flashman181

Currently sitting in Business Lounge at Melbourne awaiting our 9:15 flight. Fog in Sydney is cancelling flights so lucky there. Some fog in Melbourne may delay our flight so wait and see. Less hassle flying home as no tight connection to make . Has been a wonderful holiday with mostly highlights and some Melbourne “things” to understand.

Bendigo accommodation was great as was location. Very good breakfast provided. Manageable walk into town especially as this was peak ankle issues . CBD is dead , tourist attractions quite dull. Lake WeeWop a great area and Alium Dining superb

Always a joy staying with JL at Harcourt. Weather not quite as cool as hoped for but allowed us to get out and about. Plenty of wonderful food and drink of course and a very comfortable house to relax in .

QT on Russell was a perfect location. Room was good on 8th floor and the bath a treat. Opposite lifts not ideal and pillows and general sleeping not ideal . Breakfast substantive and rooftop bar quiet. Not the best run hotel as some confusion over accounts and already sitting in lounge at airport when get message to do online check out😏

Kooza was a clear highlight and we had some memorable dining occasions. Grill Americano just shades Farmers Daughters with Scropi a distant third mostly due to poor service level. Fleet Rooftop was also an Exceptional experience in a slightly different category .One thing to know in Melbourne is if restaurant first booking is midday then the doors do not open until midday .

In general coffee culture not great and certainly not helped by opening hours. The gardens around Melbourne are beautiful and is a great walking city . Free public transport helpful

Think CLP and I will most likely do short trips like this in coming years . A bit of luxury but for a shorter time and less hassle with no international flights

Except NZ next February for me of course 🕺🏻

EDIT: Plane left 30 mins late and as little optimist me thinks, yay bar service before we pass Bendigo. I’ll drink to that

And so we come to last 48 hrs. Been setting a hectic pace and will be good to relax a bit probably as some rain passes through. One final special lunch tomorrow will do for the fancy eating caper. Went for usual walk this morning and certainly not cold . Did decide to hook in at breakfast for a change though and then walk it off later .Maybe. In one of the more amazing medical recoveries ankle has been fine for last 10 days. Go figure

Went for our morning constitutional down to Collins Square to check out the new hip and happening spot. If this is hip I ain’t happening. Mostly a block of offices with some cafes so we took a long shot and had a coffee . Then on way back home stoped in for our go to crepe at the local crepery in Royal Arcade

Weather remained surprisingly good but will have a quiet one at home this afternoon with maybe a quick detour to the rooftop bar for a frothy one.

Or maybe a foamy one 🥸 Hey it was very tasty in a bannannery sort way and we had the place to ourselves

Headed out for last early morning stroll and coffee. At least after tomorrow will be able to get one at 5:17 am . I wonder what time it is now . Ah, that’s handy , only 30 mins to wait 😏

First up after usual solid breakfast is another washing day . Check out some street art ( limited) and check Kelly, N still dead ( he is ) and then back for a free coffee on site. Not the worst one I have had trust me

We chose Farmers Daughters for our last anniversary lunch and it was excellent indeed and went with the 3 course offering for the extra $10 duh. Of interest , as usual they ask at booking if special occasion and we always say something eg anniversary this week. Again for a midday booking they open doors at 12:01 😡 Both the first hostess and then second hostess wished us a Happy Anniversary. We thought we better leave some room for the special treats coming our way . Ah nope , nothing . Not that we needed anything but still it’s the principle that counts . The lamb belly was especially delicious for moi . And we were in the Cuddling Chairs

And that pretty well wraps up a wonderful Victorian holiday. Some wonderful meals , great time spent with family and some great entertainment like Kooza. Accommodation was all very good and weather also behaved itself. Checked in for flight home tomorrow which just leaves the packing this afternoon. As always will be good to get home and back into routine and less rigorous eating and then we plan next holidays. For me will be a solo trip to NZ next Feb around same time ( probably earlier) CLP is planning to head far far away as possible in northern hemisphere with new travelling buddies.

