Tuesday, 3 April 2012

Tuesday, April 3rd, Day 23


 Although men flatter themselves with their great actions, they are not so often the result of a great design as of chance. -Francois, duc de La Rochefoucauld, moralist (1613-1680)

Tess and Adrian and Anu welcomed a new baby boy into their family.
His name is Faolan (accent on second a!) it's Gaelic, for little wolf. (pronounced (FAY-lan).  


 Hi guys pics of the new babe:

Greetings family and friends!

Tess, Anu and I are proud to introduce the latest member of the clan, Faelan--"little wolf". He welcomed us into his warm glow at a furious pace, in the wake of yet another raging west coast storm, in the waning minutes of April first. 

Warmly, Adrian

Adrian is so dramatic LOL


Takes a Drama Queen to know a Drama King!

Well he is related to Mayaxx


I am only dramatic when ignited via mi familia...here in Hollywood I am
known as the grounded one 


Grounded One, indeed! Ground Zero!!! 


Takes a Drama Queen to know a Drama King!

Keep it up and we're smothering you at 80...

I suggest you take a ticket and wait in line. Unfortunately, for you, you may have to wait until I'm over 100 as there are loads of others dreamin' about the Pillow Solution!

You are all crazy!!!!! xxx





Picture from balcony at Rye Beach


Pat,

    The Mornington Peninsula was one of my favourite areas in Australia. We had a friend form my home town who lived in Rosebud and we spent quite a bit time with her during our year there. Terribly, Janet passed away several years ago.

    Very pleasant evening with the Carters yesterday and took a bottle of Kiwi Walk. They showed us their pictures from NZ projected onto the TV screen and they intend to return next year. Some fabulous beaches! 

 Mike was pleased that he and Pauline were able to hike a 2600m mountain doing a total of 19 km. on the day. With access to a property over there, I became quite interested in a trip in the near future. Mike keen to have a go on the bike again, so I'll give him a call soon and see if we can manage a short distance one day. The bike rentals seem quite expensive. I suppose it would be a lot cheaper if you were able to hire for a longer time but not possible when you are moving frequently.

    Easter weekend coming up and hoping to do some more planting.

    Regards to all. Ray






 




Mornington peninsula looks a bit like the Rock

Hi Tiptoe!
 

Trust you are well. Lots to relate but for now, just a couple of things. We will be staying in Darling Harbour for two nights, tomorrow and Thursday night. Wonderfing if you'd like to join us for dinner, at least one of those nights? Flamin' and Sarge would probably enjoy the Thai spot if that works for you, and Kevin, if he is available/interested. As well, wondering if we can leave another bag with you? Plan to buy one in Sydney as we are allowed two bags on Cathay Pacific and will be able to combine all the souvenirs we've picked up along the way. Let me know about dinner and what works best for you. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrice!


Greetings Patrice,
Sounds like a plan. I'll keep you posted. Which hotel are you staying at and is it in your name? Also what is your eta @ DH? Chat soon TK




At the hot springs in Rye Beach and panoramic view of Mornington Peninsula



 Hi Steve
We are trying to figure out our stay in hunter valley. Can you tell me where you are staying. I believe at this point we are an hour's drive away from each other. We are thinking of trying to get a bit closer if possible. Cheers. Michele

Hi steve
Got your text message on phone that you are arriving Friday afternoon, we are staying in Charlestown which is just outside Newcastle. I can't figure out how to text on the old phones! Perhaps we can meet when u arrive in Newcastle.
Cheers Michele
 

Hi Tiptoe:

We are staying at The Oaks Goldsbrough Apts, 243 Pyrmont St, 612
95185166, under Sutherland. Believe we will be there before noon,
depending on traffic in City. Not sure if we can check in before 2:00pm.
Plan is to have lunch at Bondi Beach.

Can you remind me of name and address of the Thai restaurant, as well as
your cell number. Thanks. Chat soon. Cheers, Patrice!


Greetings,

The restaurant name is Khaosan and it is at 413 Pitt Street, Haymarket.
I'll check with Kevin at lunchtime as to his availability. On the
Storage front, that could be difficult as my flatmate Al informed me
that his co-owner is moving back in so Im moving out probably before the
end of the month. Never the less we can talk more tonight.

