flashman181

Time to say auf wiedersehen to Hahndorf or as we say in the Borough pack up your sausage and leave. Great to have extended stays in places where u can decamp properly and 4 nights has been great . There was a very embarrassing sight this morning though

A full decanter of port untouched. Worse still choccies left unwrappped! The other surprising thing here and in Tanunda digs ahead – no wifi!

Anyhoo another great thing about the Epicurean trail is the next enclave of grape houses is only an hour away in Tanunda. A leisurely pack followed by an even more leisurely drive should have me well leisured out as we approach Tanunda on Sunda from the south which just happens to be the locale of a couple of dives like St Hallet . Well it is the day of our Lord . Apparently .

Fist some quirk. The worlds largest Rocking Horse and the Whispering Wall. How some cod ordinary pyramid in Giza keeps these pearlers off the 7 Wonders list is beyond me

Now the odd thing was at said rocking horse there was a Groovy Grape bus full of about 10 dolly birds ready for Flemington . Seemed an odd choice. Then at the Whispering Wall – same bus ! We then drove onto Jacobs Creek as first stop and fark me. It was there and the Sheilas were already crowding the free drink area !

The cellar door was nothing special and thought if we headed to St Hallet we should be safe from the gaggle of geese. We were. Very familiar with SH and not disappointed . Then onto Grant Burge and again familiar stuff especially the sparkly stuff . By now thought probably time to check into Dove Cote at Tanunda because I checked my urine and it said I needed to drink more ! Better start walking then eh

A quick decamp and walk into town for a quick lunch and leisurely stroll to an old fave Chateau Tanunda . Then back home for a rest in our very comfortable lodgings – did I mention there was a spa bath 😉 Back out later to check out nearby Brewery before grabbing some dinner

Great late afternoon at Barossa Valley Brewing with usual paddle and some live music. Then a walk back into town for a good old steak at The Clubhouse before an easy walk home to check out the pillow situation .

Hey as it turns out I don’t need a pillow after all. Silly bunt

Last full day in Hahndorf or is that last day of being full ? Weather seems much the same as has been for stay – cool, cloudy, some showers some sun. Time to head out to Mt Lofty for some scenic views hopefully before one last winery and maybe even squeeze in a brewery

Ok make that no sun or showers but rather cool. Drive up to Mt Lofty summit first which is a great view but not so much today. Mt Lofty house is rather stunning though. As gardens not open yet a detour into Stirling for some more sculptures and a coffee. Then back to Mt Lofty botanical gardens which didn’t impress much but was a good walk. Mind you I was rathr pissed off now by constant interactions with cyclists on this road – the most ignorant assholes on the road. Single file ya dipshits

We were both a bit over wine today as still a week ahead and want to be ripe for Tanunda starting tomorrow. So we pulled on our chaps and headed to Prancing Pony Brewery for a paddle and a pizza as you do. The paddle apparently also came with beer but by then couldn’t sit down

Back home for a rest from driving – and bloody cyclists – before a leisurely stroll into Hahndorf Main Street this afternoon .

Pleasant walk and streets not too crowded . It’s not Montville 😏 Plenty of quirky little stores but all rather expensive . We eventually settled on a cafe with ” the best coffee in Hahndorf” . In retrospect that could be akin to “best coffee in the USA ” Very nice afternoon as sun slowly started to peek through

We will walk back into town later for dinner. Must say it is pleasant to have less alcohol on board and a clearer head for all this walking . Should prevent any mishaps.

Or at least you would think so eh

Sunda is Tanunda

Sadly most establishments of the imbibing kind don’t open doors until 10-11 am let alone the bar. Being a morning person this does leave a chunk of time in the mornings to fill in and already done ” Main Street Hahndorf” in the 5 mins yesterday waiting for hair to dry. We do have Udder Delights High Chesse Tea at midday and if I can’t get a Monty Python gag in there somewhere then simply not trying. Apparently there are other things to see in area that don’t involve opening mouth first unless it is in awe and wonder .

