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Good nights sleep had us ready for our included Continental Breakfast served in delightful surroundings. Perfect start to another long day of driving

Then it was time to hit the road for the next 500klm trip. This one would be easy at start and nasty at end . To be fair it was easy for 470 k, slow for 29 k and a nightmare for 1 k😏

The Hume Highway is an excellent H’way and an easy drive at 110k. Almost too easy at times as it becomes hypnotising like black line fever without getting wet. Some roadworks but not much and what I like in NSW/Vic is when the last witch’s hat is passed its straight back up to 110 k stat. In Qld it takes 5 k to get back to speed limit in 20 k steps!

We decided to stop at Glenrowan to leave us a 2hr last run to city. Had been there before so just had coffee and scone and didnt do any tourist crap . Apart from obligatory photo op

It was all smooth sailing even into Melboring until we hit Westgate or more importantly try and leave and merge with M1 . It was congested but drivers were courteous so cutting across 4 lanes in space of 30 m in bumper to bumper traffic was doable. We arrived at City Road for our Short Stay apartments and then came the real hassle – parking on street while CLP registered. No fines incurred and then up to 5th level of car park and 37th floor for 2 bed room apartment. First up , my Senior Moment . Having swiped security to get to lift foyer I assumed pressing 37 would be enough as it seemed lift went up straight away. It stopped at 33 however. Young Gent got in and pressed “G” . Ah sorry Pal this lift is going up. Ah, no its going down mate. So, it was simply fortuitous that lift went up when we were in it. Of course it stopped 7 bloody times on way down to “G” but then went straight back up to 37 in one hit! Great apartment

So, the run sheet is. We are here for 4 nights to celebrate CLP 60th and Retirement with her family. Her brother and wife arrive this arvo and then da boys and partners and any current/future offspring arrive tomorrow. On Saturday we have a French Cooking/Eating/Scowling class at St Kilda – more to follow. After that drive I need a beer , hey look there is one and he brought a mate . Those Irish….

ADJG ,as known in da family, joined us late afternoon for some pre dinner Champers in our unit . While still sober we decided to head to Lygon Street around 730 pm for dinner at University Cafe, no booking so happy to get a table as even on a Thursday night Lygon Street was busy. From there , our luck dipped a tad. Ant didnt even need to look further than second item on Specials menu and promptly ordered 3 x Spaghetti Vongole. “Ah , I think we are out of that , let me check….Yep” Cath changed to item 3 on Specials menu – Fettucine with Chicken Livers . “Ah let me check – no that is out too” “Not much of a Cheese Shop really are you?” “Dare I ask about the last item on Specials menu – you know the one prepared especially for tonight’s guests ?” “ How is the Quail looking? “ “Hmm, there was a run on that early in the evening……yes we have one left”” Quick, go stamp it TABLE 65 ONLY”! EDITORS NOTE – as Table 3 , our first choice, turned out to be directly under arctic fan blast from AC we joined Tables 5 and 6 together ergo Table 65.

From there the night picked up beautifully. Great food, Great company and I left my wallet at home . ✔️✔️✔️🕺🏻

Looks like a fun weekend ahead

Caught up on our sleep in readiness for the long drive to Gundagai today. If we see a Tucker Box by nightfall it will be Mission Accomplished

It is a long drive but mostly good highway. We skirted the western suburbs of Sydney where there was a bit of traffic but still made good time. Main comments about the M2/M7 after Sydney are the highway is full of trucks and there are minimal Service Centres at least initially. Plenty of rest stops and Truck parks but it wasn’t until after Midday we found one with food and toilets – life’s major needs. It was at Sutton Forest East and fair to say a Big Mac ain’t what it used to be. Then back on highway for last 2 hrs but still needed one more rest stop just to stretch . Then on the right as we approached Gundagai we saw the famous Dog On Tuckerbox. Or we would have had we thought to bring binoculars! We followed the sign and crossed the highway. So, to be pedantic the Dog is actually on THE ROAD OUT OF Gundagai 😏

The other interesting factoid about our stop was as soon as left car swarmed with flies! Very annoying. Took snap and back in car. Short trip to Gundagai Central and as a bit early we stopped in for requisite beer at the Criterion Pub. Cold and Tasty.

