Sunday, April 1st, April Fool's Day, Day 21

Words differently arranged have different meanings, and meanings differently arranged have a different effect. -Blaise Pascal, philosopher and mathematician (1623-1662) 

Hi Wayne and the mob,

No worries here the weather seems to have finally changed for the better.  I
have the heritage walking tour sorted I think and it will be very laid back
few drinks ferry ride along the river. The rest is entirely up to you guys.
If want to just sit back and relax or whatever.  I am off to Melbourne this
afternoon to catch up with my brother.  If you want to contact me do so on my Mobile.  I hope your winery tours are going well and you have
not acquired any liver disease.  See you all in a week or so.

Cheers Greg and Claire 

Sunday, April 1st, April Fool's Day, Day 21

I woke up at 5:30am, feeling quite rested and refreshed so decided to work on the Infernal Diaries while others slept. Crept silently to the table to digitate for an hour before padding softly, (my middle name is Panther), into the bathroom to perform my early morning ablutions to avoid shower rush hour once the others arose from their deep slumber. Bit more scibbage before Coriandre fluttered her eyelids. Flamin' was already iPad reading, Sarge just winding down his last wind tunnel experiment.

While people showered and packed we all grabbed bites to eat, Flamin' putting together chicken sammies for lunch on the road. Sarge was adamant that we pull out of the Chardonnay Lodge parking lot by 8:00am and we actually waved goodby at 7:59am, in fact 6:59am taking time change into account. Sky was clear, spirits were high as we turned east out of Penola, following C198 to Casterton. Rolling farmland and little traffic this early on a sleepy Sunday morn so we breezed along, taking B160 from Casterton to Hamilton, all pretty, fairly small, country towns, Coleraine a delight, with few people about. Leaving the Glenelg Highway at Hamilton, we took the Hamilton Highway to Penhurst and then Caramut to Mortlake, by now B140. C156to Noorat, onto C158 over the McKinnons Bridge to Boorcan, joining the Princes Highway all the way to Camperdown, skirting the southern shore of Lake Corangamite, through hamlets like Stonyford, Pomborneit, Pirron Yallock and then into Colac, a gorgeous town and setting, below Lake Colac.

Great Ocean Way

Through Colac, east to Warncoort and there south on C152 to Deans March all the way to the coast, through the north-east corner of Angahook Lorne Park, wonderful, densely gum forested hills, reminding us muchly of the drive near the coast south of Margaret River in 2006, to Lorne and the continuation of the Great Ocean Road. Lovely vistas of the ocean and cliffs and sand beaches, loads of surfers out, through Aireys Inlet, Anglesea, Jan Juc and finally Torquay, all vacation spots, given their stunning coastal situations and proximity to Melbourne/Geelong. Had a picnic at just before Torquay, at Half Moon Bay, I think, where we enjoyed the delicious sammies Flamin' had constructed that morning, all the while enjoying the flock of seagulls, smaller and more delicate, quite attractive to my mind, than the ones I'm used to at home, (Tina hates them with a passion, "rats with wings"!), which quickly joined us to squabble over the scraps Sarge threw to them.

Back into the car to wend our way north out of Torquay on the Surfcoast  Highway to Mount Duneed, then west on B 122 and 121 to Ocean Grove with a slight jog north to meet the Bellarine Highway all the way to Queenscliff. Had to wait for about 15 minutes, (used the time to snap a few shots and stretch our legs), but made the 2:00pm sailing on the a Searoad Ferry, spiffy mid-sized craft which takes smaller vehicles below the main deck and then the ramp retracts to allow that area to be  loaded. Pleasant crossing, about forty minutes. I digitated, others read or scoped out tourist info. Befoer we knew it it was time to return to the car deck. We ended up right at the front of the ferry, (large landing craft style doors), so we were the second car off when we reached the ferry terminal in Sorrento. Rye is the next community along the peninsula so we were punching in the combination code to the sliding garage door to the  enclosed parking space behind our apartmento by just after 3:00pm.

We weren't sure if we could check-in before 4:00pm but decided to try to do so. No difficulty whatsoever as young woman who was cleaning the place had just finished and was working on apartment next door. We unloaded the car and pinched ourselves, given how terrifically appointed, comfortable and spacious, without being cavernous or cold, the place turned out to be. Moved into our separate bedrooms, (Cora Lee opting for two single beds to avoid having to kick me, Flamin' and Sarge were ensconced in Luxury, Sheer Luxury, as seems always to have been the case, Dear Reader!