Update: The Scupltures of Mt Barker are no Mt Rushmore. A pleasant drive though through a lovely little town . And got some jam too at a farm place

By now the sun was over the yardarm which was odd as only 10 am and a cloudy day . Still onward and upward to Petaluma – known for its sparkling wines. In hindsight this association escapes me . Then it was Bird in Hand and as we approached almost scraped the rental trying to get past a fucking long limo parked in the narrow entry road. This didn’t look good – sure enough a dozen giggling Sheilas fronting the tasting area ! We snuck down the back and collared a youngun and as luck would have it there were tasting options for $15 each in a magnificent dimly lit area with barrels and no Sheilas. Money well spent and first time I recall when all 6 tastings – sparkling, white and red – were all excellent and worthy of purchase. Having paid our $15 we got 15% of purchases and free freight for 6 or more. Should I be concerned we have already shipped home 2 dozen after 2 days 👀 Bird in the Hand is tres impressive .

A quick detour to ArtWine before our high tea at Udder Delights. Once again the local Fiano was very passable. The high tea requires 24 notice for preparation of food and the reason for this eludes me still. It was fine of course but nothing jumped off the plate – luckily – as the item requiring such long preparation. We were in a cellar by ourselves which was great but also meant service was rather poor. I can now say I have had a High Cheese Tea but not sure when that would ever come up in conversation in the high brow groups I hang with

The face was flushed and it was only 12 degrees outside so assumed I could be feeling no pain so a quick detour home to rest the liver for an hour before the pm assault on 3 wineries nearby including a Choc O Vino which I can only hope doesn’t involve Anthony Mundine .

Well rested we headed off to The Lane. I should have rested longer. Not sure why but as opposed to Parrot in my Palm I couldn’t find one wine that didn’t need a spit bucket adjacent. No harm no foul. On to Shaw and Smith. Much like PIMP it was a tasting selection for $ which is fine but the guy needs to go back to school. He said for $14 you get 5 x 40 ml pours which for drivers is two glasses. I always thought a glass was 150 mls and anyway if that was 40 ml you need a new pipette pal. Anyhoo, wine was ok and setting great . Then onto Hahndorf Hills winery for final visit and Choc O Vino. They make a big deal of the Cape Grim water they provide as being so pure even ice cubes pollute it. So why not freeze it to make your ice cubes if needed ? Duh. Wines were so so , chocolates ok but maybe by now our palates had dulled . Time to head home and maybe a walk into town later for a cleansing beer . I see toast and jam for dinner in our immediate future

At last we have left that beautiful weather behind 😰 The house is in a great location and plenty of provisions and amenities but once again pillow selection is poor and then there is the wifi issue. May well be a Stayz.com issue more but when you list ” internet access” as a feature it would help if you added the “paid” in front as they do on booking.com for this listing. Save a lot of messages back and forth trying to work out why wifi not working!

It’s a gray and gloomy day at present which is not a great issue on day 1 but could wear thin by Saturday if doesn’t lift . Plan is to visit some wineries and breweries in general area and maybe even a High Tea of the cheese variety at Udder Delights. Of course when driving one does have to behave a bit. I look forward to late afternoons when park the car and walk into town with the wobbly boot primed for activity . But first let’s walk the street of Hahndorf before the tourists descend en masse on Saturday. Don’t you just hate tourists ?

High Cheese not available until tomorrow so decided to drive down to McLaren Vale today instead. Pleasant drive and first up was a beer paddle at Red Poles followed by coffee and cheese board at Blessed Cheese in Main Street . Time for a stroll then along said street to Hardy’s Tintara Cellar door. Very impressive and first bottles of the day purchased.

Back into car and short drives between several wineries all with welcoming and friendly Cellar doors – Paxton , Coriole , D’arenberg and Wirra Wirra. At the last we had another platter and were also able to courier home a mixed dozen we had bought during the day . Great service all round

A magic day to begin our SA winery odyssey . Officially shagged now but too early for bed. Apparently. Guess those Cheese platters won’t finish themselves.
Luckily drinking a lot of alcohol and eating wads of cheese and cured meats have no side effects on general health.