Safe driving.  Tim Kelly
 

Pat or Corinne,

I am resending to this e-mail address hoping it may work…W

P,

Pleased and surprised to learn that you are finding the occasional tipple to keep your spirits up -- so to speak.

The alley-oop applies to you and Sarge and the pouring of the malt -- late in the indulgence.

Big Al kindly welded the frame for me on Sunday and the bike should be back on the road today. I took Jake out to see his shop and witness his craftsmanship and of course they hit it off and Cobby was thrilled out of his gourd.

Please recommend a gift in the form of hooch for Big Al. I thought a bottle of malt would be in order. What think thee?

Also great to learn that you are getting out on the saddle. I am hoping to get a ride with Ray and the other laggards tomorrow -- should the weather actually break as forecasted.

Be well and fond regards to the rest if the Travelling Wilburys. W

Patrick,

I am just leaving work and should be home in the hour. Would you like to
do the Thai at about 7pm?



Patrice,

Just called the hotel, however they could not find your booking. Is it
booked in Dunn?



Hello Jugos Dom Pedro and LL!

Trust you are both well. Sarge wanted Peter's email so thought that I'd take opportunity to send along an entry for The Now called, Infernal Diaries! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!





Greetings from Bondi Beach!

Hello Goils!


Just arrived at Bondi a few minutes ago. Parked, ($21 for 2-3 hours!), and Flamin' and Sarge have gone for a swim. Wonderful day, cooling breeze, so very pleasant. Nana has gone to scope restaurants for lunch and shopping possibilities while I enjoy a cappuccino and take advantage of the free WiFi! We can't check in to our place in Darling Harbour, not far from Circular Quay and the Opera House, until 2:00pm. Not sure what we will do after that. I will probably look for another cheap, large bag as we are allowed two per person on Cathay Pacific when we fly to Japan and then back home. This way we can leave all the souvenirs and clothes we won't need in Quensland and Darwin, here in Sydney, until we return on May 1st. Virgin Blue is like all the other cheap flight airlines, inasmuch as one is really hit for more than one check-in. We also don't really want to lug stuff around. Hope to see Tim for dinner tonight or tomorrow evening. Will say hello to him for you both.


After we enjoyed lunch we made our way to from Bondi towards downtown. Since we were fairly close to where Ania lives wanted to show F/S the area, Bellvue Hill, and environs. Road we took up from beach took us into Vauclause, another gorgeous, neighbouring Eastern Suburb, (Shaughnessey would be the Vancouver equivalent), and Flamin' had a short-circuit, a la Ayn, The Drama Queen, claiming that we were "miles" from where I said we were going so I let her navigate with MapQuest after her melt-down. In fact, the route we eventually took, (my inteneded route was essentially parallel to one computer showed), once we had a better idea of where we were, a few minutes after leaving beach, had us passing not far from Bellevue Hill. By this time I'd given up trying to suggest anything, (When we arrived in Canberra, the day before, Flamin' was so set on checking intot he hotel that she refused to entertain a short drive, not really out of our way since it was directly on main thoroughfare we were already on and on which hotel was situated, towards the lake in the centre of the city and which would have afforded an overview of the various national museums, galleries and parliament building. Your Mother annd I didn't mind as we'd been before, as you know, but I thougth that she and Sarge might like just a glimpse of capital. Same held true on on our way from Coonawarra to Mornington Peninsula. She decided that she didn't care about seeing the best past of The Great Ocean Road and yet wanted to stop for views that were really nothing in comparison to ones we'd suggested they might want to see but had been bypassed because chosen route, given her demand that ioverall travel time be as short as possible, missed that section of the highway altogether. I felt, and still feel, that an hour or two more were hardly an imposition, (Would you not visit the Eiffel Tower when in paris?), but Flamin' really cannot sit still for very long. In my estimation she suffers from a severe case of "Dad, are we there yet?" Syndrome!), so we made our way, without much difficulty to the hotel, Oaks Goldborough, (A huge, huge complex, originally an incredible woolshed wharehouse, massive beams, etc., now converted into condos and businesses, offices, etc. About 25% of the units are lived in by the owners, rest are leased or rented on a short/long-term basis.), on Pyrmont Street, near the bottom, west shore of Darling Harbour.


