Halls Gap - still!

Love this place. May leave in a day or so. The Jazz Festival was great - especially as I managed to get jobs in the Hall so was in air conditioned comfort for much of the time. So hot outside in the marquees.
I think there were 9 venues and 130 bands this year. Didn't get to see many of them as I was helping with registrations etc - and enjoying the company of some lovely people including the ones from Hamilton who organize it all. Very impressed with the sound man - orders all the gear for all the venues and has it sent from Melbourne (I think). He spends the day setting it all up then goes to each venue while each band plays just to make sure there are no problems. He said it has taken a few years to get the bands to trust him enough not to touch the mixers and the sound is great! The drums and pianos etc also come up by truck for each venue. What a major logistical undertaking it all is - well done to the volunteer organizers!!
The power to the whole of the town went out on Saturday evening - just after I had ordered a pizza for dinner. I managed to be fed - others would have to eat salads or the sausage sizzle up the road! The festival carried on with those who could play acoustically until it had to be stopped at 8.30pm for safety reasons so we all went home. Power finally on again about 11.30 that night.
Sunday morning was a shocker - wild gusts of wind from all directions sending great bursts of dust and sand all over the town. Consequently the hall was a very popular venue. Did not deter bands or fans though. The big bands were re-located to another hall because of the dust.
Came back the the park Sunday afternoon, had a nana nap before the evening's entertainment here - several musicians entertaining the campers.

Feb 2014

Feb 2013

Went for a drive to Reeds Lookout on Tuesday since the road had been opened that far. Then to Mt Difficult lookout  What a great view of Halls gap - did not see that lookout last year when here. Smoke visible from the Gisborne fires.
The road to the lookouts seems to have been a barrier to the fires a couple of weeks ago that threatened Halls Gap.