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Schofield Cottage is in a quiet secluded area where axe murderers could thrive and while the pillows may well have been used as sandbags last weekend slept ok. To be fair the late afternoon imbibing yesterday may have contributed to head feeling a tad restless and seemingly unattached. The day looks ok weather wise although rain is predicted later in day which could impact on planned walk to brewery and stumble home . Stay tuned

Today is our only full day in Yarra Valley and by end of it expect to be full indeed. Picking a couple of breweries will be easy, narrowing down Melbourne Cup field of wineries to a winning trifecta could be tricky . At least made sure we had a light breakfast today . Fool me once shame on me , fool me twice sounds about right . First up a coffee and a look at the main street shops. Ah crap, they are open. Poor planning by me fair call.

First up local attraction wise is Selovers Lookout. Lovely view of a barbed wire fence and some water in the distance. Se French are easily pleased as croissants prove time and time again.

First winery of the day is Oakridge. Great place but a rather pretentious youth masquerading as Sommelier . He may settle down when he starts shaving. Wine was fine and they would ship back our other 5 bottles so did the math and bought 6 to make up the dozen. “ ah that is only 11 Sir” . See pretentious and a math whizz to boot . Now we just have to stop buying rest of day……

Back to Frenchie theme so onto Napoleone Brewery . Given it’s French flavour assuming it has one entrance and 17 exits . Impressive looking place that likely goes off like a frog in a sock on a weekend . A frog with no legs left that is . Had the tasting paddle and a bag of chips as a bit peckish by now

The buzz was on by now which means time to find that middle winery. As were on St Hubert’s seemed reasonable to try their winery . Another kinda pushy pourer type person but wine was fine and reasonably priced and when he said buy 3 get one free well what can one do . Still a few days left after all. Of interest here in the YV , the folk don’t like it if you rubbish Chardonnay . Tough luck pal . I don’t mind butter but not a fan of it like Marlon Brando was.

It was time to find a place that did the grape juice caper but also some food. Tarrawarra Estate fit the bill but Restaurant closed for orders at 1 pm and it was 12:59 as we parked car . CLP turned on the charm and we got a table and even could do a wine tasting first . Would need to be something special to entice a purchase at this stage and it wasn’t . Perfectly acceptable of course though. The lunch was exquisite mind you and by end it was fast approaching 3 pm and we still had to fit in nana nap before walking down to brewery later

These Victorians know their weather and as predicted started raining at 4 pm. This allowed CLP to get her beauty sleep in as the walk was off the table now and would be replaced by a quick drive to Watts River Brewery at 4:30 pm for a refreshing ale rather than a session . Not a bad thing necessarily after a long morning . And an extra half hour to sober up first. The beer was fine but the ambience lacking unless you have a thing for sheds and guys with sideburns. To be honest I find if ya get off the merry go round after a few laps it’s hard to get back on. Especially if you have been drinking

Glad in the end we didn’t make an afternoon of it as not only was the enthusiasm waning but it was raining quite heavily even with thunder around .

And that folks is what we call full circle in the trade

Last day in Mornington so let’s have a nice light breakfast and be on our way

Bucket ! Lordy Lordy . Ok that will keep us going for a few hours . A quick walk around neighbourhood before bidding adieu to our wonderful hosts and hitting the road for Healesville. A quick stop in Ferntree Gully for a very passable coffee and then onto Coldstream . A festivus miracle, a brewery is open. Great place and had the usual paddle followed by a pot of choice. It was great that a couple of ciders included as well so that I got my two fruit portions for the day . It’s the home of the Shivering Man and now have T Shirt to prove it

In continuing signs of maturity I passed on the tastings at Domaine Chandon as we made our way north. It is mostly bubbles after all 😉 I don’t go too much by “ standard drinks” measure – when face feels flushed time to stop if still driving . It is a lovely location but have been there before . Fangoo stood under a Ficus so mission accomplished

As we were still ahead of check in time at Schofield Cottage we stopped for lunch in Healesville. It’s a quaint little town with quaint little people. Our accomodation looks the goods with plenty of room and in a quiet area

Car safely tucked in for night – which kicks in around 9 pm here ! – so time to head into town on foot and make mischief or at least momentarily lasting memories. Four Pillars Gin soakery is of course a famous location here so we kicked off with the 5 Gin tastings and obligatory info on process which while interesting did not take mind off burning throat . Lets finish with a cocktail as you do