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Then onto our Air BNB for night – Araleun. Built in 1926 and the residence of marble craftsman Frank Rusconi who’s most famous work was ….. wait for it…….The Dog on the Tuckerbox. Spooky shit

It’s a lovely residence and we have separate bed and living room as well as bath. Easy 10 min walk back into town for a pub meal and also nearby Historic Bridges . And there was a big flood

After some relaxing it was time to walk the Main Street from start to finish as we had 3 minutes to spare. Our choice for dinner in small towns is the RSL and while never original it is reliable and the beer is cold. This time felt like we had landed in the middle of a Trump Rally! The holy trifecta of comb over, sideburns and California Poppy. I dont care what anyone says – White T Shirt, Blue Subbies and Brown boots is perfectly acceptable after 6 wear in town. To fit in we ordered the Chicken Parmigiana , Roast of Day and bottle of Yellowtail

We decided to walk home on other side of street to get the full experience of Rocking Gundagai on a Wednesday evening. The Dad and Dave statue was a highlight

Another big drive tomorrow into Melboring but at least then we can chill for a few days . May be handy as fear The Dreaded Lurgy is taking hold. So another full day really only leaves one question

Seriously, is Gundagai the Friggin’ Fly Capital of the world?

The included Continental Breakfast performed its duty so after a good nights sleep we were on the road at 730 am. Another good run with some road work still had us motoring along at a good lick. We use Google Maps mostly on the road but you need to be aware of some of its shortcomings. The fastest route not always the best route as we found when stuck on 5 kms of gravel road to avoid the 3 min detour via Tamworth! We chose Willow Tree as a midway point for no other reason then it was …… midway😏. Research had indicated that Georgie Browns Cottage at 8 New England Hwy was a good coffee stop. We stopped at place that looked like photo but was called La Chikky Cafe now. Sold coffee so went in and ordered and sat in Courtyard waiting. The white look was first concern for a Flat White – the second was the taste. The grass wont need watering under our table tonight if ya get my drift. Checked coffee app and it suggested The Plains Pantry next door. Much better. We bought 2 coffees each in space of 10 mins but only drank one. Life is too short for crap coffee. There were two tourist buses stopped at Willow Tree but its allure still escapes this LBD. It’s a one horse town and the Glue Factory has openings

Back on the road and another 2 hrs had us as Estate Tuscany in Pokolbin. A bit early for check in so we parked and walked up to nearby Broken Back Bar just at the bottom of Brokeback Mountain. Had a very cold and tasty Kirin beer and a small plate of canapés. Kirin beer is a Japanese named beer brewed in Australia by a Scotsman served to us by a Kiwi! I bring people together , its what I do

We then checked into a tres pleasant room and at present the place looks quiet . Just need a stepladder to get into bed

Then it was time to start the wine tasting. First up was the ever reliable Brokenwood and have to say it was amazing. Not only is the Cellar Door brilliant now but staff were so friendly and helpful. CLP ordered a dozen to be delivered as she was always going to and so the lady threw in a bottle for us to drink tonight. By now we were a bit peckish so headed to an old fave – Usher Tinkler – for a cured meat platter . Pretentious Pratt’s call them Charcuterie. Usher Tinkler called them “Closed” as in food stopped at 230 pm and the chef has closed the can . Oh well onto McWilliams Mt Pleasant as our last stop for day. Another wine tasting and bought a couple but by 330 pm tummy was growling so dropped into adjacent Cheese Shop who didnt serve Wensleydale but did serve a perfectly acceptable Charcuterie. Go figure eh. I knew it was time to stop drinking when tipped excess wine into water jug instead of spittoon. The look on lady’s face suggested I was not the first to have done that

Then it was back home and although it was 430 pm we Qlders knew that it was really 330 pm so straight to the Pool Room. Lovely

We had a dinner booked for 6pm to avoid a large booking at 630 pm so sun will be up but so is my appetite. Not often that the most important item of clothing apparel for dinner is Sunglasses 😏 Easy stumbling distance so no probs having a few sherberts. Apart from fact we need to be up at 4 am tomorrow for our Sunrise Balloon Flight!

There was no trouble at or finding The Old Mill restaurant as it was next to Broken Back Bar. Meal was excellent and a perfect end to a great day . And it was almost dark when we left the restaurant. Damn if I am going to eat that early should have gone for the Seniors Discount

Left Toowoomba at 0730 and decided to drive to Warwick for breakfast rather than go the Maccas Drive Thru option. Lovely clear day and easy drive first up. Stopped at Cafe Jacquis just as you entered town and had a very passable breakfast and a rather ordinary coffee. Our luck has to change soon. Then we took requisite photo of town highlight before continuing on to Glenn Innes

Light traffic and good roads with plenty of overtaking lanes made for a relatively easy trip. We crossed into NSW and suddenly lost an hour of our lives and also 10 points of our IQ…. Rather than risking another coffee and still being rather full from lavish breakfast I devised a clever plan. How about for our driving break if late in morning we drop into a pub for a cold beer instead. The Imperial Hotel in Glenn Innes ticked most boxes and then came next lesson. Learn the lingo – midis or schooners?