Mornington Peninsula

After settling in The Sisterhood decided to scope the shopping possibilities, leaving us to walk the front street which borders the waterfront, so Sarge and I decided to do a bit of wine-tasting on our own. We'd picked up Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula Wine Touring Map 2012 on the ferry so we had a rough idea of where we wanted to go, at least in terms of a number of the closer wineries. It was about 3:35pm when we left the apartment so we only had about an hour and a half before most of the wineries would close. Without too, too much difficulty we found The Cups Estate, a spectacular setting, overlooking some of the fairways of Eagle Ridge, a neighbouring golf course, as well as the wineries vineyards and young olive tree groves.

Tasting Room itself is very pleasant, affording more stunning views of the surrounding countryside. We were the only two tasting and we enjoyed the young woman pouring although she normally runs the restaurant and was asked to help during the often  busy weekend. I think she thought we had never tasted before so we went along with her misconception, raising our eyebrows at some of the things she said, educating, witht he best of all possible intentions, the two dolts before her. Quite a line-up:

2011, Pinot Gris, 13.5%, $30

2009 Chardonnay, 13.5%, $30

2010 Pinot Noir, 13.5%, $35

2006 Merlot, 13.5%, $20

2005 Merlot, 13.5%,  $20

2007 Shiraz, 13.5%, $25

2010 Moscato, 6%, $25

2008 Fortified Pinot, 18%, $25

However, both the prices and the quality, we both felt, were highly inflated, compared to the wines we had so recently been exposed to in Clare, Barossa and McLaren Vale. As well, there was a $5 tasting fee, although it was waived with a purchase. Again, no fees in regions mentioned above. Not a big deal but another telling characteristic about the region. Sarge splurged on the Pinot Gris, by far the most expensive white to date. 

Staff there had suggested we visit Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove and/or Port Phillip Estate but when we looked at distance involved we decided we'd try Ten Minutes By Tractor and T'Gallant as they were right next to each other. Former was closed when we drove by so we made for latter. We were there about 20 minutes before closing and we received the distinct impression that our presence wasn't all that favourably embraced. I thought I might order a small cheese platter from restaurant that was part of operation but staff there were quite definite and rather unfriendly about informing me about the fact that the bistro was closed. Not even so much as a suggestion for another place, just an unequivocal "NO"!

Mildly amused at the "union" response, I returned to continue tasting with Sarge and we worked our way through the line-up:

Holystone 2011 Rose, Pinot Noir, 13%, $22

Juliet 2011 Pinot Grigio 10.55, $20

Cape Schanck 2011 Pinot Grigio, 12%, $24

Imogen 2011 Pinot Gris, 14% $26

Claudius 2008 Cloudy White, (blend of Chardonnay, Gewurtztraminer and Moscato),13.5% $45

Grace 2011 Pinot Grigio, 12.5%, $29

Tribute 2010 Pinot Gris, 14.55, $39

Lot 2 Chardonnay 2008, 12.5%, $25

Odysseus 2010 Shiraz Nebbiolo, 14.5%, $49

Romeo 2010 Red Blend, (Shiraz with fortified Muscat), 14.0%, $35

trying all the while to extract information about the wine, the winery and the region, like pulling teeth from a  chicken from the slightly less than surly, more stand-offish and condescending than downright rude, young man serving us. In the end, almost in spite of ourselves, we bought three bottles, the Imogen, the Cape Schanck and the Holystone and with a three bottle purchase winery allows a "reasonable" pick of another so I opted for the Grace. Decided that we might not do anymore tasting during our brief stay and since we wanted some whites anyway, decided we might as well buy locally in spite of the "bad vibes" we both felt. Back to apartment, driving through Arthur's Seat State Park, a spectacular reserve which offers stunning views of the north coast of the peninsula, from Portsea to Mornington. Quite surprising to realize just how high we had climbed above sea level, coming to the park from the other side, as we took the steep, hair-pin curve filled road, (Sarge was reminded of their time near another Sorrento, this one in Italy, last June), down to Rosebud and then along B110, next to the water, back to Rye.