Half cut by now so time for a bit more walking which takes longer when not in a straight line trust me! Sadly Innocent Bystander was between Four Pillars and home and would have been rude not to drop in for a quenching ale. Smart but rude. Looks a great place although maybe a little low brow with moscato slushies available . Had a very nice pint of 6.3% Hargreaves Hill IPA and if any further proof needed we were a tad sozzled we bought matching T Shirts to be unveiled at family BBQ on Saturday

So on a day mainly pencilled in for get from A to B we achieved a lot. Luckily I have the photos to remember it tomorrow. Even more thankful there are no wineries in Yarra Valley to tempt the foolhardy tomorrow . Looks like one cafe and a second hand tractor place is it

CLP now calls me her little social butterfly after suggesting we invite hosts to share a bottle of red we purchased last night. They also bought a bottle along so once again too much to eat and drink yada yada yada. Another day has dawned and weather seems very pleasant . No rain and no heat . Once again actual planning is somewhat hampered by fact so many places of interest are closed on Tuesdays! A rather unnecessarily large cooked breakfast means first stop may be along walk on the beach and then let the day flow over us with the promise of no mingling after hours . Promise

Checked out another golf course – The Dunes – on way to beach. Not great beach walking weather but at least not raining . And no other people stupid enough to be on the beach in this weather . The sunnies kept the sand out of eyes at least .

With the threat of having to spend time at the Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Emporium looming large I quickly alerted all local tour operators to descend immediately and was suitably pleased when first big busload of Japanese rocked in a minute later thus making paying $18.50 to walk around in a circle even less appealing then it already was. Sweet, on to wineries . First up was Montalto Winery and Olive grove. I therefore assumed we would get a martini with each olive but was wrong again. Had the requisite tasting and then a short walk through an interesting array of sculptures

Time for a quick coffee at nearby Cellar & Pantry before dropping in at Polperro Winery . Very impressive cellar door with little Dutch boy Eric running the show . Very informative time spent with someone who actually seems to enjoy his job. It was a small intimate room so was happy we were guzzling the last one as a busload from nearby low security twilight home rocked him with zimmer frames and knitting needles. Eric the half a bee would have his work cut out for him

By now was a bit peckish and flushed of face so must be lunch time . Luckily Port Phillip Estate was nearby with world renowned Restaurant attached . It was closed . We had a quick tasting with the June Dally Watkins drop out behind the counter before settling in for the “ bistro” cheeky lunch 3 course surprise . Compared to Eric this was clearly just a job for said lass and not a passion. Unlike her love of mascara and makeup. Still it was a stunning location and the meal was passable if not memorable . I forget .

The wobbly boot was well attached by now and with no breweries open nearby we concluded we were tired of tasting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for now so let’s head home for a cuppa and a lie down. Better be careful that bus from the home may come and pick us up ! I prefer to think of it as common sense . I was driving – now she tells me – and pushing my luck and not as if it was our last day . Eric had suggested 3 wineries a day is enough but then he is Dutch. I think 3 wineries between each brewery is enough but our options were limited . It has been a wonderful short stay in Mornington Peninsula but will remember in future not to be here on Monday / Tuesday if partaking in the drinking caper

One thing worth noting for visitors – and confirmed by hosts – is that the “taste pour” is on the small side in this area . More like the 10-15 ml aliquot of panadol elixir you give kiddies which is appropriate when discussing Chardonnay really. Not a bad thing of course but very noticeable especially when usually a tasting fee and a limited range of 5-6 wines. Not really a complaint as such just an observation . I inform as I amuse , it’s in my DNA

Fear not though fans as on to Healesville tomorrow for 2 days which does have wineries and breweries aplenty . And even Four Pillars Gin Soakery . Could be just the Tonic I need.

I’m here all week, try the veal

Very quiet and peaceful area. Good nights sleep – or what passes for good these days . Walked around neighbourhood for some exercise before sitting down to our first prepared breakfast . Weather overcast but today could be best day of week so plan is head down to Cape Schnack for some golf courses, a lighthouse and a cliff to fall off if the mood takes me . A circuitous route planned so that after our fill of nature – ie 23 mins – we can stumble upon some wineries just on opening time. I may be old but I ain’t dumb . Strange thing here though , at least to me, is so many places closed during week or at least Mon/Tue. Seems to be very much a weekend locale catering for bored Melbournites?