As always you need to travel regularly if just for the new memories. We have a couple of events in late July including multiple Old Farts days at schools so will spend a week in Brisvegas between weekend engagements . It ain’t easy but someone has to step up eh

Thought Fri/Sat nights could be a problem with our room across from lifts and as expected some ruckus a couple of times after midnight but not long lasting . Woke to a cloudy and slightly warmer day. Supposed to be a balmy 19 this arvo. No fog so headed out on morning walk. Saturday means less places open before 7 am but one up near Queen Victoria markets opened at 6 am so headed off. Much quieter on streets on a Saturday so walked and trammed. Coffee alas was luke warm at best and cold at worst . Not having the greatest luck so far for a city with a “ coffee culture”

Back home for a light breakfast before heading out for a walk up to our fave coffee place Seven Seeds in Carlton. Again warm coffee . Back down to the Markets to drool at the fresh food and CLP was also on the hunt for a new off the shoulder bag. Mission accomplished. Home for a rest and then back out for some lunch at the Satay and Reog festival at Fed Square. Not exactly rocking . The satays were ok but no point sitting down to listen to the music. Let’s just say Yoko Ono would have lifted the performance. After some hot food then it was time to head back home and up to rooftop bar for a beer. Surprisingly not busy at all

That will wrap up Saturday really as have walked many miles and even more kilometres and time to relax for the day .

Sunday dawned cloudy but warmer so decided to walk some more 🤦🏻‍♂️ Out to MCG and back through the gardens to Shrine – a leisurely 2 hr walk

Then home for a brief rest before trying out the Classic Tasting course at Grill Americano. Must be a Melbourne thing that even if lunch booking is midday they don’t open doors until…..midday. Come 10 mins late and lose your booking! Anyhoo a great meal all round and also very good value. The Tiramisu was especially impressive, sadly only one piece so I had it

Then it was time to duck home and clean the teeth before catching a tram out to Flemington race course for Cirque du Soleil presentation of Kooza under the big top. The great unwashed were there in abundance but it all went pretty well. Not a lot of toilets mind you. It was simply a superb show which can’t be told in pictures but hey I will try. The acrobatic skills were amazeballs and some fun and games in between . Will try and pick best selection from about 40 photos

The tram ride home was not a lot of fun as standing room only for a 30 min trip but all worth it for that experience. So that was an amazing day and will sign off now. A couple of quieter days now with maybe one more special anniversary meal 🥸

Toorak or not To Rack that is the question. At last we had a cool and foggy day but that did not deter Daring Dave . Headed out with my Hound to Baskerville Cafe which supposed to open at 6 am – it wasn’t. Did another couple of 400 m laps and then returned at 630 am and it was kinda open. You could get a coffee but no one was turning on lights 🤷🏼 Maybe the baristas are ugly

Back then for usual breakfast before catching a tram to Toorak for Tea with Trude and Prude. Of interest on way found dullest tourist attraction since the Talking Tram @ Bendigo. I present Como House or as we now call it Comatose House. Dull is too kind. We did have a nice coffee at least at cafe on site. I think it was the cafe , not the house 🥸

Time then to walk to Toorak Village and mix with the great and frequently washed, if by a maid only. Knew we were in Toorak when walked into the 7/11 and saw the caviar dispenser 😏

The village itself was not unique or special – could have been Carlton if ya ask me. An interesting mix of locals but only two of them wanted their tummy scratched. And I thought I was a prickly bugger 🕺🏻

So we basically caught a tram home and walked back via Fed Square and there was a great show on at ACMI with a real eclectic mix of displays related to film and tv. Highlight was Interceptor replica from Mad Max. It was pretty, pretty, pretty good

Time then for a quick lunch at Meatballs and Wine which really hit the spot which of course now could be a liver spot. CLP was still looking good though if a little tired . Ouch

It was a truly glorious day to be out and about so we had a walk through Fitzroy Gardens on way home. Only 3000 Jap tourists so we’re lucky. For such a respectful race man they are ignorant folk.

