flashman181

Today dawned a bit foggy just for a change . Have not checked weather outside yet! Today is a full day on a chauffeured tour which should be good as can finally relax and have a drink at last . Staying sober this last week has not been easy . Given the cast of thousands we may not get to choose a winery to visit but still have tomorrow up our sleeves to visit ones we miss today. It could be a very quick 8 hrs or a very long one. Watch this space . And then read the next bit of course .It all unfolds at 0930 . Much like my waist at present in jeans . Trakkies were designed for Wine Country methinks

Ok, so someone can’t count and pretty sure not me. Despite only 1 spot left on tour we only had 6 people on tour which was a good number . Waiting 5 mins for last lass to appear from hotel lobby with more make up on then Bozo the Clown was a concern but she was fine. In fact the other 4 were only doing the morning half of the tour which left us to our own devices all afternoon which was great but equally it can be good to mix occasionally with like minded people .

First stop was Mistletoe Winery just up the road from Cameltoe apparently but less easy to see from the road they tell me. This is the type of wonderful small winery you would likely miss without a tour. Some great art on site as well and CLP made a friend who talked even less than me but had same rugged good looks.

The wines were good and the prices great , a hard combo to beat . A bit of a leisurely drive around area before returning to the Home Depot of Two Fat Blokes which luckily was next to another winery – de Iuliis. Try saying that 3 times quickly after a few sherberts. This was location for our wine and cheese matching experience. One is dry and one is wet is what I gleaned.

Next stop was the very picturesque Audrey Wilkinson Winery up in the hills. Great views and yet another excellent wine tasting even if the lady mixed up the Chardonay and Semillion straight off the bat . Sad actually as thought we had finally found a Chardy that wasn’t like Cardboardy. We then bid farewell to the pikers and sat down with our lunch like Jack and Jill atop the hill. Hope I don’t come tumbling down

BJ , our very helpful and knowledgeable sober driver , had to return the other 4 to their campsite so we had time to roam the estate and even had a meaningful chat to old Audrey himself although he did seem a tad aloof and stand offish.

Down the hill and around the bend we stumbled onto Gundog Estate which was next door to the Usher Tinkler winery we visited day before. Great range again and had place to ourselves apart from a very well behaved dog. I swear he didn’t bark or move the whole time we were there. I just had to go up and pat him as the poor bugger was freezing given his colour

Now with only two on board we were motoring and so onto last winery for our Chocolate and Wine matching experience at Glandore Winery. One is wet and one is soft is what I gleaned. It was a great experience though and the lady had come in especially just for us as power had been off all day. Once again we were impressed with the friendly and welcoming nature of all cellar doors we visited and in an impressive day already this may well have been the highlight. Another winery you would likely drive straight past by yourself

Finally then it was onto Hunter Beer Co for our final stop which was probably just as well as was starting to see 4 Fat Blokes . An interesting presentation first on the local process before trying the three included sample beers . I made the mistake of asking a few too many questions it seems as before I knew it there were about 5 beers in front of me and the Wobbly Boot was well and truly affixed.

All that was left now was to find my way to the car . It was black from memory.
I got home, uploaded some photos and fell asleep in front of TV watching Olympics at 7 pm

To be fair that could happen being totally sober .

A fantastic day all round and glad to have the photos to remember it , or at least parts of it ……

Good nights sleep in the quiet bush land and first appointment was at Peterson House for a Champagne Breakfast as you do at 0900 after Church of course . Good value really and then onto Cellar Door as there may be no more open on a Sunday. Very helpful staff and so the tasting and buying began . This was mainly bubbles so CLP was happy. At least now I know what that looks like. Ow!

As it was going to be a loooooooong day the plan was to not drink every hour but rather find something boring to do for an hour while my liver did its magic. Gardens you say? Sounds perfect . By now it was a glorious day bordering on unpleasantly warm but the leather jacket made me look cool so it wasn’t going anywhere. At $28 ea entry was not cheap to Hunter Valley Gardens – that equated to a beer and a cheeky bottle of Red after all – but the Storytime area itself was worth the admission. Great for kids of all ages , even 58

The Gardens themselves were also impressive. Apparently . It’s grass and rocks, deal with it

We had our eye on the Live Music from 11 am to 3 pm at The Oyster Bar back at Peterson House so decided to start back there as face was feeling normal ergo alcohol content was ok. Now the prawns and oysters along with a beer were great but there was a distinct lack of music, live or dead even at 12:30pm. Not that I was particularly bothered as the beer and prawns were music to my ears

Now it was time to get serious about some tasting so in no particular order except this exact one we visited Hungerford Hill, Mount Pleasant, Tinklers, Usher Tinklers . Have to say all Cellar Doors were very welcoming . And here is photographic evidence

We had a great Spanish Chatcurie and Cheese platter at Usher Tinkler to soak up the alcohol but not sure it worked.