Occasional shower did not dampen our spirits let alone the road so headed off to Moonah Links first and then onto National and Cape Schnack. Great looking courses but glad don’t have to rake the bunkers . They did make me mow though when they heard of my prowess with the short green stuff.

Living life on the edge we decided to stop in at nearby Peninsula Hot Springs to see if any pools needed level adjustment. Seemed easier than finding a toilet . As luck would have only about 120 Asians roaming the grounds so we got into our bathers and joined the hordes. Good value if you can stay all day but that wine won’t drink itself

Time for some alcohol and food and in that order please. First up a quick trip back to Moonah Links for a beer and buy a local shirt and then stopped in at Cups Estate and it was excellent . The tapas menu was simply superb and in an amazing cellar door. The bar had been set high. Luckily alcohol tends to lower it….

Time for that pesky lighthouse as something resembling the sun started to peek through. Good to walk off that substantial lunch . By the Grace of God I didn’t fall off a cliff but did throw some rocks at some clown on the beach. She wouldn’t keep still though !

Having sobered up meant it was time for more wineries so we headed off to T’Gallant as it sounded like a place I would naturally fit in well and may even be asked to stay . Then on to Ten Minutes by Tractor which oddly was 30 mins by car. Must have fast tractors in Victoria. We picked up a very nice Pinot to drink one night here . Ok tonight , ya got me. Then picked up some salads for dinner and headed home via Arthur’s seat for some lovely views.

It had been a wonderful first day and I get to plan tomorrow . The highlight was while CLP was in the loo I asked the lady at Tractor Town to put some Chardonnay in her glass as she loves the stuff. When she returned I told her it was the famous 2015 Pinot Grigio so she took a large swig.

Ya get your laughs where u can on the road folks

No not the indie rock band from Portland – although did leave some DNA there earlier this year – but rather the rocking duo’s latest adventure . Seemed like a sound plan at the time to escape the rain and gloom of Qld for a week of sunshine in Victoria. Hmm. Ok. Well it’s a great time to catch up with far flung family for Mitch’s engagement party at end of week. Speaking of family yesterday was a wonderful time celebrating Ryan’s first birthday in Toowoomba with all the kids and grandkids. Love to see the cousins get together

So for this short soujourn we have a few days at an Air BnB in Mornington Peninsula before a couple of days in Healesville before congregating at Eltham at end of week for family celebration . Flying out early Sunday morning to Melboring and then pick up car and head off in general south east direction until we hit water . With current deluge there we may do that before we leave the car park! There could be wineries and breweries involved for the week but generally I am adverse to those type of activities. But it is December ….

Good flight down and arrived on time to some scuds and coolish weather . As always picking up the car rental is a pain in the ass and an expensive one to boot. Getting out of airport is always tricky especially in driving rain but we made it and took a slightly circuitous route to avoid toll roads and even stopped in Camberwell for a very passable lunch . Arrived at Musicians Retreat for our 3 night stay in Rosebud. Looks very comfortable and quiet .

After unpacking and a quick cuppa we decided to head down to Portsea for a drive as weather was mostly clear and had fond memories of the hotel overlooking the sea from many years ago. It’s still there but does seem more built in now . Mind you we didn’t have to wait long for a beer and had our choice of any table in the outdoor beer garden. As expected your average Victorian is a pussy and has to be indoor if temp drops below 25 . Apparently . A long walk on a short pier and time to head home for an early night after catching up on some cricket

We got up, drove to Adelaide and flew home. The end

So must be time for The Flashies

Flights Qantas is a solid reliable performer . All flights ran well. Qantas Club in Alice is very crowded but still an oasis in the desert. Streaming wifi on shorter flights is great when works.
Winner Alice Springs to Adelaide – on time , spare seats , good in flight wi fi

Accomodation Once again all good with mostly pros and only a few cons. In 2017 all accomodation should supply wifi even if not free . Sails in Desert is great and in particular runs all of their very busy tours expertly and efficiently . Double Tree Hilton in AS was excellent for a hotel . Good dining options, easy walk to town, lovely grounds. Hilltop Too in Hahndorf is very spacious and well appointed , quiet area , short walk to main street . Dove Cottage in Tanunda had slightly better provisions and space and a good location again. Amy’s was smallest of 3 but had wifi and washing/dryer. Easy walk to town, not its fault that the town of Auburn is dullsville .
Winner Dove Cottage

