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Down Under Diaries: Melbourne/Harcourt North
Marriott:
Lazy sleep-in until just after 8:00am when Flamin'/Sarge and I went to gym. They worked out on the stair masters and I enjoyed a quick hot tub while the sauna warmed up. Once temperature was fine I did my stretches and crunches and was in the shower next door just as Sarge was finishing his workout. Back up to the room to pack and when everyone else had finished their packing we all went downstairs to go for breakfast. We knew that Trunk, almost immediately next door, served breakfast and since we had enjoyed such a delicious meal there the night before we decided to eat there. Breakfast is served in a small cafe, just beside the building housing the main dining room, open to the elements so it was very plesant as the day was bright and sunny and heading for 27C. I had a delicious order of quesidillas filled with tomatoe, potatoe and chorizo , with a side order of avocadoe. Cappuccino and I was set for day. Back to hotel to finish last minute packing and then we took all our bags down to the lobby to leave with the Concierge as we had to check-out by 11:00am and couldn't pick car up until noon.
Sarge and I walked a few blocks to Europcar while The Sisterhood went to Woolies to buy a small collapsible eski. No trouble with car adn we even managed an upgrade from Honda we had booked to an XXXX which is very roomy and comfortable. The Sisterhood is in 7th Heaven. Loaded up back at hotel and following directions provided by Concierge we had little trouble making our way out of centre of city. (See below, Dear Reader, for continuation of Saga!)
Hi Laura and Her Parents!
Sorry, as well, that we didn't connect in Melbourne! Will be in touch once we leave Adelaide as we hope to visit Mornington. Perhaps we can get together then.
Hi Kids!!!
Trust you are both well. Gather that it is or will be Party Centrale at The Island Inn with Zoe/Matt staying to house sit Maggie, according to Kathleen!!!
Hi Jo-Anne and Colin!
Guess you will be off to Gay Paree shortly! Have a wonderful time. I love Paris in the Springtime!!! Yes, I did learn of Rick's death shortly before we left. I liked him very much so was most saddened. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make his memorial as we will still be away. Weather here is fabulous so we feel badly for your cool temperatures!
Hi Raymond and Sylvia!
Just a quick note ot say hello before other revelers clamber out of bed! It was a gloroius 27 C yesterday when we left Melbourne. Stopped at a shop, Elk, as it was en route to Bendigo, that Chloe had heard about on the Web and had asked if Cora Lee could pick up a bracelet she fancied. She assumed it would be somewhere downtown but was in a northern suburb called Preston. At any rate, had little difficulty finding store. Great place with wonderful designs: jewelry, clothing, purses, footwear, so The Sisterhood was in Nirvana! Trouble getting them back into car but once that feat was accomplished we had no trouble zipping along Calder Highway, extremely good freeway, and were soon in Bendigo itself.
We made straight for the Bendigo Art Gallery, a lovely heritage building, where the Goils wanted to take in the Grace Kelly Exhibition which they had read about in Melbourne papers. We'd been to gallery before so had a rough idea where it was and after one wrong turn we found a parking space on street a few steps from entrance. Sarge was not interested in exhibition, (He claimed he'd seen enough women's clothes day before!), so I told him about the historical mining shaft/superstructure behind the gallery, (Bendigo was part of Australian Gold Rush), which one can climb to the top where there is a viewing platform and there bye obtain quite a stunning view of city and surrounding countryside. Extremely lush, green as all get-out, given all the rain this year! Last time we were here in 2006 country was on fire with severe water rationing most everywhere!
Exhibit was fascinating, mainly her designer gowns, accessories and some remarkable pieces of the "crown" jewels. Perhaps most interesting was the half hour or so, montage, of film footage, both from her movies but also fron newsreels of the time, (I simply adore those black and white, Pathe/News of trhe World newsreels that I used to see before films in Cyprus. Similar to the clips in the Hartlepool historical Utube video.), covering marriage, family life and then later TV interviews from the '60's and'70's. Just the slightest of glimpses into her personal and private life but she comes across as a very, very strong, intelligent, sensible, caring, articulate individual, the complete, the diametrical opposite of the sort of "star" we have come to know in today's over-hyped, frenetic, media voracious environment. Of course, times were simpler, or at least seem so in retrospect, but Grace Keely was refreshingly "simple and ordinary" in much of her daily and society life. For example, she wore many of her designer outfits many times, on different occasions, and knit many of her baby clothes. Unpretentious and caring, she championed many charities and used her fame and position to help others.