By now it was time for a good beer or 3 to cleanse the palate or at least clean the teeth. What better place than the Tunnel of Beer at Garden Cellars you may ask?

“Yeah sorry mate we don’t do beer tasting anymore ” so not so much a TUNNEL OF BEER as an extremely clean cheese shop #MontyPython#Wensleydale. What is one to do when it appears all hope is lost? Let’s try Hope Estate with on site Brewery. Yay, the good old beer on a paddle caper including one of 11.5%. Colour me red and call me Chauncey. The rest of the day is a blur, CLP drove home

Tomorrow we have Two Fat Blokes full day Hunters and Gatherers Tour. At this rate it could be extended to Three Fat Blokes. 36 hrs ago we checked availability for tomorrow’s tour and still 12 spots available on our 14 max tour. Knob kiss ! Checked just now – 1 😦 Much like the River Cave tour which was full we will be mixing with the great unwashed up close and likely a group of 11 that all booked together . Oh please let it be a hens party gathering or similar because nothing more enjoyable than a gaggle of giggling Sheilas getting louder and more pissed by the hour .

In a confined coach

Could lead a man to drink

Final morning in Blue Mountains dawned blue and booteful of course. Had one last crack at Echo Point before heading off and though still some cloud was well worth the slight detour

It was a good 3 hour drive under gray skies now to Hunter Valley but roads were good and traffic relatively light . Arrived at Buffs in Pokolbin and quickly unpacked while quickly noticing the drop off in accomodations from Bethany. Still it was in a quiet location and we didn’t come here for the luxury but rather the location

As we had made good time decided to go to Emersons Restaurant at Adina Winery for lunch and not disappointed. Very busy but service was excellent and the food superb. Did a quick cellar door but heart wasn’t in it let alone my liver.

Our cabin is in bush land and quite isolated so picked up a few small supplies for dinner but will likely eat out most meals. Hope to start tomorrow with a Champagne breakfast down the road and around the bend at Peterson House. We may not leave as they also have an Oyster Bar in the afternoon. In between there could be some imbibing because as Split Enz would say

And not just my cheeks in the mirror

Come on it’s been 4 days in a sea of fog and mist , you had to expect it surely. Today is last full day in Blue Mountains and I see where the name comes from. The weather can be depressing indeed. In fact for the 3rd morning in a row

However being the optimistic person I am we were going to Scenic World today and were lining up at 9:01 regardless. Sadly I could not see the entry point in the fog but eventually found an open door. We signed up for the “all you can ride but don’t eat the food” deal . There is a railway, a cable car and a thing that floats in the clouds apparently. We were just glad to find the fence at this point

The one advantage of being a rugged individual up for anything is you avoid crowds so straight to Scenic Railway and see if breakfast comes up as we go down. It is a steep descent trust me. Then onto a rainforest walk and our first of many sightings of Katoomba Falls. Then the Cable Car back up before jumping on the Skyway to go across a large gap between two mountains where if you looked real hard you could see the person in front of you.

It was time for a cup of coffee and plan what cloud formation we wanted to see next but in a flash of brilliance we decided to go down under the cloud cover and do the rainforest walk the long way . Good walk and as luck would have it came across some owl that had been hand reared and walking a round the walkway.

Back up in the cable car and the hostess assured us the cloud could clear in about 2 hrs. Of course she was wrong!

It cleared in about 30 mins and there was dancing in the street. It was still a bit patchy but if you timed it right got some glorious photos.Of course by now the mob had descended including many school groups. Now I have nothing against school children – I was one myself for 3 yrs – but really they are called school children for a reason and they should stay there ! Can’t they watch a video of rainforests or something?