Dining 3 big entries which all offered something different and at a different price point. Sounds of Silence dinner was in a stunning location with great food , great company and plenty to drink. Appellation at Louise was of course a superb dinner with matching wines and service that went above and beyond. Comes at a price but not out of pace with similar degustations. And then Skillogaleee was the perfect meal for us at that time and delicious to boot.
Winner Appellation

Worst Dining Terroir in Auburn. Expensive and slow service .

Cellar Doors All good let’s face it . The paid for tasting at Bird in Hand was great for many reasons. Finding Hardys in Main Street of McLarenvale was a treat. We were lucky or smart enough to turn up early to most so had a good run at Paulette’sfor example. Turned up late afternoon at Grossets and had the place to ourselves ! Special mention for Corioles at McLaren Vale as being super friendly even sharing his lunch with us ! Teusner was unique both in presentation and owner drinking with us
Winner Bird in Hand

Breweries Prancing Ponywas big and fun. Barossa Valley Brewing was perfect for a Sunday afternoon drink with live music. Knappstein had the best actual beer but only one variety! Pikes was very generous with pours . Clare Valley Brewing had a good range but a poor tasting set up
Winner BV Brewing

Tours All of the Uluru tours were busy but ran well and efficiently . The dinner at Sunset was an amazing experience. Segway is a fantastic experience and none better than at Sunrise at Uluru. Kata Clysmic was a tad dull but still visually stunning especially from a distance . Camels at Sunset was a unique experience but a bit over priced .Kings Canyon was a big day but glad we did it
Winner Sunrise Segway at Uluru

Best ExperienceThe whole Field of Lights and Sounds of Silence dinner was a memorable experience and a great start to our time in Uluru

Our few days in Uluru were amazing and much like NYC in Feb 2015 don’t think could ever recapture the magic of the weather again for an extended stay . Cool enough to be pleasant and the colours amazing . More that that though it is a unique area that all Aussies should see. The car rental seemed to work ok and is a great way to do the Epicurean Trail. 9 days visiting wineries in a row is probably a bit much if you don’t have a break with some local natural attractions that aren’t lookouts!

As sad as one may be to leave two weeks is a good length of time to spend together on the road. Just ask CLP 👀 Qantas Club remains an excellent product – just remember bar doesn’t open until midday

Next up is a short week in Melboring in December but the biggun on horizon – misty as it may be – is Ireland Fling in Feb 2018

Life is good

Last full day of trip and sounds about right as pretty well over the winery routine by now. The only real job today is to find a place that will let us buy 2-3 and ship home 12! Not an easy task. We have a lunch booked at Skillogaleee and the day will fit in around that as we let countryside flow over us like cream on an eClare . Speaking of which I finally worked out why I may have put an extra kg or two this holiday – bloody full cream milk in our accomodation. At two cuppas a day it soon adds up.

Another excellent accomodation in Auburn but nothing to see in town unless the gang at Rising Sun has kicked on. At last we have Internet. Head out to Mintaro first and hopefully will be aMazed. Certainly stunned if find a good coffee .

First up was Taylor’s Winery which is a rather large concern. Nothing spectacular but we bought a couple so we could ship our other 9😏 Too early for Maze to be open – luckily – and sadly famous old pub closed for good but had a passable coffee at Reilly’s before heading onto Paulette’s for first cellar door . Very helpful lady and good value wine meant we bought 6 so we could pay for a dozen shipping and bring another 6 back later in day . 3 more wineries ? No problemo

We had a midday lunch booked at Skillogalee so a quick stop at Sussex and Squire on way. The lunch was excellent of course and just the right size. Didnt do another tasting as had a glass of wine with lunch but did buy a bottle of Riesling. Then onto Clare Valley Brewing Co where this strange phenomenon during the day continued. Being social butterflies we love to engage in conversation and the subject of Terroir always came up. It must be the sacred cow in the district because as soon as we mentioned we were not greatly impressed the temperature in the cellar door dropped 5 degrees . And it was only 8 to start with ! In Hahndorf don’t mention the war , in Clare don’t mention Terroir. In Barossa don’t mention Hunter Valley 😏