Rye Pier

Pre-diner white, Cups Estate 2011 Pinot Gris, perhaps most expensive PG on trip and certainly not all that much better than far less expensive ones from Clare or McLaren Vale, followed by Teusner's The Gentleman, 2010 Cab, Eden Valley, 14.5%

Ruby Thai restaurant

Rolling Rock, Sauvignon Blanc,

Tim Adams 2006 Cab/Merlot, 14.5%

Ordered;

#6: Fish Cakes, traditional Thai fish cakes with sweet chili dip, (very hot!)

#22: Duck Curry, roasted duck fillet cooke din red curry with lychee, pineapple, cherry tomatoes and basil leaves

#26: Gang Hang Lay, hot curry cooke din cocanut milk with pork, (prawns arrived!), potatoe, pineapple, ginger, onion topped with charlottes

#49: Pad Thai, rice noodles stir-fried with chicken and prawns, egg, dry shrimps and a touch of roasted peanuts

Food was more than delish, service quick, corkage but $4/bottle

Invited a chap sitting by himself to join us as we thought he was at the Chardonnay Lodge the night before. Turned out that it wasn't him but we enjoyed getting to know Charles "Chuck" Lund, a retired psychologist form Seattle, who spend much of his time now traveling and golfing around the globe. He actually has two homes, a place in Port Ludlow, WA, as well as one in Rancho Bernardo, north of San Diego, which he bounces betwen depending on weather!

Back home to scribe while others read/watched TV. Long day, with added hour due to change in time to Daylight Saving, even though we only gained half an hour since we drove west into the different time zone between South Australia and Victoria. Had a hard time keeping my eyes open, once I made it to bed and will have to re-read last chapter of Truth I attempted to finish before turning out light.

To be continued...

Hi Raymond! Thanks for the weather report. Sorry that weather is not cooperating. Miss the blossoms. Hope sun will shine a bit so that you can enjoy hem before they disappear. Not heard of Kiwi Walk but am fonf of Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand. Glad you enjoyed your reunion. Wonderful to stay connected. Been a busy ast few days, what with wine-tasting and more cycling in McLaren Vale. Hope to cycle tomorrow but not sure if we will be able to find a bike rental place. Surprising as there are numerous bike paths that we have seen since arriving mid-afternoon today. Gang are off to a spa/hot springs tomorrow morning so I hope to catch up on The Infernal Diaries. Whether that will happen remains to be seen! Would really like to explore, by bike, more of countryside surrounding McLaren Vale as bit of riding we did was wonderful. Hi Whirlissimo! I'm hoping that the award from the Hungie Class Action will include me as I have residuals going way, way back. Please forward monies to Hunter Valley, c/o any winery and I'll pick up cheque when we taste there, bound to hit them all! Pleased that Big Al is going to be able to help out with your frame. Of course, I'll need a finding fee. Please add to above mentioned cheque. Cora Lee has Skype on her iPad so I hope to download same app onto mine to be able to take part in NRBC. Will be in Cairns on that date so I plan an underwater broadcast, using the SnorlkelUberUnterDownUndaGemeinschaften WirthschafteDoppleganger, a stanchion app from Big Molly! We dream about avulsage but Sarge is too, too busy machinating with the pourage of the maltage, not to mention the drunkening red water, so that we find ourselves in an avulse neutral scenario, especially here in Mornington with 57 wineries and only tomorrow to visit 55, given that we tasted at two today! Stand close to Big Al when he welds your frame and arcing and sparks should burn off any residual moss. Whether this will improve your holier than thou attitude remains to be seen! Hi TNT! Please accept my apologies for not writing sooner, especially since we are so indebted to you both for the more than generous hospitality and kindness which you showered upon us during our entire stay. I know I speak for the rest of the crew when I say how much we enjoyed our time with you and family. It was a deliriously grand time. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I trust life is back to quasi-normal after our departure. Hellos and fondestos from Flamin', Sarge and Cora Lee to you both, as well as to Don and Anne and the rest of your extended families. Will be in touch as time/access allow. Am rather annoyed, at moment, as wonderful, wonderful place we are staying in for next two nights, only has Ethernet access, not WiFi, so we must use our G3 accounts on iPads. Not a big deal but one of reasons we booked in first place! I might steal a few towels and wine glasses to make up for lack of service. My swimming towels are starting to become pretty threadbare! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick and Corinne,

We have been enjoying reading P's dispatches, although I must admit I do scan quickly through the various wines tried and imbided, and don't recognize too many of the names!!