With mounting excitement it was time for the days highlight – using a laundromat . All pretty simple really, don’t know what you women carry on about . Also came home with 8 socks mostly matching. Time then for our early drinkies / dinner at the ever reliable Fleet Rooftop bar in Flinders Street. I hate technology , let’s get that out there. A 5 pm booking so a leisurely walk starts at 430 pm. Get a message then “ table is ready , check in online or let us know you are on way , press 1 “ Ok, so don’t rush and arrive 20 mins later at 4:55 pm and am told “ your table is not ready, can you please just sit inside” I gave her a piece of my slowly diminishing mind. “ Listen Sweetheart , you told us 30 mins ago our table is ready. Don’t try the old wrong table shim sham with me”. We were led to a clear table . From there on it was a great night . Of course we did the old “ anniversary special occasion “ trick and received free glass of sparkling. When I saw the next table got a small cake bought out tried for my birthday as well but didn’t take 😏

Apparently it is Dreamtime round in AFL so big game at MCG tonight so decided to walk with the masses for a squizz. It is a grand sight at night

And so once again with no grand plans we had a full and memorable day . Of course not every day can be washing day so time to start planning some other activities tomorrow

I did tell CLP there was an ironing board in the corner

Doctor says my vision should start clearing tomorrow. It was like my very own Dreamtime. Spooky.

A leisurely morning at Harcourt before catching a lift with Freddo first to Essendon to see Nic and Paul and family and then an Uber into our lodgings at QT in Russell street . Dropped our bags off and then up to Rooftop Bar for one last cocktail with Freddo before he headed off to meeting. Of course Thermonuclear Heaters on full blast

Our room is on 8 th floor and quite spacious . Straight opposite lift not ideal but time will tell. Lovely bathroom area

Quite peckish by now so duckedout and around corner to Chinatown for some dinner . Ordered a bit too much but did hit the spot

As threatened this brave soul headed out before 6 am for a walk and a coffee. Not a great nights sleep of course but not in zombie mode. Still dark of course but plenty of people around. Did make it back for a coffee at 630 am with 10 tradies and it was quick service crap

CLP was champing at the bit when got back and so it was time for breakfast. Included in deal and quite filling but nothing special. It was only when we got back to room and checked mirror before heading out that realised what a toll 5 nights at Freddy’s had taken🥸

We walked around the city for a couple of hours getting lay of land and laundromat location along with some quirk of course . Despite weather forecast of sun it remained cloudy and overcast . Shocked I tell ya

That long walk had worked up a great appetite which was ideal as we had our min fancy meal booked – lunch at Sopri in Carlton . Free tram out, relaxing walk home. Wonderful food and good value but service below standard. When you have the tasting menu there should be some interaction with server as to what dish is exactly, how many dishes etc especially if trying to choose wine and how much. Not just dump the plate on table and say “ here are your oysters”. We also had Asian version of Frau Blucher as head server but eventually she warmed and was actually helpful by end. It was very crowded on a Thursday lunch too.

A full morning then left us a couple of hours to chill in room before evening shenanigans . Knock Knock, room service 🤦🏻‍♂️

We started our tour of new cocktail bars with Death & Co in Flinders lane. Very nice ambience and good cocktails to boot .

Thursday night was Steak and Frites night special at Pascales on site . We wondered what quality steak you get when you also get a glass of Shiraz all for $30 😏 When the chef did not enquire how we wanted our steak cooked the jig was up . Looked good mind you but does remind me I need to get my shoes repaired

And so our first full day in Melboring is done . The hotel seems fine at present but may get loud on the weekend. Quite shaggus tonight after all the walking but no guarantee of a good nights sleep .