Strangely the ” Winery routine” had kicked in again so we headed off to Shut the Gate to get that pesky last 3 bottles to make another dozen. Nice cellar door where you even get some cheese and crackers. Then back to Paulette’s to ship off last dozen – which I think brings total to 6 dozen😳 Yes you can buy many of these from Dan et al but not really the same eh. This way can add freight costs on too …… Back home because I think I had challenged the driving Gods enough and then one last walk into town for a last beer at The Rising Sun to ironically set the sun on our wonderful holiday . This pub is rather highly regarded but not sure why – at 3 pm in afternoon there were at least 6 kids aged under 10 in the public bar and it is a small area!

A quiet night then in preparation for drive back to Adelaide in morning, return car, catch plane , drive home to Nambour . A full day but not the fun kind.

Could be a lazy hour in Qantas Club at Adelaide mind you if things go according to plan

After a brief flirtation with warmth yesterday it’s back to a more pleasant 13-14 degrees today . In Qld we get Coastal Wind warnings . In SA they get “Sheep Graziers” alerts . Of course that may be nothing to do with weather but rather their behaviour after a few vinos 😏

I do declare it’s time for the Clare. Another shortish drive just under the hour should have us knocking on door of first flat champers location just after 10 . Good run up through some lovely country – fields of canola interspersed with fields of green stuff . Drove on through Auburn to Clare for a coffee at Wild Saffron. Not wild about it but not mad either . I won another award just walking the street though

Then onto Knappstein Winery and Brewery for first one of the day. Wine nothing special and sadly only one beer to try but it was very good. A quick detour to Brooks lookout for some reason as by now it was grey cloudy ….. and rainy. Getting a bit peckish by now so checked out Mr Micks Cellar and Kitchen. The good thing about their wine is it is all one price – $17 a bottle regardless of colour . I say that is a big step forward for race relations in this country. Of course it all tasted good at that price as did the Tapas in the restaurant. Got a quick 6 so we could also ship back 6 of the good stuff too – wine that is, not Tapas 😏

Well rested so on to Seven Hills and Pikes Beer and Wines. 5 mins away and a short but heavy storm hit with very small hail. Seven Hills was a classy looking place with no $17 wine. Nothing grabbed us either except a frisky Jesuit Priest. Had the beer paddle at Pikes which is always good before sampling the wine. We bought a bottle of white if only to start on that next dozen to ship

By now it was time to check into our lodgings for two nights – Amy’s in Auburn – before heading out a bit later to nearby Grossetts. And by nearby I mean walking distance

The cellar door at Grossets was excellent of course and very relaxing not having to remember where I parked the car . All of our lodgings have come with plenty of food and this one is no different including a large cheese platter. Maybe just a wafer thin slice before heading out to The Rising Sun a bit later for dinner . Another big day

And another to follow tomorrow I am guessing

Update: After the short walk into town for dinner at The Rising Sun pub we could hardly get in the door with the crowd ! Apparently it was Balaclava Cup day at the races and they had started a while ago. Ok just up the road and Terroir Auburn looked good. They should have been wearing Balaclavas! It was local appreciation night and a fixed $55 ea for 3 courses. Ok , when in Rome. Gave us menu and drinks list , came back a little later for drink orders and about to give them when he told us ” the fridge is 18 degrees and can’t fix it so no white wine or beer ” . Then a 30 min wait for each course which was ok but nothing special but after main course we said can we cancel dessert please. Ok but it will still be $55 ea as ” it is local appreciation night”

Makes me appreciate not being a local . Really expected Basil Fawlty to walk out next in his Gourmet night attire

Already ? 😰 Last full day on Barossa and haven’t pulled up too bad after big night . More tired than seedy . Today is Spa day but first a couple of wineries in morning and another coffee place. Returning to Seppeltsfield around lunch for a picnic hamper as can still do belt up and we can’t have that on holidays. Off to Henschkes then. Because it opens at 9 am ….duh.

Great wine selection and cellar door but sadly Hill of Grace not for tasting . At 9:05 a couple in front of us were on the last red and had ordered two dozen already . Suddenly I felt like an amateur at this squeezed grape caper. Then onto Bean Addiction Roasters for a coffee which again while very hot not exceptional in any other way . Sadly the Stein Taphouse next door was not open until midday – I tend to shine more in the hoppy yeast arena. Next up was Torbreck which is in a beautiful location with cellar door to match. Great range once again but we were being more suspect now as end nears and we have to get this stuff home!