Today is John Candy day as in Planes, Trains and Automobiles. If you forget the trains of course. This 2 out of 3 thing is becoming a habit eh . But first a morning to check out this town and see what it is like . Why it’s like Alice I guess

Another glorious morning of course with a slight chill in air and crystal clear blue skies . Very fine cooked breakfast to kick off after a good nights sleep. Then a casual walk along the raging Todd River and into town to see the highlights . Ok singular – Anzac Hill. Easy climb after yesterday’s ordeal. Great view and another amazing mountain range as backdrop.

Then went for a pleasant walk through mall and checked out some drinking establishments and quirky stores. Even bought an RM Williams jacket on sale that wasn’t gortex!

Back home to pack and then out to airport for one more Qantas Club load up for the 2 hrs before flight 🙂 certainly is a crowded lounge at midday . Arrive in Adelaide just before 4 pm and then fun starts with a hire car

On a side note while people watching in lounge was unlucky enough to have a middle aged slob sit next to me # firstworldproblems. By slob I mean he simply had disgusting habits . Apart from constant talking on phone always had two drinks on go – whiskey and beer – with burps or gurgles accompanying. We moved luckily but continued observing hoping against hope he would catch a different plane to us . Nope. His grossest act though was every 10 mins while refilling his whiskey he would walk past food table , blow his nose and wipe with hand/ tissue and then put hand in pretzel or chip bowl and take a handful before sitting down again. About 5 times. I really believe a lot of sickness spread on flights is through disgusting behaviour like this. CLP and I on bigger planes – 737 – with 3/3 config in Economy take two aisle seats . After seat luck on bus yesterday thought what chance this grub will sit next to me! He was on our flight. Last call and of course he was last to board as needed one last drink. He approached down the aisle on wobbly feet towards 19 C…… and stopped at 17 D. Whew. And then discovered both CLP and I had two spare seats next to us after all boarded. Knobber knobber . Life is strange at times eh . So it was a great flight in the end and unlike on the Qantas link plane the Q streaming on the 737 worked a treat . Now what chance the car rental pick up works as smoothly ?

Great flight. Smooth process with car – got a bigger model then requested , not ideal actually – and drove the 45 mins out to lodgings in Hahndorf for next 4 nights . I think I have earnt that first beer at The German Arms

Don’t mention the war !

About a 10-15 min walk to Main Street which is fine if not raining . Beers were good but the schnitzels were all quantity no quality. No wonder the Germans are fat .

Tomorrow can sleep in at last as an easy day of touring wineries planned

Yeah right.

Today is Priscilla day . As in ” Cock in a Frock on a Rock ” Well, as the Meat would say 2 out of 3 ain’t bad . Frock still at the cleaners after last B&S Ball.

So a 4:30 am start to head out to Kings Canyon and eventually Alice Springs a mere 15 hrs later. First up though was a 3 hr coach drive to Kings Station for a hot cooked breakfast a station hand would eat. Why are all so skinny then ? It was a full bus but once again all worked smoothly on and off . After breakky about another 30 min drive to Kings Canyon and the first big decision of the day . Do we go with the fit and foolhardy and do the arduous 3 hr walk around the rim or go with the pussies for the one hour walk through a dry creek bed . Given I can do the latter any Wednesday I play golf in Maryhole we opted for the former . Who can pass up the double of seeing Priscilla’s Crack and a Rim Job. As I had heard the longer a rim job goes the more pain involved

Another glorious morning as set out on the 500 step climb to start proceedings. The view of course is amazing as are the rock formations but after the first hour it does start to look a tad similar . Luckily then we climbed down to Garden of Eden for an apple. The next 20 mins are a blur but am missing a rib. It was a lovely water hole. Sadly then we had to climb back up and continue along the rim. For another 90 mins. Anyhoo did it at own pace and as always my body struggles more coming down then going up. Much like my weight on holidays I guess. So back at car park and ankle and knees were gone

Back on the bus for short trip to Kings Canyon Resort for a light lunch. By now my throats was drier than a dingoes donger so…..