Took about two hours to view everything and then we all met back at the car. While waiitng for Sarge and Flamin', (They had gone for a drink at a bar a few blocks away.), Cora Lee discovered the Wine Bank, a terrific cafe/wine store in a renovated bank building, Greek pillars and all across the street form our car. She had already been in for a bottle of chilled 2011 Prosecco, King Valley, (A region north of here I'd first visited with Steve in 2006. Flamin' "insists" on drinking this after their recent junket to Italy!), by the time I found her sitting on a door stoop, patiently waiting for us. I popped over to take a look as F/S were nowhere in sight and was delighted at the incredible array of local product. Picked up and Axedale Reef, 2008 Pinot Grigio, again from King Valley, 12.7%, and a Waterwheel, Bendigo, Petit Verdot, 15.5%, so pleased muchly as this is one of my favourite varietals and not overly availabe as a single varietal, ususally in a blend.
Back to car and chauffeur and his moll arrived a few minutes later and we made for Harcourt North. Remebered all the turnoffs from highwya nd we were soon on Franklins Road and pulled into Old Oak at about 5:30pm. Steve and Kathllen were still at work but had left the housekey in the mailbox. We unlaoded and did a bit of unpacking and then Flamin'/Cora Lee adn Sarge changed into bathers and jumped into the new hot tub on the new deck, (new since our last visit in 2006), while I was charged with refilling sparkling wine glasses and muling beer bottles! Initailly, Sarge was so dismayed not to find any beer in the fridge in the kitchen that he contemplated driving into Castlemaine, 14K round trip, to pick some up. I told him that if Steve didn't have any beer then things were terribly "crook" as I knew he had to have a stash somewhere. I found two six packs in the half-fridge in the "shed", (combination workshop, storage area), at the top of the driveway, so he was saved a trip!
Kathleen arrived to find the Sybarites in the hot tub and she brought out hors d'oeuvres after she'd greeted everyone. Steve turned up a few minutes later and we visited in different groups until just before dinner. Sarge did a fabulous job on the "barbie" with some wonderful steaks and we repaired inside, to escape "mossies", and sat down to a delicious meal of mashjed potatoes, wild mushrooms, (picked the day before), and a large green salad, (avocadoe, tomatoe, green beans and lettuce, home grown. Petit Verdot was a stunner as was the Morris, Rutherglen, 2008 Durif, (one of my favourite varietals and favourite wineries ever since first visit in '91), but an anaemic 14.5%, compared to the PV! Needled Steve about this, of course! Dessert was Kathleen's home-baked apple/hazelnut torte topped with mango/passion fruit ice cream. Lads had a few snorts of Aberlour while we chatted until it was time for bed. I manage dtoread the first few chapters of Peter Temple's Truth, the sequel to his The Broken Shore, which our book club read a few books ago. Steve and I had been reading his Jack Irish series back in 2006 so he had the latest works on his shelves. I'll probably return the ones i borrow when we see then in Hunter Valley on the Easter weekend.
Up at 7:00am this morning, wind blowing like crazy, whipping trees and bushes like feathers! Quiet now, with just a few snatches of birdsong. Weatehr was forecast o be "foul" according to Katheen, last night, but wonder if fierce wind has blown nasty weather away. Hope so as we plan a day of wine tasting in surounding viticulture regions. Way Steve has it palnned we will probably do about five, two or three from different appellations so looking forward to comparing product. Hope to be back in time for a quick ride on the bike I bought in 2006. Lovely to cycle the country roads hereabouts as landscapes are beautiful, rolling hills, orchards and small vineyards abound. All the best from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!
UBC Librarians Emeriti 2012 Annual Luncheon
Hi all.
Just to update you re deadlines and other matters.
Today I gave preliminary numbers to Nick at Sage for our
lunch. Friday morning, March 28th, I will give him the final
numbers. At that point, there can be no changes/no refunds.
To date, this is the group that will be at the lunch: Nadine
Baldwin, Mary Banham, George Brandak, Lore Brongers, Elizabeth
Caskey, Leonora Crema, Laurenda Daniells, Don Dennis, Florence
Doidge, Marilyn Dutton, Ture Erickson, Stephanie Greer, Judith Hall,
Linda Joe, Janice Kreider, Iza Laponce, Bob MacDonald, Helen Mayoh,
Doug McInnes, Bill Parker, Ruth Patrick, Anne Piternick, Margaret
Price, Helene Redding, Joan Sandilands, Bev Scott, Dorothy Shields,
Tom Shorthouse, Julie Stevens, Paul Thiele, Bill Watson, Elsie
Wollaston, Fran Woodward.
Our agenda:
11:30-12:00 ... arrive, chat
12:00-1:00 ... lunch
1:00-2:00 ... updates:
Bill Watson - Will read a short update from Basil (about 5 min.)
Leonora Crema - Library update
Judith Hall - UBC Assn. of Professors Emeriti - update on various
initiatives, incl. Dept. Reps.
Note that, on March 14th, I deposited all cheques received to that
point. I have all but 2 cheques from the balance of you. I expect
they will arrive this week. In any case, I plan to make the second
deposit on Friday, March 23rd.