Sunday has dawned gray and gloomy. Ah that is the mirror 🤦🏻‍♂️ Let’s take a squizz outside as is 7 am already . Yep right the first time . Steady rain through the night will certainly help the property

Nothing really planned today . Looks a good day to sit by the fire even if not that cool really. May get some cooler mornings starting on Tuesday with some luck. Time to get cracking and start the blood pumping

Well that is the morning sorted. We played some card games and drank some coffee. We were smarter today and 5 pm drinkies were actually at 5 pm 🕺🏻 I needed a sherbert or two watching the Broncos first half let me tell ya. Freddo made his classic winter lamb shank slow cook which went down a treat on suitably lubricated tonsils. Not a lot of rain during day but certainly overcast

Monday dawned cloudy and overcast but we brave souls ventured out to see the sights of Trentham. Didn’t take long as it turns out but these small towns are great to wander up and down the main, if only, street 😏 We had a scrumptious morning tea at Redbeard with coffee and pastries. I patted the Town Wombat Fatso and then we headed off to The Falls. Easy access from car park is always good

A restaurant in Kyneton appealed but sadly it was closed. Still a few other options around and of course a Main Street to explore . The restaurant was called Prato and was rather impressive for a small town. Da ladies haunted some more dress shops and then it was back home for a few hours before the evening session . We had some very tasty cocktails at lunch so thought may explore that further tonight. Living life on the edge baby .

Misty gray afternoon unfolded and so we relaxed by the fire before shenanigans restart. Tonight for a change we will have some alcohol. Well a slight change , fair call. We will throw a few bottles together and see what comes out. Margaritas apparently

Started the festivities with a delicious lamb and hummus spread as you do and then dinner was a lovely Thai pumpkin soup with a couple of whites to balance out the visual spectacle. Went bobbing for prawns but I had already cornered the market when no one was looking

Another full day leaves us with one last day of being full. Tuesday weather is looking much better so here is hoping we can get out and walk in the fresh air. Some exercise is required methinks 😏 Here is one I prepared earlier 🕺🏻

Weather is a roll of the dice here but headed into Bendigo for a walk around Lake WeeWop and a coffee and suitably rewarded as simply a glorious day. It is a lovely area and the usual good coffee at Cafe Whitby. Back home then as it was an exciting day and didn’t want to be away from home for long. Yep, it was washing day 😏 Sadly it was quite cloudy around the homestead but we do have duelling fireplaces so am sure we will survive

Relaxing afternoon then reminiscent of how an old folks home operates I imagine. Some chat, some reading, some card games and a coffee. Before long though it was Spritzer Time and the Fab Four lined up for a farewell drink under mostly clear skies. Dancing could break out .

A lovely duck dinner washed down with some superb Pinot Noir and it’s a wrap for Harcourt folks. Driving down with Freddo just after lunch tomorrow as he has a meeting later that day in the city and we will check in for 7 nights stay at QT Melbourne. Has been a wonderful 5 days in Harcourt with family and now we enter Phase 3 of our cunning plan

Another glorious morning in Bendigo for a stroll through the gardens. The bats in the trees were amazing number wise

JL picked us up late morning and we spent some time at Lake WeeWop before our lunch booking at Alium for midday. Went with the tasting menu and simply superb both in taste and value. Great service in very pleasant surroundings.

Then time to head to our BnB in Harcourt for our 5 nights stay in mountain view rooms. The weather has been great all week, if a tad warm, but may deteriorate by weekend but all good. Always great to catch up with family and learn more about their travels and the kids. Of course too much talking is no good for anyone and soon the sun was approaching the yard arm which means only one thing . Get ya bib on

And of course food is always delicious. Not a big scotch drinker but this was very passable. When in this neck of the woods always introduced to an amazing variety of white wines . Also had my birthday present to wear to set the mood. Night 1 navigated

Saturday arrived and finally the sun started to rise like an old man getting out of bed. Hey, I resemble that