Back on bus for the old switcheroo. 3 AAT King buses converged at a T section in middle of nowhere and we got off our bus onto another one for remaining 350 k to Alive Springs. With 2 screaming kids in front the whole way. What else could go wrong – stay tuned. Now in these parts there had been no reception all day but as we approached the Centre of Australia – Erldunda – we were assured we would have signal. And we did . Quick break before back on bus and yep 5 k out of town signal dropped from 4 bars to no bar. Mind you it’s a feeling I am familiar with sadly….

Then back on bus for last 200 k into Alice. Of course in NT the speed limit is 130 k so we were motoring along like a train. Straight road, same scenery klm after klm – very interesting mind you. It was a full bus and about 6 hotel drop offs and when told we were second thought another knob kiss at last. Then the train ran off the track! 10 mins out from Alice the bus blew a radiator hose. Driver said another bus would come out and transfer us over in about 30 mins. But he thought he would try filling up radiator anyway . So we headed off amazingly but after a few k he said ” nope light back on, will go to one hotel on,y and meet bus there ” oh no, so close one out . Then he added that it would actually be the Double Tree Hilton which was ours ! We had been bumped up. So we limped in , got out and checked in while looking back to see all the bags being unloaded from bus! Those years at Sunday School paid off.

On closing must say AAT King are a great company if coaches are your thing. They are not mine . I have mixed with enough GU in last three days to last all year. Only mixing I see in future are red and white

As in wine …

Today is Marty McFly day . First up back to the future on a Segway for Uluru sunrise and then later in day back to the past for a Camel ride at sunset looking for Jesus. Between now and then need to find two more wise men. Not an easy task.

Early start so good chance to try out the thermonuclear Kathmandu jacket I bought on special for $300! Well it’s gortex .

Ok think I left 3 layers back at the store. It was 3 degrees outside but I was cold still. Onto bus and only a group of 5 so things were looking up. Good drive out to the “other side” well in time for sunrise so a quick light breakfast to start with. After that it was basically 3 hrs of wonder. As in I wonder how I can limit the photos I post out of the 1000 I took. As said before it is a photographers delight here with the rich colours .

Then it was time to board the Segway and as an old hand was sent to the back of posse. First time ever had to put on pads !

Very informative guide and some great creation stories at various points. Also clear signs for “sacred sites” stretches – no photography! Including a big cross through camera sign for Japanese . Nope, didn’t work. Took about 2 hrs to do whole circuit . The climbing area was closed due to high winds. Just close it period folks. After Segway a quick walk back to the water hole and some cave drawings and then back on bus for 30 min trip home. Another amazing morning and still have some humps ahead . As said many times a Segway is great fun and a perfect way to travel a good distance in a short time while still taking in the view and snapping away like a hungry crocodile.

Back home for a light lunch and some time by pool. Water was still freezing at midday after cold night but sun was glorious . Relaxing few hours ahead while contemplating packing for 4 am start tomorrow

Well Camels are certainly amazing animals and riding one is an interesting experience. Another well run tour but maybe by now the magic of the rock at Sunset has lost some shine? Kata Clysmic (patent pending) actually looks more stunning for moi. The tour was quite expensive for what you got especially “bush tucker” at the end. Damper bread and pretzels basically . Some free beers and wine of course but time limited. Still it was a worthwhile adventure and bucket list certainly has a few more holes in it now. The tour was full too which maybe didn’t help as slow at the start and end of but ok once you get over the hump in the middle . I’m here all week , try the veal

Will be sad to leave Uluru area tomorrow and especially the magic weather . The Sails in the Desert is an excellent resort – not cheap but very well organised.

Our camel was named Connor for those interested.