Sarge parked across the street and we unloaded car, (took a few trips, let me tell you), and hauled our luggage tot he 5th floor where we found ourselves in a very comfortable, spacious, two-level condo: two bedrooms, two bathrooms on lower level, kitchen, laundry and open living/dining room on entrance level. We unpacked and then F/S headed out o explore Circular Quay and environs. Nana and I wanted to buy another large suitcase so we obtained directions for nearest shopping complex, just a short distancefrom our hotel. Passed one of the Monorail Stations and for $10/day it's route takes you past most places/neighbourhoods of interest in inner city. Your Mother thought it would be her choice of transportation for the following day and we learned later, that F/S had taken it as well. Anyway, once we reached the Harbour Mall, it soon became evident that shops there were reasonably high end so I knew that any bag we liked there would be very expensive. I knew there were cheaper outlets on George Street, one of main drags, not far away, so I left te Power Shopper, (her foot is still an issue and I didn't think that traipsing around looking for cheap luggage would do it much good. She was happy to staiy in air-conditioned comfort, (Think it was 27C and sunny!), while I tried to find a shoe repair kiosk for one of her 60 pairs of shoes!


we had arranged to meet F/S back at the hotel around 7:00pm and it was about 4:00pm when I set off on my quest. Funnily enough each time I asked for directions the person I approached couldn't help but a friendly passerby, overhearing my request, proffered suggestions. Found a shoe repair spot and chap said he could have strap re-attached by 1:00pm next day. Paid $10 for Imelda's favourite wlaking shoe and made for Chinatown at the suggestion of man behind the counter when I mentioned I wanted a cheap bag. Few streets away and I entered Paddy's Market, the eqivalent, sort of, of Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, and found a possible bag for $85. Thought that I'd look further and almost immediatley I bumped into a woman pulling a large, wheeled suitcase. iasked her where she bought it and it was only a few stalls away. She had picked up last one of its type but I found an even larger case fro $45. Very pleased as it was just what we wanted and at a price that made sense. A "seven wheeler" as the saleswomen was keen to show me, twirling it around with the flick of her finger!


Delighted with my purchase, I set off, through Chiantown, back to hotel, stopping at an ATM for cash and a small grocery store in Harbour Mall for yogurt and apples for the next's day's breakafast. Was backa t the condo by 5:00pm, Nana watching TV and sipping a glass of Chaarrddddddddddonnaaaaaaaaay! She'd just recently returned herself, having spent her time quite productively in the mall. I made a cup of coffee and we proceeded to amalgamate items we planned to leave in Sydney, (heavier clothing, souvenirs, and the like), before quick showers. We were back upstairs sipping wine when tourists arrived and we chatted about their afternoon. Around 7:30pm we set off for Darling Harbour. Flamin' had scoped a couple of possible restaurants that were closeby. After looking at a few menus we settled upon Olivo and were seated at an outdoor table in the covered patio area. 


Special of the night was an entree and a main, with a complimentary glass of wine, white or red, for $35 per person. A very good deal,as it turned out as most of main dishes were $28-$32, entrees $9-$12 and a glass of wine $7-$9! Nana and Flamin' had shrimp, Sarge calamari and I a rocket salad with gorgonzola, roasted red peppers, walnuts and balsamic dresssing. For main courses, Nana had John Dory, a whitefish filet on a bed of scallopped potatoes, flamin a rib-eye steak, Sarge the Skippy and I chose the lamb. every dish was remarkable, perhaps one of the very meals we'd had on the trip. Furthermore, the wine was respectable. To make the evening even more enjoyable, we were served by a delightful young woman, Isabel, from Istanbul. She was lovely, gracious, friendly and we bantered throughout the entire meal. She said we were the best customers that she'd ever had inasmuch as she had never really had the sort of interaction before and felt that service and hospitality were more important than worrying about tips.


Love and Cheers, Dad!

Hello Tiptoe!

Just arrived a few minutes ago. We can't check in to our place in Darling Harbour until 2:00pm. Not sure what we will do after that. I will probably look for another cheap, large bag, while rest explore/shop. Any suggestions for where to look for luggage? Again, not a big deal, but if we can't leave our possessions with you, do you think Kevin might have room? Anyway, we can chat. 