Cheers, Nadine
Hi Nadine!
Just a quick note to say hello from near Bendigo. We are staying with Kathleen Gray and her husband Steve Carthew. Kathleen and Corinne were in the same class at Library School, a year behind me. Please pass along greetings to everyone at luncheon. Would certainly have attended had we been in town. All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Laura and Her Parents!
Sorry, as well, that we didn't connect in Melbourne! Will be in touch once we leave Adelaide as we hope to visit Mornington. Perhaps we can get together then.
All the best to you and James, Laura, Elaine and Theodorakis, from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Whirlygig!
Trust you and Robo Man managed a ride! All the best from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee to you and Kerry and Tia Maria. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Marilyn and Big Al!
Trust you are both well. Have you managed any rides of late? Fondestos from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee to you both and The Young Brothers. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Jane and Kjell!
Trust you are both well. Sorry I've not been in touch sooner. The Diaries suffer and I drown my guilt in Shiraz!!! Fondestos from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Kids!!!
Trust you are both well. Gather that it is or will be Party Centrale at The Island Inn with Zoe/Matt staying to housesit Maggie, according to Kathleen!!! On the Home Front, how is Mom? Clarisse and Dusty? Much love to them. Fondestos to one and all from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee/Nana to you both. Love, Dad!
Hi Tiptoe!
Just a quick note to say hello before other revellers clamber out of bed! Fondestos to you and Kevin from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrice!
Hi Jo-Anne and Colin!
Guess you will be off to Gay Paree shortly! Have a wonderful time. I love Paris in the Springtime!!! Yes, I did learn of Rick's death shortly before we left. I liked him very much so was most saddened. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make his memorial as we will still be away. Weather here is fabulous so we feel badly for your cool temperatures! Hello to you both from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Maya and Declan!
Buona Fortuna with getting place! Hello to you and Declan from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Kids:
Wine tasting in and around Bendigo/Castlemaine:
On the road by 11:10am to drive but a few kilometers to Bress to see if they are open. Steve said that according to local brochure they were probably closed. However, crush is on so if anyone is around and available we might be able to taste. Unfortunately, too, too busy to deal with visitors. Spoke to a young woman, originally from Paris, now working in Melbourne, up to help with the crush. Bit of a disappointment as offerings looked interesting. Flamin' was upset as she wanted to buy a large platter made from used barrel staves. Sarge was happy as he would have been charged with heavy-duty muleage for rest of trip, let alone flight home.
Next to Harcourt Valley. Wonderful tasting: Riesling was very dry and refreshingly crisp, Chardonnay a little bit too sharp and acidic for me. Liked the Riesling the best, not enough fruit in the Chard for my taste. Malbec was amazingly fruit forward, much more ripe berry than many of the Argentinian expressions. Shiraz was wonderfully peppery. Cabbage was not tannic enough for my palette but The Goils liked the softer approach. Sarge bought a six pack of the American Pale Ale, named for the "sightings" of panthers in the state. Supposedly, after the end of WW II, American soldiers released their mascots into the wild and some of the survivors' relatives still roam the countryside.
After paying for our purchases, we left, via the Pyrenees Highway, for Castlemaine, to pick up nosh for dinner, before making for next winery. Would decide which ones while shopping or over lunch. We found a parking spot downtown and Sarge accompanied the Goilds to butcher's/green grocer's for lamb and green beans, potatoes, tomatoes and feta cheese, as well as a bbq'd chook for lunch. Steve and I went to Priden Jewellers to see if I could buy a new watch strap for my Swatch. Didn't have one wide enough so we went up the street to the local post office for stamps. Met gang back at car and headed back to Old Oak to drop off groceries and have a bite of lunch.
Everyone made their own tasty, sliced chicken sandwiches. I feasted on bones and apple slices, (fruit grown by Mighty Nikos), and cheese. Cup of java and we were back in car. Decided to make for Sutton Grange first but place was closed as well. Funnily enough, another French intern, a young man from Nantes, told us that he didn't have expertise for tasting room and winemaker was running errands. Lovely situation, winery overlooking a fairly large dam, probably about a quarter of the size of the "pond" beside the Connors' cabin near St John's, picturesque hills as backdrop.
Next stop, Mandurang Valley. Steve had phoned ahead, during lunch, so we knew we would be able to taste. Very friendly women, Leslie Vine, winemaker's wife, pouring. Fountain of information but I really didn't think all that much of most of the offerings. Liked the Chardonnay over the Riesling but found all the reds uninspiring, flat, lacking any or much varietal character. Hard to imagine that there was so much demand for such plonk, at least according to Leslie. According to her they are selling much of their overall production to the Chinese, a burgeoning market as one can well imagine. Can only believe that the customers there don't have particularly discriminating palettes. Something one might expect, given that wine really has not been a part of the alcohol culture, as I understand things, in the way it has been, in Canada and the US, roughly since the '70's, for example. Must say I was rather disappointed as until then I had been very taken with most, if not all, the wines from in and around Bendigo. Still, that is what one must expect, realistically speaking.