Ok, officially a tad seedy . Must be the desert air. Not a good nights sleep for a number of reasons. Pillows too soft, room too warm, a dingo nibbling my toes. Yada yada yada. As I approach my 60 th year it is reassuring to know I am not getting any wiser . Will try to show more control today – starting with breakfast buffet ! Hope they don’t serve champagne ! But first a lovely FaceTime with Harry and Brody for Fathers Day

Quiet morning today ahead of tour to Kata Tjuta this afternoon. That’s Olgas for you simple folk. Cooler morning with a breeze but a simply glorious day. Photographers must love this place , the colours are so vibrant. Saves them bringing their own  tripod I guess. Ya with me . Checked out local gallery – sadly open – and then up to a nearby lookout for a different perspective. As in further away

Time to check out pool. Or at least pool area . Not sure my Olgas could handle the water in this temperature .

Update : of course they can. Had pool to ourselves on a glorious morning. The water was cold indeed. Certainly colder than the beer in our plastic glasses #firstworldproblems.

Small group of 8 for ” a 3 hr cruise” this afternoon to Kata Tjuta. Even so you always know there is that one knobhead who has to ask questions all the way . It is an amazing rock formation as you approach on yet another crystal clear afternoon. We did the 1.3 k walk to Wappa Gorge and while impressive after a while it becomes a bit humdrum as a visual spectacle . And a hard walk on very rough ground for my poor ankle . Still, a very worthwhile experience

So another full day done and red dusted . The early mornings start tomorrow with our Segway pick up at 6 am. We even added a Sunset Camel ride later for tomorrow for some reason.  Hope I get a pretty one. At this rate my bucket list is shrinking daily. Meanwhile .

Duck !

A long day beckons so an early start . Against all instinct we are driving down early to Brisvagas for an early morning flight. What could go wrong. Using BAP again for the fortnight which adds a little to budget but a whole lot of convenience as well. A couple of flights , a couple of lounges and then end up in final destination to see one of the great natural wonders of the world at sunset . Well, I will need a shower after this long day ! Probably some other stuff to see too around that time in the dead red centre of Aussie Land. A rock, a dingo or two and some other wildlife – depending how many beers on board . After a windy warm day today the chill sets in next few nights . Darool Darool

Good run down and arrived with plenty of time for snouts in trough. Then my world ended

Oh well. 2 hrs of coffee and prunes before 3 hrs flying. What could go wrong ? Again. Left about 15 mins late and didn’t make up in the air as a strong headwind. Good flight though but was 3 hrs. Very passable snack on board. Q Streaming wi fi is a great idea but only if it works. After 5 mins gave up on black screen . Great scenery at times. Amazing land. Arrived a tick before midday which was perfect . The bar in QC club opens at midday ! Crowded as expected but found a couple of seats for the hour before next flight . This could get dangerous. As usual wifi is crap here . Much like the choice of Reds but hey no problemo. Think we will catch up next week

So after travelling with Qantas for 25 yrs got my first call to the “service desk” ? Upgrade to business class ?? ” ya clown, there are only 20 seats on the plane!” ” But can you move to exit row and stop drinking now”? Hmm…..extra leg room versus liver attack. Yep ok. Sun doesn’t set until midnight around here and still have 3 course bush tucker menu with ” accompanying alcohol” to come. Sweet

Up in the air , small drink of water and then landed 😉 The first visions of Uluru were rather stunning. Can’t do justice out of a window. Plenty of opportunities ahead . Warm day indeed. Shuttle bus and smooth check in had us walking the town square in no time. A quick beer as you do and then back to get ready for A Night at Field if Light

Well, what a stunning and memorable experience . Spidey senses were pinging when saw 3 bus loads of GU lined up for night but it all went smoothly and plenty of access for good photos – ability not withstanding. If I did nothing else right this holiday i did this night by lining up a great group of 8 people to have dinner with, all strangers of course. I know boring old frats when I see them so avoided them. Beautiful location, great food, limitless supply of grog and informative talks. I would say the light changes at sunset on rock were not life altering but still memorable as was the look towards Olgas. Field of Light was impressive and can’t do justice with photos sadly. Home and in bed by 10:30 on a great , if somewhat long day