Leisurely drive into Castlemaine this morning and was able to see some of the devastation from the January bushfires which was both widespread and hap hazard at times it appeared. Some hard luck stories and some lucky misses. Nice walk around botanical gardens while ankle behaves herself ( must be female as always changing mind ). Pleasant town to walk up and down the Main Street while da ladies haunted the dress shops. Back then to Harcourt for a coffee and danish as you do

As the weather was still very pleasant we headed off up to the top of the hill for some champers. From our view on high we could make out some peasants down below so threw some cake at them to eat. It’s the little things that count. Sadly it slowly dawned on Freddo he had only bought up one bottle of champagne 🤦🏻‍♂️

Time to relax then for a few as there could be some drinking later. It’s a gift I have to foretell the future. It seems though that after factoring lunar cycles, lack of daylight saving and rabbit migration studies 5 pm drinkies became 3 pm drinkies. Yay. Did fall for the old “ where did my drink go “ shim sham though.

Tonight was BBQ night which can only mean one thing. Bye Bye white wines and hello Big Red. The scotch fillets were delightful as were the accompanying salads . Glad we did some walking today as rain is starting to approach and will be a wet Sunday . I quickly forgave my drink snatcher as is my nature

Cheese and scotch rounded out the evening and my stomach . Night 2 done and dusted . Bring on Sunday

Of interest to the medically inclined or age related reclined I have discovered an interesting factoid. Intake of over 1 L of alcohol per day alleviates ankle pain. Who would have thunk.

Not a bad nights sleep all things considered and certainly not what I call cold. Maybe when step outside may change my mind. Not that that will happen anytime soon. It’s pitch black at 6 am, no street lighting, no cafe opens before 7 am – you know lunchtime ! – and on we go.

Much like Moses there will be a parting of the ways today which may explain the gentle sobbing I hear from bedroom . Of course it may be she realises I have not gone for an early morning walk. Anyhoo after our breakfast at morning tea time we will wander into the thriving metropolis that is Bendigo for a stroll and a gander at some street art. CLP will then head out to Grate Stupor at 11 am from train station while I fill in a few hours trying to find my way home by myself. Of course the real difficulty will be dressing for occasion as get caught out once start walking around. I have fallen for the old “ it’s cold weather here” shim sham too often of late. On the good news front ankle is not as restrictive as first thought and not limiting walking at this stage . Probably the warm weather 🥸 . At least it is not raining – that starts in Harcourt later this week 😥

So while the woosy locals stayed in bed I ventured out at 630 am and suitably rewarded with a very pleasant walk. Went to Corner Cafe as closest option open at 7 am and while all looked good the coffee was barely warm 😥

Delicious breakfast as expected in the solarium 😏 Contemplating why didn’t I bring my sluggos filled in a few minutes

Off we trekked into the Busting Bendigo CBD which clearly stands for Could Be Dead. Did I take a wrong turn? I am calling it now – Bendigo CBD makes Maryhole look like a vibrant thriving metropolis. Can tell a lot about a town by the stores doing well like Aussie Surplus and King Kong Sales. Meanwhile Freddy’s Fine Fromage and Foccacia Festivus is closed. Street Art array would embarrass a Pre School First Paint class in a Foot Painting district. Only so many angles to view “The Statue” from

And so we parted. CLP may return completely Stupafied while I just returned. Picked up some lunch for a few relaxing hours at home . At least getting plenty of walking in. CLP had a wonderful visit to Grate Stupor and then we met up in town for a coffee. Returned to Old Boundary for another meal but that will do for this week

Thursday dawned another booteeful day for our Golden Trip. First up , after breakfast, a leisurely stroll to the Gold mine for a squizz and a scratch. Then time for the talking tram and take a trip out to Lake WeeWop for morning tea and then another stroll back to Golden Dragon Museum. By then should be close to lunch time and another walk into town for lunch and a XXXX Gold at Woodhouse Bar and Grill. All this is contingent on being able to walk of course because for some reason last night couldn’t put weight on ankle when going for usual “nightly visits” . It is an enigma this one . The walk in the dark through the park just for a lark (and coffee) at 630 am should tell us all. Have to remember to buy concession tickets these days too although some dont ask for proof 😥

