Gpa lauching or the first dip

Little Jo · #1 08-01-12, 07:08

Hi All

Today, (08/01/2012) our club, the Wartime Vehicles Conservation Group (WVCG) held a special event and I thought I would share with you all. Club member Richard Sanders who may be known to some of the MLU members, took his restored GPA to the River Torrens in the heart of Adelaide for it's inaugural launch into the river.

It was a wet and windy day, but despite the weather about 25 club members turned up to support Richard and share the joy of seeing the GPA go through it's cruise on the river. Everything went according to plan and the smile on Richards face told it all. Well done.

Richard spent 4 years fully restoring the GPA and I would not be wrong if I said it was now in better condition than the day it left the factory. The weather broke into sunshine long enough for all members and their wives to enjoy a BBQ lunch and a few beers.

Cheers

Tony

Ryan · #2 08-01-12, 08:51

Great pics.
In the first picture, if you look at the black swan in the background swimming away you can imagine what it's saying........"WTF is that!"

Richard Coutts-Smith · #3 08-01-12, 09:19

I imagine that the first dip in freshly restored amphib would be a bit of a nervous experience. Terrific that all went well.
Rich.

lynx42 · #4 09-01-12, 02:28

Well done Richard. I am a member of the Wartime Vehicles Conservation Group (WVCG) and would have loved to have been there to see the baptism.

Unfortunately the 1103 km. from my place to Adelaide precludes a Sunday jaunt. We do , however, get over there quite regulary as Jill has a daughter and grandchildren in Adelaide. I'll be looking forward to a dip in the river, if not in Adelaide then certainly in the Murray at Corowa next March.

Thanks for the photos, Tony.

Regards Rick.

Little Jo · #5 09-01-12, 09:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by lynx42

Well done Richard. I am a member of the Wartime Vehicles Conservation Group (WVCG) and would have loved to have been there to see the baptism.

Unfortunately the 1103 km. from my place to Adelaide precludes a Sunday jaunt. We do , however, get over there quite regulary as Jill has a daughter and grandchildren in Adelaide. I'll be looking forward to a dip in the river, if not in Adelaide then certainly in the Murray at Corowa next March.

Thanks for the photos, Tony.

Regards Rick.

Hi Rick

I was not aware you were part of our happy band of restores, I look forward to catching up with you for a chat. I will be going to Corowa for my first visit.

Cheers

Tony

Gunner · #6 10-01-12, 22:21

I notice there is a charming lass in a black hat in the back seat as you entered the water and she is gone when you exited! Yikes! Girl overboard?

Congratulations on the water tight restoration!

Cheers! Mike

Little Jo · #7 10-01-12, 22:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunner

I notice there is a charming lass in a black hat in the back seat as you entered the water and she is gone when you exited! Yikes! Girl overboard?

Congratulations on the water tight restoration!

Cheers! Mike

Hi Mike

Well spotted, I must take more care in the continuity department and not mix the trips.

The young Lass is Richards daughter and was in the GPA for very "First" dip into the river.

Cheers

Tony

Gunner · #8 10-01-12, 22:43

And here I thought she might have jumped overboard to get a swan's eye photo with one of those nifty waterproof camers!

Cheers! Mike