Sipping a Bowen Estate, Coonawarra, 2011 Chardonnay, 12.5% as I scribe. Will move to the Warrabilla, Cleanskin, 2009 Durif/Shiraz, 80%/20%, 15.5%. The 2009 Parola's Limited Release is 18%. Glad we don't have to walk very far! Cheers, Patrice!!!


Hi San Bernardo!

Thanks for follow up on cheque. Much appreciated! Hope to see friend, Tim, (met in 1992 in Raratonga), for dinner tonight or tomorrow evening. Will say hello to him for Chloe as she was with us on that trip.both. Time to devour our warm salad of sliced 14 hour slow roast pork shoulder with shaved zucchini, witlof, (whatever that is!), baby onions and quinoa and Bucket List's, (name of restaurant on the Boardwalk), crisp battered local fish with chips, pickles and tartare sauce. Flamin' is telling me what to so hello and goodbye from The Gang of Four! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Tippers!

F/S are just back from their Walkabout. We plan to stroll to a restaurant that takes our fancy, not far from here, as Cora Lee's foot is still a limiting factor. Call us at 0420719122 and we'll chat. If you can't make it for dinner, call anyway and come by for some Warrabilla DURIF, right from the winery, back at our comfortable pad! 






         

  

Monday, April 2nd, Day 22

We should be slower to think that the man at his worst is the real man, and certain that the better we are ourselves the less likely is he to be at his worst in our company. Every time he talks away his own character before us he is signifying contempt for ours. -James M. Barrie, novelist, short-story writer, and playwright (1860-1937)



Great Ocean Way



Great Ocean Way, my new house overlooking the beach!!

We the Canadians are a week away from our invasion. We are staying in Port MacQuarrie on the 8th and will arrive sometime in the afternoon of Monday the 9th. We just need directions and or an address. Once we have that the invasion will begin. We still have Pat but we have lots of wine to use as a sacrifice.

W Wayne A Sutherland 



New Sanders Baby!!!!!


Tess and Adrian and Anu welcomed a new baby boy into their family.
His name is Faolan (accent on second a!) it's Gaelic, for little wolf. (pronounced (FAY-lan).   Though they might change the spelling to Faelan. I love!  Middle-name to follow....They've been calling him that for months. Tess "knew" that it was a boy the whole time, instinctively. And when he came out, before she could see the baby, she said "it's a boy". Adrian looked atnd sure enough, she was right!


The baby was born last night at 11:45, after three short hours of labour. Doula came at 8:30, midwife came at 1030, only 17mins of pushing! Tess got her second "home" birth, which she really wanted, so we are all thrilled for her. Anu slept through the night and doesn't even know yet that he is a big brother!


Baby did come out with cord around his neck, but the midwife got him out quick and all was well. Tess is totally good, didn't even tear!

He looks completely different from Anu, he has curly dark hair, and hair all over his body, and pointed ears!


Talked to Adrian and he's so proud, sharing all the gory bits, I won't pass along unless asked;)


Blessed.


Lots of love to you all. Auntie Maya




Great news! Anu has a brother to play with!



Off to the pool....the rain has abated and it's gorgeous sunshine for a Sunday morning...

    • Patrick James Dunn
      Greetings from the Mornington Peninsula! Gorgeous sunshine for a Monday morning. 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 adn 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 shope 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/Conductore and General Dogsbody to The Sisterhood!!!!



      • Ayn P Sounds like all are having a great time! We had a lovely meal at Rick and Rae's last night...Maryland crab cakes, prime rib, roasted taters, veggies and more! There was a lovely Iranian woman there whose father still alive at 104!! We decided we'll smother you past 100!! LOL! Just kidding Poppa! Love to all!

      • Patrick James Dunn Flamin' and Sarge are thinking about using a pillow on Nana after the last night in the same room in Coonawarra! Flamin' dreams about ear plugs, especially when Wind Tunnel Sarge adds his symphony to the cacophony!!! Fondestos, Il Conduttore/Il Innocente!!!

        Chloe Alexis Dunn
        Chloe Alexis Dunn shared Jeffery A. Wolff's photo.
        Hi Devil Cat and Your Scratching Post!