Well that wasn’t good. Ankle is a problem and the coffee was crap – “ hey Sweetheart, see that tool over there, try tamping down the coffee! “ Lovely time of day though and maybe a degree cooler. Had to wear underpants today🥸

Off to the Golden Triangle on a glorious day . A hobble here, a limp there and made it somehow to The Goldmine. Lady let us in a bit early which was great . Only did above ground caper as not sure if went underground would make it back up . CLP did pan for gold and said she only found two little specks but a certain glint in her eye and ordering a limo to the bank made me wonder

I briefly lay down for a rest and some smart ass starting wrapping me up . Actually did help with ankle pain

Then it was time for the tourist highlight of Bendigo. The talking tram. Lordy Lordy how dull and lame . Stopping at the Tramworks stop and can’t leave again because the brake is stuck. No one to help as on “tea break” . We left 20 mins later and finally arrived at Lake WeeWop and glad to leave the geriatrics behind. Had them all covered by 20 yrs methinks. And that’s just the conductor ! Lovely morning tea at Cafe Whitby on the lake.

Enough rest time for another 20 min walk to Golden Dragon Museum. I was instantly mesmerised and wanted to stay all day

Actually as far as museums go it was good although inside did feel like they just crammed a lot of colourful stuff in. The grounds were great though . Very pleasant limp around the temple

This just left the Gold at the end of the rainbow – a steak at Woodhouse Bar and Grill. Another 20 min walk and seated down for a perfectly fine meal. Good value even if the entrees were not that impressive. The young lassie knew how to pour a standard “ glass of wine “ so that’s a winner .

So that just left – you guessed it – a. 20 min walk home. Not sure what is going on here but the ankle is becoming a problem although not constant day to day. Has been great to do so much walking but really don’t know how will wake up the next day. Looking at ankle now am guessing it won’t be great 😥

And so will relax rest of day with a little bit of whining and moaning thrown in. JL pick us up tomorrow late morning and we will stay in town for lunch at Alium before decamping at Harcourt for 5 nights or as we say in the Ferguson family 15 bottles 🤪 Has been glorious weather last few days and may turn a bit wet come the weekend but not a problem ( see Ferguson Trait previously detailed). It was a good idea to stay in Bendigo for a few days and accomodation has been excellent but would suggest we have done Bendigo and don’t need another day

Unless that thrilling tram does a return trip 🤔

Early run out to airport had us relaxing in Qantas Club by 6 am for our 8 am flight. Easy boarding and pretty well left on time so sat back in our comfy seats and watched the plebs trudge by . If only had a glass of champagne 😥 We may have been lucky to keep our BC seats as 3 flight crew grabbed row in front of us and they have precedence always

Today’s edition of first world problems is clueless ahole passengers and flight attendants being too friendly. Meal service comes around and the knobhead in row one wants to chat and no doubt thinks he is riveting company and a real ladies man. On a 2 hr flight not a big issue but is a pain on short haul to Sydney . Having said that breakfast was delicious when they got to us in row 3

As always when you have plenty of time everything happens quickly. The plane arrives early, the pilot hands your suitcase to you yada yada yada. Thought the Bendigo Airport Shuttle was a good idea – and is – but times didn’t quite line up and though always booked on the 12:30 we were at the bus bay at 10:35 so just missed the 10:30 am by 5 mins. Of course at the time if had known about all the free public transport would have bussed to Sunbury and caught the train to Bendigo. 2 hrs is a long time to fill in on the one bench in the bus bay . Here is one I prepared earlier- then of course we have 2 hrs bus trip….