There are only so many photos you can take of The Three Sisters and I stopped counting at 47 so time to leave and as weather still ok we thought we would try out Sublime Point for a different view . I usually find most women look best from behind anyway especially in a group of three . It was great viewing area and could see in both directions far and wide

Back home then before heading out a bit later to continue the Leura Garage saga. We know it is a great place to eat but have failed last two attempts . On first night we were going to just ” have one beer at Alexandra Hotel and then back for dinner ” The rest of that night is still a fog indeed. Last night we rocked up only to be told ” it was a wine tasting evening and closed to public” . Third time is the charm but think we may just have one beer in the Alexandra first as it is a 15 minute walk. Watch this space….but first a nice cuppa

Yay we made it

Oops wrong turn. That’s better. Excellent meal as expected but the service was poor and ambience affected by all the young kids squawking . To be fair eating at 6 pm can bring kiddies into play but no excuse for service. Water never refilled, plates not cleared until main course bought out and it dawned on them and then had to ask 3 times for the glass of wine we had ordered . Good food only goes so far, would not return

Bethany Manor was a lovely place to stay at but it was a pity about the weather which apart from anything else made driving taxing and tiring. We enjoyed our time though and it would be simply glorious on a clear day. But then you have the crowds to deal with. You travel in winter and these things happen.

Off to Hunter Valley tomorrow. No idea what you do there

Inclement weather. Well 2 words actually. Yep Old Whiskers was throwing us a curve ball and not happy Jan. After walking/stumbling home last night under clear skies a person could reasonably expect that ” the change ” had passed through. Nope, same misty weather pattern and BOM looks like a Pro Hart early work when he only played with blue and yellow! Our host said ” we do need the rain” Hey Pal, do you need guests? I feel a song coming on – along with arthritic pain. Spin it up Clunk and Play Misty for Me

We have our Jenolan Cave tour booked today and like Pubs , Caves have roofs. We chose the River Cave tour which is kinda spooky as we may need to cross one to get there. It’s a bit of a dicey road in so have allowed plenty of time to get there which likely means some time filling before tour actually starts . By all accounts there are the Caves and a one-legged Kangaroo as only attractions in area. The drive down was as expected with last 9 k simply ridiculous. Have no idea how buses get down there and don’t want to find out . Arrived in plenty of time so had quick look around complex

We chose the River Cave tour as looked interesting and also limited to about 25 people and kids unlikely . The Lucas Cave tour starts at same time but more likely to attract up to 60 people. Yep our tour had 25 of course while the Lucas Cave had about 12 ! Our guide was the typical friendly guy with his jokes older than the caves themselves . There were some great sights indeed but a bit like with mountains after you have seen a few not a lot of difference. Also tricky with camera as it was like a night at The Ponderosa on Sunshine Coast – Flash was on and off all day . Ya with me ? So after a long and at times strenuous 2 hours happy to get out but always that one clown that wants to ask a couple of questions .

Lucky on road back as nothing coming down hill but the rain was back of course . However we decided in light mist to check out Govett’s Leap on way back and it was quite impressive

So a fairly taxing, but rewarding, day. Now we just wait for weather tomorrow to see if worth going to Scenic World

When one is bored of a night time in NSW just watch the weather report on 3 different channels. Anything from a flood to polar caps melting is likely the next two days. A cool night for sleeping but had my share of nightmares solely due to the weird photo above my bed. It’s like the Children of the Corn visited The Overlook Hotel # redrum

A very hearty breakfast was first on agenda after we used our flashlight to find the dining room in the mist. Our host assured us today was going to be the best day of the next few. If that is the case I may well as go up to Govetts Leap and well ….. leap I guess. We did take his suggestion though and changed our High Tea at Majestic to one at Lilanfels Resort today so the beloved offered to shout us a massage first at the day spa. Great to have a worker in the family . We headed off a bit early in simply horrid weather and as close to Echo Point again went there first to laugh at the bus loads of tourists groping their way through the fog

UPDATE. It is freezing . One can only laugh at tourists for so long until you realise “Hey I am on holidays too and would like clear skies please ” . So we backtracked to our resort, had a quick swim, and then lined up for a very pleasant hour long massage . After having every inch of body kneaded and squeezed and combined with cold weather the one organ needing stat attention was my kidney! Of course then, old Larry Liver got the hump so had to find a bar before our High Tea.

Now Lilanfels is not cheap as our $12 stubbies confirmed but is a lovely sprawling complex. Our High Tea , with French Champagne as you do, was standard fare but very enjoyable. The one negative is that it is not served in a designated area but rather in The Lounge where guests, with rowdy kids in tow, also congregate. Made my cream clot I tell ya

As it is still not “gawking from on high” type weather time to walk into Leura Village . About a 15 minute walk so very doable but then decided to keep going to Gordon Falls lookout as Leura Village was a bit like Maryhole on a Sunday afternoon. About 30 mins later arrived at lookout and well worth the effort especially as only folk there . Still cloudy but showing some signs of improvement.