        Don't worry about Bill What's His Name! Hootch is for Ragin' and please ask him to pass other package along to Larry Kazdan. Keep after Bernie as we'd like to know staus of cheque.



        Dear Patrick,

        Are you now done with Australia and to Japan now!
        Enjoy and love to hear your updates! Daniel
         

        Hi Pat,

        Thanks for the postcard which arrived this afternoon. I has been passed it to the cypher department as i am having trouble reading the handwriting. I know it's an ancient joke but did you write to me in runic or Linear B script? Liked the graphic on the front. How is your trip going otherwise - in a nutshell that is?

        As for me i returned home on March 19th and am now fully retired in every sense of the word. That is, not distracted by travel, but at home seeing were the road will take me next, metaphorically speaking.
        Kjell and Gerhard are coming over for dinner tomorrow and we will likely watch a Russian film called "Stalker." Seattle bound with Corinne on the weekend and talking about a camping trip down into Utah in July. 

        All the best!

        bob

        ps: You can see the latest postings from Vietnam below (if you like):
        Word from Bob

        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 Sisterhood!!!!

        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 Tensing! You need a blog for posting those images of the view from Harbour Bridge. Should you spot a great white in the distance, be sure to let Corinne know.
        Chortle!
         

        We had a lovely event on Friday - let Corinne know we sold jewelry, did well on the wine sales even without you, and are now trying to figure out our options for dues renewal.

        Cheers, Michelle




        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.





        Patrick,
        Are you really interested in some "damn" cheque or are you just trying to rub it in. You are in balmy weather, cycling, walking, wine tasting, while we are watching Coal Harbour freeze over, snow accumulate on our door steps, and the thermometer frightened to reach out to new heights, like 11 degrees C.
        The price you have to pay for borrowing a roast pan!!!!!!!
        I will confirm with Kathy, but it should be in process by now.
        Cheers, have fun and stay safe. Bernie


        Hello Queenslanders All!

        Please accept my apologies for not writing sooner! Glad all goes well with the advance preparations for the Canucks! Much appreciated. Please expect a large load of rose petals, Elly, from McLaren Vale, as many of the vineyards have rose bushes planted at the end of the rows!

        At any rate, hello from the Mornington Peninsula! Gorgeous sunshine for a Monday morning. 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.  
        I trust all the latest high tec technology will be readiy available in Cote d'Or and Brisie otherwise your respective Chambers of Commerce/Tourist Info Centres may well receive scathing letters of criticism!!! I remain, as ever, yer 'Umble and Obedient Servant, Mate! 


        Canberra for the night.


        Parliament







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.




         

Saturday, March 31st, Day 20


The novelist and essayist Anatole France once said, "The finest words in the world are only vain sounds if one cannot understand them."

d'Arenberg



Beach near McLaren Vale



 Nadienka Wyss you guys (only the male part) should sit up straight! and Pat, stop looking like a mean host father - smiiiile ;) lots of love from Switzerland :D


Pat,

    Sounds as though you are all having a blast over there. 9 free bottles of wine does nothing to spoil the mood either. I'm sure the lovely Chrissy became even lovelier with this donation.

    Had our guests on Wednesday. Mike and Shirley Leng, old friends from Bermuda, and my long time friend from home, Ken Wilkinson. We had a very nice  NZ sauvignon blanc, Kiwi Walk. On sale and excellent although as you know, I'm no expert on such matters. Mike is 75 now and I hadn't seen him for a few years. In spite of numerous health issues, he looked well and it was a lot of fun to be with him again.

    Blossoms out fully now. If only we could get some sun, we could enjoy them better. Weather still terrible - cool and wet and likely to be for the mext 2 weeks at least. Your timing was good.

    Had an offer of a 2009 Cervelo road bike from a former student. I don't think I'll go for it. A bit expensive as I would have to make adjustments for a comfortable fit. Tempting though.

    Sylvia is reading Keeper of Lost... as I delve into 13 Million Dollar Pop - one form Corinne's list, I think.

    Off to the Carters' tonight for dinner.

Ray




             Lobster is found on highway in KIngston SE Australia. I think it's bigger then Moose at Goobies junction!



Hello Dearest Eveline and Heinz!

