A big start to what is definitely going to be a great four days on the road on the ‘Daniher’s Drive’.
We had an early start to the morning, arriving at the MCG at 7:30am to meet up with the other teams and receive a briefing from the Daniher family.
Neale was the last one to speak before we hit the road. He spoke about how much everyone’s efforts meant to him and how much he appreciated the time everyone was taking to join him and his family on the drive. His main message was to have fun on the trip. With Anthony, Chris, Neale and of course the one and only Terry all on the road, Neale won’t have to worry too much about that!
The whole squad.
Waved off by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, we were finally on the way. After a quick stop in Airey’s Inlet we arrived at the Apollo Bay Bowls Club for a great feed provided by the Apollo Bay Bakery and a friendly game of lawn bowls hosted by TD. After a quick break and a friendly chat with some of the other drivers on the trip we were back on the road - our next stop the 12 Apostles.
It was on this leg that the first of the trip’s ‘Fun Bus’ Activities took place. It was TD’s music quiz to kick us off and, from all reports, he was in fine form quickly turning it into a karaoke session.
The most entertaining bowls umpire I've ever seen.
We made our way to the 12 Apostles where we got out for a quick look around and I can honestly say that I have never seen a greater concentration of selfie sticks in one place. My first trip to one of Victoria’s most iconic sites was definitely enjoyable.
From there we were back onto the road and on the final leg to Warnambool.
I was continually promised a stop off for a swim, but was let down by my drivers who just got my hopes up for nothing.
At night we all gathered together once more for a bit of a feed and a recap of the day. TD was once again in fine form along with Paul Vander Haar sharing stories of their former glory back in the 80s.
There was somewhat of a more emotional moment, however, as TD took the stage to talk about his brother’s disease and how it had affected the family. There wouldn’t have been a person in the room who wasn’t moved by Neale’s battle and at the same time inspired by his will to fight.
Enjoying a laugh with Anthony Daniher at dinner in Warnambool.
If day one was any indication, the four days on the road with the Danihers is going to be one of a kind. Tomorrow, we head to Bendigo where we will be joined by Joe Daniher and a few others for a goal kicking competition.
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