Having rinsed the tonsils adequately and still being BAC of 0.001 we continued onto Armidale. Our Air BNB was an easy find and looks great for one night. Not much relaxing area but there is an outside setting which we will abuse when sun goes down

Time then to get lay of land and some lunch. We knew town centre was close by but sadly headed in wrong direction on foot. No dramas as we found a fish and chippery which hit the spot perfectly. Left premises and looked right but went left. Sure enough we were middle of town Licketty spit. Mind you downtown Armidale on a Sunday afternoon makes Maryhole look like a thriving metropolis! Dan Murphys was only place open which as luck would have it the only place we needed. Wine bought and ready to abuse said outdoor gear if sun ever goes down

It did

Before heading off south for a few have a very important date in Toowoomba with a certain daughter. Headed out day before as it was TACAPS Grandparents Day and they are always a treat. Very impressive school and lovely to see the 3 Grandkiddies interact together so well as they show me their school

First though we picked up hire suit only to find the shirt was a bit tight in the neck as in no way could do up collar! Found the next size up in an off the rack shirt and it will do. I suggest people are not there to look at me. The City Golf Club motel looks tres impressive as well. Great service and we got in early at 1030 so knobber knobber. Led to a relaxing afternoon as family slowly rolled in. It’s not set up well for nearby eating/drinking establishments but not an issue. We headed off to Golf Club for dinner with brother and family for an early reconnoiter. Easy walk and impressive place. Should be able to stumble home if needed after Reception.

Wedding day dawned foggy/cloudy. Who knows in Toowoomba. Have been watching weather forecast daily and of course it changes daily and we have gone from a glorious sunny warm day to now a cooler but maybe drizzly day. Time will tell

Weather hung in until 1 pm and then bucketed down! It did clear in time for ceremony so went ahead outside in a lovely setting but was hot and muggy. The girls all looked lovely and it was a true honour and privilege to walk this special lady down the aisle . So lovely to have Grandchildren as part of ceremony as well

A lovely reception to follow with great food and plenty to drink but for once this LBD was sensible. May be getting too old for speeches without cheat notes as did freeze a couple of times and cant blame alcohol. A wonderful night though to celebrate the union of these two amazing people who are so clearly in love. Left the younguns to the dancing and drinking and took the pleasant walk home option.

Of course the next day dawned clear and beautiful and time to hit the road for Armidale where expected to be only 2 degrees overnight . Darool Darool

Now that CLP has settled into retirement her days mostly consist of Sewing, Scrapbooking and Sleeping. Two of those are about to fade away as we set off on our road trip next week to complete Retirement/60th celebrations. Yes, she will still have to darn my socks so that she has a reason for living.

To kick things off with a bang first up of course is the rather major event of GC2 Ranny’s Wedding in Toowoomba on Oct 19th. Not just a great event but also an opportunity to catch up with family and see all the Grandkiddies together. Some even have parts in ceremony which will be magic. We will head out a day early as due to amount of driving planned for said road trip we need an early start on Sunday after wedding to make first stop that night of Armidale

The Road trip can be broken into a few segments with the first major event being a few days in Melboring to celebrate CLP 60th with offspring who are flying in for 2 nights. We need to be in Melboring by Thursday so our track takes us via Armidale, 2 nights Hunter Valley and one night in Gundagai. Some stops on this trip simply pick themselves being midpoint between Point A and B and trying to limit ourselves to < 5 hrs driving a day. Road works of course can screw up the best of plans. One highlight of Melboring trip will be an all day French Cooking class in St Kilda where we get to eat the product at the end. Just hope Toast is the first item.