How very wonderful to hear from you, particularly to learn that Eveline is now almost compltely recovered, in spite of continued physiotherapy! I pass along best wishes from Flamin', Sarge, Cora Lee and myself to the Swiss Patient!

We left McLaren Vale this morning after two wonderful days and nights there. Currently staying at the Chardonnay Lodge on the Riddock Highway, the central, arterial thoroughfare of the Coonawarra wine region. We arrived just after 1:00pm and after checking in visited five wineries: Kidman, Wynn's, Majella, Bowen and Patrick. Currently sipping a Majella 2010 Riesling, 12%. First visited this winery way back in 2000, our first trip to this region. Will make for the Mornington Peninsula, below Melbourne, along the Great Ocean Road tomorrow. The Down Under Diaries are suffering with all the activity, (cycling, wine tasting, beach time, etc.), so have included latest entry for a flavour of our time in Australia. 

I believe you know that Corinne and I left Vancouver on March 5th for a week in Hong Kong, then on to Sydney for a week. Met Flamin'and Sarge in Melbourne and have been travelling with them ever since, in a rented car. Will make our way to Sydney, Hunter Valley, Brisbane and then fly from there to Cairns, then Darwin and then back to Sydney. F/S return to Vancouver after Ciarns. On May 11th we fly to Japan for three weeks before returning to Vancouver on May 31st. 

Fond regards to all of your wonderful sons and daughter-in-law, Sabine, as well as to the original Cruel Swiss. I could arrange for Dusty to visit to help with your new construction project. I assume Mad Maximoto will be in charge of eco-friendly/efficient energy saving materails, with Nicolevitch mixing cement, by hand! We still expect a visit from Famiglia Rothenbueller at The island Inn in the not too, too distant future. Fondestos and Cheers to our dear, dear friends, from Oz, where the wine-tasting pourings are always on time, unlike the Swiss trains!!! Patrzzio!


PS: The Majella Riesling is finished so we have switched to a Patrick, 2011 Mother of Pearl, Sauvignon Blanc, 11%. Corkage is allowed at the Chardonnay Lodge restaurant, (This way Sarge doesn't have to worry about drinking and driving as we only need a two minute stroll from our room!), so I plan to take a Bowen Estate, 2009 Cabernet Sauvinon, 14.5%. Life on the road is extremely tough, Dear Reader!

Friday, March 30th, Day 19

If you know only one language, you're a prisoner, stuck in the tyranny of that one language. -Andrew Cohen, professor of linguistics (b. 1944)

Beautiful beach outside McLaren Vale!!















Dear Pat and Corinne:
Greetings from Sonnenblick - we are back again 

 



Dear Pat and Corinne

We hope you are all fine and ready soon to go for another long and fantastic journey. Thank you very much for your kind mails! Sorry,sorry,sorry for our long silence. First the good news, Eveline is after a long time fully back in her painting atelier and she is very happy to have her artistic life back. But for almost a year everything stood still over here due to Evelines accident with the following operations and various therapies 3 to 4 times a week at the Insel hospital (where also Simon works). She still has to go to therapies. Overall she is quite happy with the outcome but some limits will eventually remain like heavier weight lifting or long repeated movements with the right hand. We are still astonished how a simple fall can cause immense trouble for your life! We needed at lot of help from all sides.
S0 that is enough complaining otherwise we enjoy our life as far as possible with families and friends but are still slowed down to some extent. With our egg-touching Easterparty with families and friends we hope to be back again.
Besides that we are planning together with Nicolas to build a new wooden atelierhouse for us on a nearby piece of land which we could buy lately. Its a project idea which is at the time my hobby, we will see what comes out of that, at least it is fun. The boys ( and our new daughter ) are very busy as usual, Sabine is teaching bringing her children up for"secundary" school, Simon works over hours writing medical reports in the evening after treating patients during the day, Nicolas just came back from a one week architectural seminar in New York with his Prof. and should finish his ETH in one year, while Mike is during the week at Uni Basel and on weekends a firefighter in Ittigen when the bell rings.

We think of you and are a bit jealous of you and wish all of you all the best and happy Eastern, but especially bon voyage for the two of you!!!

Eveline, Heinz and Co.