Pakenham (Johns Rod and Custom) 2008
| This was our first trip to Pakenham for John's Rod and Custom Picnic. The enticement of rods, customs and rockabilly was to much to resist. We took the long way down, which was an adventure in itself. We also wanted to stay in the same motel we had our honeymoon in back in February 1974, in a little sea side town called Merimbula.. To our surprise, it still existed, The Black Dolphin motel. Not only that, it has not really changed much. In fact, I believe we were staying in the same room, or very near to it as we took our photos along of us at the age of 21. We located the same spots were we posed and now duplicated them, 35 years on. Driving the 37 into the motel felt great. It also felt better when we arrived at Dandenong where we stayed for the event. The commute to the event was about 25 minutes, but we didn't mind. As usual, I will add the pics but only comment when I think I need to. |
| Just to show the 37 was there. If the weather wasn't threatening it would have been topless....The way I like it;-) |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| This glass 34 came over from Tasmania. Powered by a Lexus V8 and all the mod cons. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Gassers and old front engined rails took pride and place. Sure got the crowd interest when they started up. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| I sprung Marg sussing out this A roadster pick up with a for sale sign on it. Hmmm....at least I wouldn't need to build it. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Very nice A roadster pick up with a period perfect dressed up sidevalve. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| This caravan got my interest because I have never seen anything like it. Looks like it's based on a MK2 Zephyr going by the rear section. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Rockabilly bands all day was great. The
standouts were The Flyin Saucers. I saw these guys at Wintersun a few years
ago. They were OK then, but now they are really good. The young girl on bass
was tremendous and would cut it in any band. Being about 5'2", she was
dwarfed by the bass, but she was slapping it like a wayward child. The
drummer was very solid and kept the beat driving through. That left the
guitarist to play freely while the singer topped it off. Ignition are a band formed by ex members of The Atomic Hi Tones. The guitarist and bass player swapped around instruments and had a great sound. The vocals were complimentary to each other. The Blackhill Ramblers are a well polished band. Their style of rockabilly/country fusion sounded fantastic. I finally got to meet Shane, the lead singer and he was like a long lost brother. I am pleased they are going to play around my neighbourhood soon. Marg loves them as well. The Flattrakkers..well, what do I need to say. My favourite band. They must have thought I was their number one fan. A month ago I was 650 kms up north when I saw them. Now I'm 1000km south. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| The event grew 10 fold by Sunday. Cars and people every where. I just couldn't absorb it all, needless to say, I didn't get pictures of everything. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |