CMI Cryptic Drive in the Country and Lunch at Bothwell
It occurs to me, as I sit at my computer, shuffling images and attempting to turn a really fun day's outing into narrative, that part of Graham Mitchell's genius is to be found in his venue selections. Salamanca Place - on Hobart's waterfront, where Club Motori Italia's 2020 cryptic country drive kicked off - was established in 1804. Bothwell's pub - The Castle, where the event culminated - has been continuously licensed since 1829, pre-dating the town's post office by three years. 
You very likely didn't know any of this and were probably also unaware that, once you did, you'd find it quite interesting. The way Graham book-ended the event between historic Tasmanian sandstone was, to my mind at least, the very spirit of a cryptically-themed event and, therein, lies his twisted genius! That or I'm just reading way too much into it!*
As already mentioned, the day began in Salamanca Place - at The Retro, to be more accurate - with a dozen or so cars, some with multiple occupants and two being piloted solo. The majority were Italian with several Alfas, two Fiats, a Lancia and a Dino representing the green, white and red, plus a couple of German marques, a Mazda, a Ford Focus and a Commodore. Apologies if I missed anyone! 
Graham soon had participants off and away as they conga-ed their way from Salamanca and onto Sandy Bay Road, through the CBD, and winding about North Hobart and New Town, all the while keeping an eye out for some of Graham's cryptic clues. It didn't take too long for western shore locals to decipher some of the more obscure references, although any advantage they may have had was lost as the convoy thinned and began its descent towards Collinsvale and the snowy foothills of Mts Wellington and Collins Cap.
As well as setting a cerebral challenge, Graham tested teams' botanical and geological skills, requiring the collection of various "treasures" en route. He also provided each crew a plastic bag in which to keep the various rocks, twigs and leaves until the bounty could be assessed at the end of the drive.
After emerging from the frosty foothills, Graham's route took a left at Sorell Creek that saw the cars heading through New Norfolk, past the Salmon Ponds and off towards Bushy Park and beyond. The fun really began - for drivers, at least - with the right turn from the Lyell Highway and onto Hollowtree Road for the final push to the Castle and a long-anticipated lunch.
You very likely didn't know any of this and were probably also unaware that, once you did, you'd find it quite interesting. The way Graham book-ended the event between historic Tasmanian sandstone was, to my mind at least, the very spirit of a cryptically-themed event and, therein, lies his twisted genius! That or I'm just reading way too much into it!*
As already mentioned, the day began in Salamanca Place - at The Retro, to be more accurate - with a dozen or so cars, some with multiple occupants and two being piloted solo. The majority were Italian with several Alfas, two Fiats, a Lancia and a Dino representing the green, white and red, plus a couple of German marques, a Mazda, a Ford Focus and a Commodore. Apologies if I missed anyone! 
Graham soon had participants off and away as they conga-ed their way from Salamanca and onto Sandy Bay Road, through the CBD, and winding about North Hobart and New Town, all the while keeping an eye out for some of Graham's cryptic clues. It didn't take too long for western shore locals to decipher some of the more obscure references, although any advantage they may have had was lost as the convoy thinned and began its descent towards Collinsvale and the snowy foothills of Mts Wellington and Collins Cap. 
As well as setting a cerebral challenge, Graham tested teams' botanical and geological skills, requiring the collection of various "treasures" en route. He also provided each crew a plastic bag in which to keep the various rocks, twigs and leaves until the bounty could be assessed at the end of the drive.
After emerging from the frosty foothills, Graham's route took a left at Sorell Creek that saw the cars heading through New Norfolk, past the Salmon Ponds and off towards Bushy Park and beyond. The fun really began - for drivers, at least - with the right turn from the Lyell Highway and onto Hollowtree Road for the final push to the Castle and a long-anticipated lunch. 
Hollowtree Road is, quite simply, a hoot! Its combination of sweeping bends, long straights and good sight-lines was the perfect opportunity to enjoy country motoring at its best. And don't worry, Graham; we were careful, as instructed!
The weather gods were kind to us when we reached Bothwell, providing a crisp but sunny, still period during which a few drinks were enjoyed in the pub's forecourt while various teams ambled in. It was almost a pity that we had to eat inside but that was soon forgotten when the hearty, generous meals arrived. 
I don't have a clue who actually won the event but winning it could only really be a cherry on an all-round tasty cake of a day, anyway! (Maybe Graham could post the results later?). Thanks to Graham, anyone who may have assisted him, participants and the staff of the Castle for contributing to the event's success! 
(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)
* I read too much into it, didn't I?
Big day out. Thanks for managing to capture a relatively undamaged part of the masterpiece
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