The shuttle left on time and arrived on time so all good. Bendigo Cottages looks very good especially our choice of Rose with a verandah. Only a 15 min walk into town so perfect – apart from the warm weather 😏

Did go for said walk and check out some of the must sees. Ok all of the must sees , ya got me. Pity I dressed for Bendigo autumn weather and not Maryborough summer🤪 Early morning coffee options not looking good as most don’t open until 7 am and I have to be back for my delivered home cooked breakfast at 730 am 🥸

There is a pub less than 10 mins away which looks good as a dinner option . And it was. And it’s Goodnight from him

Before the Decline😏

Actually have had every orifice and organ probed last few months and come up with a clean bill of health if we don’t count elbow, knee and ankle ( yes that little bugger is playing up again). You can live without them of course so given I could hit mid 70s now with most faculties better bite the bullet and get passport renewed even if 6 months left. What a rip off – $450 🤪 Went with the Jeffrey Epstein look just in case I do go over there while the Orange Turd is still around . He won’t dare come near me if he thinks I’m back from the grave

On that note, NoWay USA continues despite a brief flirtation with Leaving Las Vegas. Direct flights to LV were tempting and as mentioned many times Accommodation prices are great for a good room and cheaper than Melbourne or Sydney and on par with Tiaro ( shoulder season). The only problem then is when you leave the room you find yourself in ……..USA . Not sure this LBD could cope with 14 hour flights anymore especially starting at night. A plan is forming for a quick hop across to NZ for a couple of weeks next Feb on a solo jaunt but in meantime packing the excess luggage this time around. Ouch. Yep , it’s me and the CLP.😘

First up then is a couple of days in Brisvegas to celebrate Claude’s 96th trip around the sun. Good opportunity too of course to raid Ant’s cellar as using BC2Q Uber this time round. They will then throw us out at Ovolo in the Valley sometime Sunday afternoon where we will decamp for 2 nights before an early flight to Melbourne on Tuesday morning. Finally stopped paying for Qantas Club every year for maybe 4 flights a year max . Did the math, carried the two factored in GST and decided as mostly domestic flights just fly Business Class . Then have a shuttle booked to take us to Bendigo for 3 nights. Some folk say that is about 2.5 days too much but don’t think they have done their research. There is a Talking Tram, Belching Bus and Farting Ferry . There is of course the old gold mine to go down in but CLP said she would pass. Something about “ If I see one more broken down old shaft I will cry “. Odd, as she has never been to any old mines 🤔 We may part ways one day so she can go to The Grate Stupor and meddy tate while I find a friendly barstool and enrich the life of a few brave locals. On Friday we meet up with John and Lorraine and then head back to Harcourt Haven for 5 nights. Alcohol may be involved but beanies and gloves will also feature methinks. Then it’s off to Melbourne for a week before flying home and back to reality.

Lovely day at ADJG as always . For a special treat an old friend of Claude – Joseph – from Spain was able to join us. Joseph very kindly hosted CLP and me 12 years ago for a few days in Spain. Ant bought out the good stuff as usual.

Things were going well and then they bought out the Benedictine and the rest is a blur

Called up our Quber and luckily said 30 s away so off to Ovolo in the valley. Easy check in, usual great room @ 603 and quickly decamped and then went for a walk. Back for our free drink and mezze plate at 530 pm at Kaz Bar rounds out a fantastic first day of holidays

Monday dawned bright and early for this LBD . Gotta love early morning strolls and a good coffee. It is a great area around Ovolo in the eating and drinking caper and when see El Cafe is open at 530 am and serves Bellissimo coffee we have a winner . Certainly that brief cold spell has passed.

The morning remained clear and sunny so headed off for breakfast at Industry Beans before heading down to Tenerife to catch a river cat into city. Good to get out and do some walking after yesterday’s imbibing. This way we can imbibe again today 🤨

Back home late morning for a relaxed day. Have checked in for flight so now we wait . Bendigo or Bust