Last visit of the day was to Balgownie Estate, one of the first wineries in the area. Much more impressed with their offerings. Young woman behind tasting counter was new to job so the assistant winemaker, Tony Winspear, poured for us. Very endearing and knowledgeable chap so it was an enjoyable experience all around. Chardonnay was perhaps the tastiest of that varietal we'd come across here, Pinot Gris was pleasant enough while the Sauvignon Blanc was flavourful and grassy, jus the way I like it. Was not overly impressed by the Shiraz but the Shiraz/Cabbage blend was very appealing. Cab itself was attractive but I found the Sangiovese to be the most interesting of all. Stevo and I settled not hat for our take-away. Thanking Tony for his time and comments, we bundled into car and made for Harcourt North.
When we started out that morning it had pelted rain just as we turned onto road at the bottom of the driveway and downpour kept up until we reached Harcourt Valley. By the time we found our way to the tasting room it had turned to a light drizzle and once we were in Castlemaine it was dry and sunny. Stayed that way for the rest of the afternoon and early evening. Quite a contrast from the fierce winds, cool temperature and dark sky which greeted us when we woke up.
We returned from wine tasting about 5:00pm and then Nana put her foot up and iced it, Flamin' had a nap as her back was quite sore, S/K/S went for a walk and I did my stretches/crunches. When gang came back S/S/F and I all went into hot tub and chatted about everything under the sun. Sarge and Stefano knocking back bottle after bottle of the American Pale Ale, Sightings, from Harcourt Valley Winery. We got out of the tub but a few minutes before close friends and neighbours of K/S, Robyn and Nick, came for dinner. Wonderful to see them both again, of course. After introductions, we enjoyed the delicous plate of hors d'oeuvres they had brought along, catching up on each other's lives, sipping a Mandurang Valley, Bendigo, 2010 Chardonnay, 13.6%, we picked up that afternoon as well as a 2009 Climbing, Orange, Cabbage, 13.5%, (Had not heard of this winery before but knew of region.), guests had brought. Nick is still working for a fairly large local apple grower so it was fascinating to chat about the apple industry hereabouts.
When Flamin' discovered that there were numerous kangaroos in the paddocks close to where R/N live, (their prpoerty borders on a state park), Robyn offered to drive the short distance so she could take a few pictures. Kathleen joined them and rest of us finished up food preparation. I had done skewered potatoes in mustard/olive oil and fresh rosemary from their herb garden; Katheen had arranged two boneless lamb shanks ready for Sarge to bbq and Nana was ready to sautee green beans, cheery tomatoes and feta just before we sat down. Kathleen had prepared another gorgeous spinach, tomatoe and avocadoe salad.
Sat down around 8:00pm to toast everyone's health and the fact that F/S were finally at Old Oak. Everything was more than delicious, lamb succulent as all get out so Sarge received praise for his bbq skills. Meat was more than complimented by the Harcourt Valley Sightings, 2010 Shiraz, 14.1%, another score from the day's tasting junket but perhaps the piece de resistance was the Warrabilla, Rutherglen, 2005 Limited release parola Cabbage, 16.1% that I had given as one of the birthday presents to Steve for his 60th when we were here in 2006. The cellaring had done everything to improve this remarkable wine and it was a formidable drop. What a delight that he had kept it with the specific intention of sharing it at such an occasion!
Was close to 10:00pm when Kathleen brought out a pavlova that was too, too mouth-watering. Sarge, not known for eating much dessert had about three helpings until Flamin' took what was left into kitchen! By 10:30pm it was time for Robyn and NIck to go as Nick gets up at 5:00am each work day morning. Fond farewells to them. We hope to see them both in Vancovuer in a couple of years as they do have such a trip in mind. Bit of clearing up after they left and then everyone made for bed as it was a busy day and work for K/S on the morrow. Wonderful end to a magical day with wonderful, wonderful friends!
Earlier that evening, just after we took our boiled selves out of hot tub, Nana called TNT. Flamin' was not able to book a caravan park in Clare Valley for weekend so wanted to know if Tina and Trevor would have us for Friday and Saturday. Pleased to accommodate the Pushy Canadians so we will make directly for Adelaide once we leave Harcourt North. Route we will now take is more scenic than more northerly one we might have travelled to take us to Barossa/Clare, above Adelaide.
Time to shower and have breakfast and do last bit of packing. We loaded our large bags into car yesterday afternoon so are in good shape for a quick getaway! Much warm love to you both, Dad!
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