am quite happy to not do it again.
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Dane- roverdriver but not a Viking.

Ashley · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 1426 Location: Near Stroud, Glos

It's a lovely car and quite an accomplishment for the driver. Great to see the photos too.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22828 Location: UK

Thanks again for the travel log Dane, always a good read - makes my school runs in the Dodge seem a little inadequate Smile

RJ
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Rootes75 · Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2015 11:00 am Post subject:

Lovely car and what a stunning drive. Very scenic.

D4B · Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Posts: 2083 Location: Hampshire UK

Fantastic photos and a lovely Rover too, thanks for sharing, only wish I could visit some day perhaps Cool

Peter_L · Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2015 1:42 pm Post subject:

Hi Dane & Polly

As a road trip addict, I love the photos and the desire you have to travel.

I thought that the US and Canada held top place for "obvious" road signs but I have to smile at the "Keep To Right Of Poles"

I don't have a picture. but we came across a sign at a rail crossing somewhere in the U.S that said. "Yield to Railroad Traffic"

62rebel · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2015 2:27 am Post subject:

lovely trip; i'm reminded of my younger days in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, living out a fantasy of running "shine" like some of my Dad's friends had...... a Pinto on a twisty road can be a load of fun, but will never make such a pretty picture as Polly.
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roverdriver · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2015 9:29 am Post subject:

Thanks for all of the nice comments.

Re the snow poles- I assume that the edge of the road is hard to see when there is a lot of snow, but should one stray to the LEFT of the poles, you would suddenly find the road a long long way above you!
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Dane- roverdriver but not a Viking.