Seasoned campaigners like us know a little planning goes a long way so had organised to pick hire car up from Footscray for quicker access to Western highway. This of course first meant a taxi from Spencer Street but still worth it. Pick up was straight forward and after some heavy traffic were quickly motoring along highway at a good clip on way to Daylesford. As we were early for booking we stopped in town for a coffee and a walk around. This was not going to chew up much time trust me. What was to become a common theme over next two days is that these small towns don’t open up a lot midweek. Then it was on to accomodation just outside Daylesford in a hamlet called Musk. Along the way though we saw a winery – Passing Clouds – which we mistook for Passing Clowns so thought we just had to drop in. A few tastings and a plate or two of cured meats couldn’t hurt surely.
We were staying at Peppermint Srings retreat on a rather pampered two night package which included two massages, a cooked two course meal in room and hot breakfasts both days. Additionally we were told bar fridge would be full and all free. Now this place was stocked with everything you could want including a bottle of sparkling wine and two straws. The cottage itself was massive and did I mention the full size spa bath and steam shower ? First up were the very relaxing massages before we tucked into the wine, cheese etc. Naturally I assumed both massages would be for me but alas was mistaken. After the late afternoon nibbles and gulping we were feeling rather full and dinner was still to come , along with an enema at some stage in the future methinks. A simple but beautifully prepared meal was further enhanced by rather rich desserts which are still sitting in fridge as I write. Ok maybe a few bites missing, don’t want to risk hypoglycaemia after all. It was early to bed for this LBD and a fairly restful night was had considering I really couldn’t move for fear of capsize.
Hot full breakfast the next morning meant exercise was needed STAT as the real dining experience was still to come. A good walk around the lake was in order on what was a very pleasant overcast day. The only problem with walking around a lake is once you get half way around you are committed anyway. So a couple more little side detours looking for Jason and it was time to go home and get dressed up to go back to – the Lake! Now this Lakehouse restaurant is very well known and highly regarded so a treat lay in store and did not disappoint. Only two courses needed as still had that dessert at home…… Quite reasonable really considering the quality and prestige. Then it was back home to defrock ( but still no Trakkies allowed) and then head in opposite direction to Trentham and a wonderful new world apparently. It was closed. We saw some Falls, a lookout, a wombat statue and plenty of closed shops. CLP went to the Diggers Shrine – no not fallen soldiers but rather potato seeders or something. We drove down a road to a Lost Children’s Monument which was two postcards on a tree and a broken Popsicle stick. The Tavern and Cidery closed 5 minutes before we arrived. We climbed the lookout and couldn’t see anything because of trees. It was just that sort of day. When all else fails go the pub I say. Back into Daylesford and the Royal hotel for a couple of cold ales. Being a gentleman I left $10 on counter for our two pots and headed to my own shrine or as some call it , the urinal. Got back and asked CLP where my change was and she said ” You owe me $2 ya clown” . Ain’t love grand ? Ok back to our retreat for a toasted sandwich and an early night for tomorrow we do everything in reverse. No, we don’t have wine and then breakfast but rather we have to return car to Melbourne CBD. Should be a barrel of laughs .
flashman181 