From there we bid farewell to family and head west towards Kangaroo Island. Once again there is a "forced stop" at Hicksville along the way to break the trip. Rather shocked to see the Ferry prices for getting to KI from Cape Jervis – $400 for car plus 2 folk. Seems you cant just sit in the car! Monopoly = Price Gouging 101. On second examination though a bit of a knob kiss when we noted Senior Discount was available and save $50. Our teeth almost fell out with our good fortune

After a few days on KI we head to Penola in Coonawarra region. Having visited the other Wine regions in SA this was a no brainer – which kinda reflects my state after a day of red wine. A couple of quaffing days then sees me head back in Victoria with a different route. No, still taking CLP, I just mean we are using different highways…..

Time then to chill with brother and wifey for a few days at Harcourt in regional Victoria. Should be tres pleasant after a lot of driving and suggest some drinking may be involved. It will be the closest we have ever been to Flemington on Melbourne Cup day. A record likely to last forever. From there we head to Echuca if for no other reason then we saw the option of a Gin and Beer cruise on a Paddle Steamer available for a reasonable price. Once falling off said Paddle Steamer on dusk we thought staying the night in Echuca made sense. Then the fun starts

Leaving Echuca on Saturday, we need to be back in Brisvegas for a Wednesday 8 pm date with Steve Martin and Martin Short at Brisbane Entertainment Centre . And we have planned no accommodation! I believe it is called flying(or driving) by seat of pants – a term I am not familiar with! We plan at least to travel in part up Thuunderbolt Way and be at Canungra for Tuesday night to catch up with Bruce and Therese – and grab free accommodation. We are retirees after all

So about 3.5 weeks in total with many highlights to be sure. Catch up with family along the way and complete our SA Wine Region Bingo card to boot. Beauty of driving is you dont have to worry about shipping wine home before catching flights. Mind you, it never seemed to diminish our purchases on previous trips

Now I just have to work on that Father of the Bride speech….

Should make for fascinating reading for you folk.

So, the new non stop Qantas flights from BrisVegas (spooky) to Chicago and San Fran after April 2020 were tantalising as Chicago in particular is a personal fave. Call Me Bwana is only a 2 week soujourn in March next year and thats not nearly enough OS Shenanagising for this little black duck in any one calendar year. The idea formed, due to direct flights, of two short US holidays (pre Election and Post US Election !) for October 2020 and February 2021 – as still love the winter over there. Spread the love and spend the inheritance so to speak. A lot of research has gone into this and the holiday is planned and even the odd fully refundable deposit out laid after allowing for pending World Recession and the Aussie $ dipping to 50 c US 🙂

I am going to Vegas in October and NYC in February.

Obviously.

Yep I dont get it either so dont fret. There are a few pertinent facts to digest. One could almost be swayed to call them excuses. Short Term rentals are becoming a nightmare in many US cities including Chicago. Chicago has a lot of lodging taxes as well so basically it is expensive to stay in and pretty well limited to Hotels. Similar story in San Fran and it fair to say that as great as San Fran is it is a deteriorating city by all accounts and I was there in 2013 and ticked all the boxes and Made my Day #Clunk. Chicago would be cheaper in Feb 2021 but that is a dangerous place (transport wise) and rather freezing at that time of year

Not convinced I am a Vegas kinda guy but there is no denying some great attractions nearby like Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. It also has some great iconic sites movie wise and did find a good rental at MGM Signature – just off the strip, no casino. No doubt would catch a show and play some Two Up but think there will be plenty to keep me busy outside of gambling and ogling Showgirls. Not that there is anything wrong with that…… The other bit to the puzzle is I loved my short visit to Santa Monica for the afternoon back in February and would have loved to have stayed well into the night on the Pier but had to get back to LAX for my cancelled flight early next morning VIA 2 Ubers and a long walk! Once again have been able to find a reasonable and legal rental within walking distance to Pier and Venice Beach so looking at a few nights there before flying home. All up , just under 2 weeks

Now devoted followers would know I have often said I would never go back to NYC. I lied. Apparently. Sometimes when there I dont take advantage of what is available but when I look back on it well there were magic times going to a concert at Madison Square Garden and also free entry to two Tonight shows yada yada yada. More importantly though I loved the Hotel Beacon and if you book well in advance the rates are quite reasonable – depending on exchange rate of course. the second city would be Philly as have not been there for 5 years and once again VRBO rentals are mostly legal there and there are some gooduns. Again a two week holiday in and out like a well trained Seal Team

Two short holidays , rather than one long one, does increase amount of time flying but also chance to snag that elusive Gold FF badge in the one year. Mind you I suspect after all the planning it could be that it just aint that bigger deal when you fly as often as I do. Still , be nice on that Headstone to have “At least he was a Gold Frequent Flyer”. Especially if that headstone was a result of that last qualifying flight.

