Joe and David Atkinson travelling at 5km/h on their way to the Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally. PICTURES: ADAM TRAFFORD
SOMETIMES the art of the journey is more important than the destination itself.
That’s the philosophy behind Melbourne father and son David and Joe Atkinson’s scenic journey to the Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally. The pair are travelling from Melbourne on a historic replica steam tractor, which at 5km/h, delivered them safely to Sovereign Hill on Monday night.
“It is an exact replica of a Wallis & Steevens 1905 tractor and this is its first serious run so we are having a great time,” David Atkinson said.
“We started out in Newport and have been driving today from Ballan. We haven’t driven all the way each day as there just aren’t enough hours of sunlight.”
The 100th Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally takes places next week, with the famous parade, vintage cars and Australia’s largest steam shovel.
PHOTOS: The Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally over the years
“You can examine the scenery in great detail at this speed and we seem to be entertaining everyone as we go by, which is all part of the fun I suppose,” Mr Atkinson said.
“It goes a bit slower when we’re going up a hill.”
As part of the event, the Goldsmith Steam Preservation Society in collaboration with the Steampunk community of Melbourne and local artists will present Steam! The live show will culminate with a moment’s freeze frame creating a grand tableau to be photographed to create a commemorative image of the 100th steam rally.
For more information visit www.lakegoldsmithsteamrally.org.au