By now though the ankle was dead so time to find a pub. It was only 3:30 pm so a bit early for dinner even for reduntirees so I sat on a bench with the other old farts while CLP did some local shopping. Then onto Alexandra Hotel with no great plan apart from wondering if u could get dinner at 5 pm? We did not need to worry. As sometimes happens on holidays we found another couple sitting by the fire and before you knew it it was 6:30 pm and time for a very passable dinner . And a bottle of red . By now there were even some stars out which helped on the walk home although what I really needed was a wheelbarrow and a rugged individual with 20 minutes to spare

So once again a largely unplanned afternoon had turned into a rather enjoyable few hours meeting new folk and consuming alcohol. Tomorrow has a planned visit to Jenolan Caves in early afternoon but we may just change all that if it dawns clear. It’s called living life on the edge baby.

The location of the Rydges hotel is excellent for rev heads of course but a tad isolated from rest of town and many amenities so it was a very pleasant surprise to find the on site restaurant – Chicane Bar and Grill – was rather good bordering on superb . We had lunch, dinner and breakfast there. But not all at once .

Sleep quality was ok as place was certainly deserted and woke to the forecast fog and slightly dreary day. Worse weather was on the way mind you but a relatively short drive to Leura today of about 100k. So without any great rush required I went to the gym to feel like a man and said to CLP ” Go find the Laundary so you can feel like a woman” . When I came to an hour later it was time to leave. Perfect timing . Now for the perfect driving music on way to Leura

It’s a good highway for most of the way but a lot of road work approaching Katoomba. As we were early we stopped at Echo Point first just as first rain drop appeared. Beating a path through all the Japanese we lucked a reasonable shot of the 3 Sisters before the rain did tumble down a bit more. Japanese are fairly ignorant as tourists go and only one thing makes it worse – give them an umbrella. Seriously they couldn’t give a shit about anyone else as they strolled through tight walkways . Nearly had eye poked out on several occasions. May return if weather picks up as would like to walk out further but then guessing the multitudes could increase too. Had a laugh at the tourists paying overs in the souvenir shop at least to brighten my day .

Then it was onto Katoomba and stop for some lunch and light supplies as now we can camp for next 4 days in our B&B . Nice lunch at The Yellow Deli and then trekked up the hill to The Carrington. Would be impressive place on a clear sunny day . I’ll drink to that

By now it was rather piddling down so back in the car for a thankfully short trip to Bethany B&B. Ok, it is a crap day but this looks like a lovely place and as luck would have it the only guests tonight. Tomorrow more arrive but shouldn’t be a problem – unless carrying bloody umbrellas. Hopefully weather will improve . In the meantime we have bubbles, cheese and a spa bath . I think we will manage . Lock the door and pull the blinds, I am done for the day . Tomorrows activities largely weather dependent with plan being to go to Scenic World. At my age plans are like underwear though. Sometimes they need changing throughout the day . I am here all week, try the Veal .

Surprisingly good nights sleep in a very comfortable bed. Another long haul today to Bathurst in what may be the last dry day for a couple. The weather has been glorious to date though. First up though have to find that big golden guitar which as luck would have it is next to a Maccas apparently. Golden Guitar and Golden Arches ? I feel a song coming on .A must see photo op and full day caloric intake all in 5 minutes . Sweet .

Started on New England highway until Muswellbrook and then headed more inland on lesser roads but had a knob kiss with traffic really especially when going up steep hills. Fairly solid cloud cover by now which made for pleasant driving conditions. Powered on through to Bathurst by midday and drove straight past pit lane to get to our lodgings at Rydges, Mt Panorama. Now this was good. Right on Conrod straight but the place virtually deserted .Took some photos before some rain headed in and then had lunch on sight in Chicane Bar . Very passable, in fact going back for dinner !

Then it was time for a few laps of the circuit. Speed limit is strictly 60 k so deleted any images indicating otherwise 😉 Mind you 60 k is not bad for running. Next time I am definitely taking the car !

100m from hotel is the National Motor Racing Museum and this was a treat, especially seeing the 1977 Moffat Ford. Great memories. Bit Brockie centric but that is ok. Some light rain was falling now so time to head back to the hotel for a few hours and a relaxing bath. Just as well I did not have any beers for lunch eh…..