Some variables are beyond my control of course especially with Pumpkin Head in the Oval Office. I suspect he will try and prevent a recession before Nov 2020 and so while the Aussie $ may not do well my Super should not be obliterated – my only source of aforementioned Aussie $.

If I was a gambling man I would think though that he will stuff it up so may as well head to Vegas with the other losers eh.

Always mixed feelings at end of trip. You are keen to get home but you have to mix with the GU in droves. Now to be fair I have been very lucky with the level of comfort and luxury have had on flights and lounges this trip and the Flagship Lounge at JFK was a standout. But there are still morons everywhere you look. Whether it is the idiot who always has to be first in line to board – when clearly that is my position – to the Chatty Cathy in front of me now who wants to engage the Hostie in meaningless drivel when she is bringing my next drink there is always someone there to throw shade on your experience . Maybe the issue is that over years of travel have gone from cattle class to business class a bit quick and no looking back now really

You never say never of course – especially when in the middle of morons – and am sure will return to USA sooner rather than later. However, if I go to NYC again do us all a favour and shoot me. In fact, I really should avoid the middle of winter at least . Too many variables with travel and weather in general. Also really need to see new cities as clearly shown with San Diego experience this time. I could be drawn back to Chicago again but would like to see more of Texas and down south like New Orleans or over to Charleston et al. One thing that draws you to the old faves is the easier access by flights especially Qantas . Mind you, have to say American was very good this trip and really Qantas FF Silver status main attraction is the Ruby OW status u get . Of course it also may have helped me get those BC upgrades 3/3 😏

Busy end of year ahead with Daughter No 2 wedding , CLP retirement/60th and then a road trip down south for a month. Then around March next year we celebrate her birthday in style with an African Safari. So, a return to USA seems a long way off but I shan’t suffer folks. Of course most of the fun is in the planning and I can easily amuse myself for weeks planning a 2021 USA holiday even if it never eventuates

I do need to be a bit smarter though. Sometimes I find my day is driven by doing a number of things so that I can fill in my daily blog that night rather than just enjoying the day. It’s like the people who spend so much time taking the photo rather than enjoying the scene. Guilty on both counts your honour.

The hotel experience in NYC was very good but suspect it may not reflect all hotels. VRBO type rentals remain the preferred option but am getting a bit sick and tired of how they screw you over with “fees”. Uber is an excellent alternative these days to taxis but you do have to be careful. My taxi In Baltimore when arrived was $11 plus tip. This mornings Uber at peak time was $27 plus tip for same trip. At other times of course it is cheaper.

The AT&T sim remains an excellent product , if not cheapest, for easy data when in USA. Never missed a beat and allows you to always be “online” . All public transport was good, though varied, and well supported by “apps”. San Diego is a great walking city but also well served by the trolley system. NYC Subway is very efficient of course but old , crowded and dirty. Baltimore has a great linked bus service and the free Circulator. Another good walking city

Qantas 787 Business Class remains an excellent product. The food is rather superb at times and the Dreamliner set up certainly cocoons you nicely. Mind you these two assholes in front are really annoying me. Eurotrash 60 yr old with a fucking ponytail. Didn’t have a lot of luck with flights mid trip with 3/3 being cancelled or delayed significantly. You just have to be aware of these possibilities always and be prepared to act quickly. You travel regularly and shit happens

US TV remains crap. Luckily most places have on demand so can catch up with the shows you want when you want . They love weather reports especially if serious . Of course they embellish any possible drama with glee.

The people are generally very friendly and helpful. Baltimore had its dodgy areas in particular and SD has a significant homeless problem. In USA , in my experience, you wont go a day without being asked for money/food 5 -10 times. Its a sad reflection on a prosperous country. As always come home with a billion coins worth about $2.73 in total because of their bloody tax system. $6:50 becomes $7:13 😤

I am a very lucky fellow to have been able to travel so much in recent years and look forward to many more trips. There is no doubt though as each year passes I get a little more crotchety and easily annoyed . To be honest though I also think the world is getting dumber and more ignorant as well.

The one negative to this trip has been the shoulder rehabilitation. When I left I was ahead of schedule and progressing well. Certainly feel have not progressed in last few weeks. A bit slack with exercises but also some pain, whether arthritic due to cold weather or some slight damage time will tell. Within a few hrs of arrival back in Brisvegas will be seeing Physio for update

And also starting a diet

Later dudes