You last wrote, based in 'Rye", which brought back great memories.

Our dear friend, Janet, had lived in Rosebud and was part of the Rye surf club.   She was Jim Robson's sister ( originally from Hartlepool, he is of talkative, diminutive, redheaded fame, a good mate of Ray's)

Janet was a single mum of 2 kids and when we were in Wagga Wagga in 1988, we visited several times. It was wonderful to get to the ocean after being landlocked in Wagga Wagga.

Janet's two kids were teenagers and happily babysat our three so we could do some fun adult things.

Unfortunately, Janet ended up dying of esophageal cancer when she was 51, a few years later, never getting to see her kids marry and have 3 kids apiece.

We found that whole area so pleasant, and so green, compared to the area around Wagga Wagga which got very dry and dusty in the summer months.

The Carters had us over for dinner last night and we were able to see their NZ photos. They had a fabulous trip. I think it has almost convinced Ray that a return trip to that fair country would be worthwhile so maybe will can squeeze that in next year sometime. We had a great evening visiting with them.  Mike's knee seems to be doing really well now.

I am off to England for 2 1/2 weeks starting April 26th, looking forward to a nice visit with Jenny. We are going to Paris for the weekend on the Eurostar, and I am also going up to York mid week to stay with Jim and Christine for a visit while Jenny is working.

Ray and Chris will have to fend for themselves foodwise, but I am sure they won't starve!

Not much other news to report. My private practice is a little busy at the moment, so interfering with my leisure activities.... however, I do want to keep my hand in for a few more years. Once I stop, I can lose my registration qualifications fairly easily and would never be able to get them back.

Hope the rest of your trip goes as well as it has so far... have a great time!

best wishes, Sylvia

Hello from Rye, Michelle!

More gorgeous sunshine for those Monday morning workers! Flamin', Sarge and Cora Lee are off to treat their overhangs at a spa while I work on The Infernal Diaries! Had hoped to rent bikes, as we did in both Clare and McLaren Vale, but we are in Rye and rental shop is in Hastings, a fair distance away, and we only have today before off to Sydney. Sarge is bound and determined to climb Harbour Bridge. I will join him as Tensing to his Hillary if we can score spots. Popular activity, it seems. The Sisterhood demur, prefering the upscale shops near Darling Harbour where we will be staying. Off to Hunter Valley for the Easter weekend where we will meet friends, Kathleen and Steve, from Bendigo. Fondestos from all the performers, misfits, charlatans and purveyors of the finest snake oils, (Flamin' is particularly enamoured of the deadly Brown here in Oz!), known to humankind c/o The Canucks Travelling Road Show! Patrizzio, Impressario/Conduttore and General Dogsbody to The Sisterh ood!!!!

PS: After a bit too much Shiraz last night Corinne opined that she would rather swim with a Great White than risk dipping her toes in waers infested with box jellyfish! In Vino Veritas!!!



Hello Harbour Terrace, (and Kathy):

Trust you and Louise are both well. Life is tough on the road, let me tell you! On the Home Front, however, am wondering if you could find out if the cheque Cora Lee put through the mail slot in the door just down the hallway, for the latest assessment, ever reached Colyvan. Checking on-line, cheque hasn't cleared yet. We are concerned that it might have been misplaced or lost. Would appreciate anything you can find out, payback for loan of roasting pan!

At any rate, hello from the Mornington Peninsula! Gorgeous sunshine for all the Monday morning workers'! Flamin', Sarge Cora Lee and I will probably go to some mineral springs this morning. Had hoped to rent bikes, as we did in both Clare and McLaren Vale, but we are in Rye and rental shop is in Hastings, a fair distance away, and we only have today before off to Sydney. Sarge is bound and determined to climb Harbour Bridge. I will join him as Tensing to his Hillary if we can score spots. Popular activity, it seems. The Sisterhood demur, prefering the upscale shops near Darling Harbour where we will be staying. Off to Hunter Valley for the Easter weekend where we will meet friends, Kathleen and Steve, from Bendigo, where we stayed with them after Melbourne.

As you might imagine, has been a busy last few days, what with wine-tasting and more cycling, most recently, in McLaren Vale. Would really like to explore, by bike, more of countryside surrounding McLaren Vale as bit of riding we did was wonderful.