Back to Chicane Bar for dinner and then relaxing night before heading into Leura for a 4 night stay in the Blue Mountains. Weather forecast is not good initially at least but as I always say Pubs have roofs for a reason. The visit to Mt Panorama has been something special and brings back some wonderful memories from late 70s and early 80s

And so it begins. In yet another sign of possible common sense I woke up with a clear, though slightly grey, head. Fill up at lunchtime and then slowly fade for the rest of the day before a little drink with dinner . There was some Jenga of course and the slowest game of 500 in recorded history to the point where we actually awarded 240 pts to 7 Diamonds just so someone got to 500 before midnight!

6.5 hr drive to Tamworth today on a simply glorious day . Good roads with plenty of overtaking lanes through some glorious countryside

Roughly halfway on trek was Tenterfield and seemed like a good place to stop and check out The Saddlery. The guy behind the counter was a talker but the actual place ,though small, was quite interesting and jam packed with memorabilia. Then a quick walk down the Main Street for a quick bite and sadly picked the one cafe with the worst service in NSW. To be fair we had only been in the state 30 mins. A TCTS took about 15 minutes to make . Then on leaving we thought we would grab a bottle of water so picked one out of fridge and waited at counter for a few minutes with no service. Sorry folks, times up and you are bloody lucky we put the bottle back in fridge before walking out

Back on the road and the 3 hour drive to Tamworth . We drove through a town with highest caravan park in Australia and then another one with highest golf course in Australia. Can only assume the first town does not have a golf course and vica versa? Tamworth really was just a stopover but disappointed on our arrival to see it smack bang on highway despite the actual street address clearly being a side street .Not only that but right on corner where trucks use air brakes before continuing on to Sydney ! Imagine our surprise. Maybe this will help

Time for a quick cuppa and then walk into town and have a gander before grabbing some dinner . Nice area downtown on a simply glorious afternoon. Plenty of country music themes of course . Settled on the local services club for a beer and dinner as you do and it was par for the course. Another long drive tomorrow to Bathurst . Better get some beauty sleep. But really can you improve on this ??

Or maybe that should be BRR. Winter has returned and the thinking man rejoiced while the Woos did Whine. Just as well we are not heading off towards an area known for its cooler climate. You know like coloured mountains or sumthin sumthin. Speaking of wine though there is first a family obligation one must simply attend and it does take me back to my working days . It was a Thursday around June in 1987 but that is another story . It is of course the Della Xmas in July gathering and once more this is taking place at Yabbadabbado – the home of T&B. The connection to working days is of course being an analytical man I used analysers and they always needed a good prime to function at full capacity . As my body is a machine , when not moonlighting as a Temple, I too shall prime it before heading off on the fortnight of decadence and decaying. Well maybe more specifically my liver . To get the presidential suite we of course choose to arrive early so headed down on Friday before the mob arrived. Also gave us an opportunity to test out the luncheon menu at Masons Winery at Mt Tambourine before hitting Bruce’s supply of alcoholic beverages later that day. When one has two days of food and alcohol to consider and no pesky driving in between the thinking man always knows to take it easy the first night . Yeah right . This is the home of the 2017 vintage Bowlers Run after all.

Masons Winery was excellent and arrived nice and early so snuck in some wine tasting first before sitting down to a great meal in beautiful surroundings. Went for the double Meat Platter for 2 just to give the arteries a scare . It was a beautiful day weather wise with clear blue skies and cool mornings and the next few days promised more of the same . Great way to celebrate Bruce’s birthday and to be honest he doesn’t look a day over 70

Saturday dawned much like myself – cool and clear . The sound of nature at crack of dawn was well masked by my stomach rumbling. In later years road trips are at least initially accompanied by a slight disturbance in the waste management process which was not needed after yesterday’s fast-breaking lunchtime feast .In a clear sign of oncoming maturity/senility I had not wiped myself out on Day 1 as is the norm. I find a good knees up at lunchtime usually dulls the fervour for late afternoon shenanigans in the alcohol consumption caper and so I was prepared for another feast today without any pesky driving in between to stall the momentum. Onward and upward .

As usual the lunch was sumptuous , varied and filling . When the 1.5l bottle of red was popped I knew I was in the right place. Nothing like a leisurely few hours of grazing and imbibing to remind me why you can’t do this 365 days of the year. Maybe in a non leap year ? Will sign off now as have to prepare for the 500 Tournament of Champions tonight where naturally CLP and I are returning champions. They would need 15l of red wine to beat us to be honest . What’s that you say, there is another bottle ? 6 Unconventionals

Later dudes , off to Tamworth tomorrow so have to wash my flanno shirt and clean my boots . Yee Ha