Would be nice eh. Devoted followers and even casual stalkers would know that next year to celebrate still being on the airy side of dirt after 60 yrs we were going on a slightly longer than 3 hr cruise on Queen Elizabeth. The big boat, not the monarch. It was a snappish decision but I was rather chuffed with the clarity that the decision had been based on because as that magic big number approached I had noticed a certain dithering in my deliberations of late. In fact

Then Seattlandia came and passed and more focus came upon “Da Cruise” . It was surprisingly difficult to get a one way fare to San Francisco. I started reading some daily blogs on what they do on “day at sea” to fill in time. It seems mostly crochet something or attend lectures on how to crochet something. One could say well we would just grab a beer and sit on the deck and let our troubles, and US$, float away. They dont miss ya for the drinks trust me. Now the cruise was already on the expensive side and was now coming to terms with many of the hidden costs and then add in shore excursions and the number was growing. Perhaps the final rivet in the coffin was the news that QE was being refitted in May to squeeze in more cabins and relocate the Chart room to a dinghy tied to the stern. Its a sign of the times – even reading the Qantas A380s will do away with the grand staircase to squeeze in another 30 seats or so. We were never Cruise geeks but thought Cunard gave us a chance to escape the Fairstar crowd. It likely still does but maybe the gap is narrowing while the prices rise. When I realised that I had been following the refit of Queen Victoria and its current cruise with fervour for a couple of weeks I knew my heart wasnt in it – given we were sailing on the QE and I had forgotten! So the dream was

The reality was

So what to do then? Time for some caution as our deposit on the cruise had now sunk without trace and would likely do some money on our insurance cover which I have to say – T&Cs not withstanding – seems a bit rich when holiday is 10 months away! So it took at least an hour to come up with the possible scenarios

1. Europe – Ireland to be specific. Always appealed and does suit as a couples destination with driving and B&Bs involved – and someone to do the laundary. If only they liked a drink now and again. Pick up some money as a new character in Games of Thrones – Season 9 – The Mountain Meets His Match. Could drop into Doha on way through and see the over achiever Ferguson brother on the way and also see London. It will have been 10 yrs since been to UK. Its February so not ideal weather but a bit hard to get Mum to change my birthdate now. Travel between UK and Ireland seems easy and who knows may still get to sit on Queen Elizabeth. The flights are less fun as longer and also less chance of a PE on Qantas – although not impossible. BC on Emirates is a bit expensive although mixed fares are possible. All things are possible of course depending on budget. Mind you could probably get a few BC seats and still come out ahead of da cruise budget.

2. USA – New Orleans appeals as a couples destination as does Charleston. The places want to visit are a fair distance apart and once again likely involve car hire. May dip into Florida and see some great Golf Courses along the way and smack a few alligators around – you know the poor man’s crocodile. Pussies. Fly into San Fran first or maybe Dallas. Some internal flights involved. Research would likely highlight some great places to see along the way but at present they aint jumping off the page. Driving down California coast is off the roster due to damage around Big Sur etc. USA is an easier place to visit solo of course but not when driving may be involved. If I was 66 then it would be a cinch – Route 66 across the country. Done. I think Route 60 is in Bumfuck, Idaho and I aint going to no Trump compound even if they have great potatoes.

3. Tiaro – At least it gets plenty of rain having no Dome

To be fair 3 is unlikely. If I had to pick a number now

However we will get together this weekend at Flashman INC HQ, Sunshine Coast and investigate further. Maybe there is a fourth option. I hope not 🙂 Donated too many brain cells in Seattlandia to deal with that

Watch this space

Although to be fair you will get more info if you actually read the next blog and stop staring at a blank space. Common sense really when you think about it