Time to make our way to Seppeltsfield to pick up our picnic hamper at midday at what was turning out to be a glorious day . But first on the way drop into Izway Winery nearby as a new up and comer . Cellar door closed but owner saw us and came over and gave us a tasting – we had sampled the Shiraz last night at Appellation. Then onto Seppeltsfield for a tasting which didn’t impress greatly before picking up hamper and settling in on the lawns for a feed and a rest . Excellent range of food fit the bill perfectly

Home then for quick change of underwear before onto Endota Spa at Novotel resort . We had the foot bath, remedial massage and spa soak with champers 90 min package which was all wonderful of course . Except #firstworldproblems . Dont pour the Champers out before massage starts . I am no scientist – anymore – but bubbles don’t last for > 60 mins. Flat warm champers is well ….. Reisling I guess . Damn I have become a wine expert this last week

One thing I did pick up from the locals when visiting cellar doors is come prepared 😏

So our stay in Tanunda comes to an end and you can never visit all the wineries you want …. and drive at least. On to Clare Valley tomorrow for two days – the home of warm flat champers

Apparently.

Accomodation is certainly excellent and in a quiet area . Today is first of two days with events on to celebrate CLPs upcoming birthday . We always celebrate birthdays together with a special dinner and often a stay in a classy room or a spa package. (I try to leave the country of course usually for mine but still hook in early – I may be old but not stupid ) As already in nice digs it seems the spa package is a natch. We like a bit of luxury as we get old and I checked last night – the road is already clean.

So the real issue today is to be sensible so one can enjoy tonight’s feast. Now remember I did say was getting older so let’s see how plan holds up by end of day . As no sculptures in the area – there is a God 😎 – how does one fill in those pesky 4 hrs between getting out of bed and wineries opening. Check out the back yard for plumage. Hey there are doves. Wait a minute …. Dove Cottage. I assumed it was just the soap they used

It’s fair to say that the Main Street of Tanunda does not have the same charm of Hahndorf. Let’s try for our first good coffee in SA . This will involve heading out to Angaston and Nuriootpa nearby and a fair amount of luck I imagine . There are several to try of course but Bean Addiction sounds about right . Well it did until saw it is closed on Mondays . Memories of Baltimore come flooding back .

So it was Barista Sista then in Nuriootpa . I wouldn’t get the gold medals out just yet but very passable. The main winery to see this morning was Teusner both being fans of the Bilmore Shiraz amongst others . It’s a complex process though where you have to join Righteous Society and then book in a cellar door 24 hrs prior. We did this but no response yet so headed on to Taste of Eden Valley in Angaston for 10 am opening. Good way to try some wineries that don’t have cellar doors. By now Tuesner contacted us to say 11 am was it. This meant things were a bit tight to do justice to Yalumba but we took some photos of magnificent building . Then onto Tuesner and from outside you would not be impressed. The inside don’t get the superlatives rolling of the tongue either as basically the “cellar door” is in the office in a tin shed with Shazza and Bazza banging away on keyboards while you sip. The place is in rebuilding stage though and when you taste the range you forgive the surroundings. Good portions and the owner drinks with you while tasting! We bought several and by now was feeling rather flushed of face

The wobbly boot was on now but it was the left foot and I accelerate with the right so we are sweet. Onto Maggie Beers farm for some lunch and no alcohol . Perfect light fodder in keeping with plan. Then onto Hewitson and Turkey Flat which were both very fine cellar doors but to be fair maybe did not do them justice after imbibing at Tuesner .

By then it was time to head home for a bit and detoxify . I think the French have a word for it

After a rest and bath time to put on the finery and head out to Appellation at The Louise in Seppeltsfield. The biggest concern is by time they bring out the first course I am usually in bed on this trip.

Stunning meal in a glorious location. A drink on the verandah as sun set – you know if not cloudy – and then a 4 course degustation with matching wines. We both chose different options so we would get different wines. With age comes wisdom. Mind you my second wine was 20% ABV that knocked me for a while as these wines were half glasses each time ! A wonderful first half of birthday celebrations if a tad tired the next morn