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.

Dear Pat and Corinne:

Greetings from Sonnenblick - we are back again

 

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.

Thursday, March 29th, Day 18

There is a foolish corner in the brain of the wisest man. -Aristotle, philosopher (384-322 BCE)

McLaren Vale Escarpment

Hello Gail and Jack!

Trust you are both well. Having a blast here in Oz. Up at 7:30am this morning to find Trevor already in the kitchen. I was just preparing my latte (an early morning "homage" to friend Ragin' who always wants to stop for coffee while riding!), when Flamin' joined us. Takes a bit longer for milk to be ready and I was waiting for beaker of it to be frothed by nifty mini-whirlygig, (Whirlygig, another regular cyclist, is always in mind, in spirit if not body!), gizmo attachment that is part of the unit and Flamin' asked me why I was standing around as my beverage of choice was obviously ready. I elucidated the situation but she insisted I was wrong until Trevor gently mentioned that what I said was in fact true. Undeterred, she bulled me out of the way and proceeded to put a fresh cartridge in the dispenser and pushed the button to start the infusion process. Of course, she had neglected to put a bodum under the nozzle so jets of java were fireworking everywhere, Tina's freshly swabbed kitchen floor, (after previous wonderful evening's 65th bash for Trevor), awash now with a tsunami of the finest dark roast! Somehow this was all my fault. The Sisterhood, Always Right, Never at Fault!!! No wonder Trevor was up early, hoping to rid #17 Fairview Park of the Cannuckleheads!

The Goils, with all their newspaper and magazine iPod apps have been keeping The Travelling Gong show reasonably well informed of events back home. Not that their devices would ever be charged if I didn't keep them plugged in whenever we have an accessible power source, particularly when not staying with friends like TNT. Wonder if you'll hear about Sarge's latest RCMP gaff in the Canadian/American media. He was arrested for drunk and disorderly behaviour at Trevor's 65th birthday bash last evening by one John Parry, a retired senior SAPOL, (South Australian Police), officer with over 40 years service for arguing with him about the best way to drive to Mornington Peninsula. He handcuffed Sarge and locked him in the shed at the bottom of the garden to sleep off his overhang! If the Brown snakes or red-backs don't get him, we'll head to McLaren Vale around 10:00am this morning!

Hello Goils!

Trust you are both well. Gather you two might be reminded just how expensive it is to live, Ayn with Los Horridos back at home for a week, Chloe without her parents to foot the food bill!

We left TNT's place at around 11:00am and due to heavy city traffic, exacerbated by road work, didn't actually make it to McLaren Vale until just after noon. Checked into our caravan park, unloaded car and then went into town to scope bike rentals. I decided to pay $40 for my bike so that I could ride this afternoon and all day tomorrow. Flamin' and Sarge will pick up their bikes tonight at 6:00pm, just before Oxygen Cycle closes so that they can ride around 7:30am tomorrow morning when it is cooler. Minimum $15 for three hours, $5/hour thereafter. Not sure when their meter will start ticking. They wanted to go to the beach for an hour or so, (Apparently the best "unclad" beach in all Australia is not far from McLaren Vale!), and then return to pick up Cora Lee and do some wine tasting. She was content to sit by pool and read and rest her foot.

I rode the short distance from town to our caravan park and changed into cycling gear and then headed south to smaller town of Willunga along the hiraz Trail, a simply marvellous dedicated, bitumen bike path, through outskirts of McLaren Vale and then vineyards. Gorgeous views of the hills surrounding the valley floor. Very green here, more so than further north in Clar and Barossa. Once I hit Willunga, 7K, I cycled up and down the main street and then retraced my steps back towards McLaren Vale, doing a short dipsy-doodle to the right along an aunpaved road for about half a kilometer. According to a posted map it was another bicycle/walking route but I didn't pursue it once it met a busy road. (Will take a look at some of the maps we picked up at the Tourist Info Centre we stopped at upon arriving in town when I'm back from ride and see if it offers a longer route.)

Back past caravan park and then on to the Tourist Info Centre, where I am currently sending this message from, using the free WiFi, sipping an iced late! Unfortunately, our caravan park doesn't have Internet access so will have to drown my sorows in local hootch! Once I've sent a few more messages I plan to cycle a bit further north, again following the Shiraz Trail for a bit and then will branch off to the west to take a look at Moana Sands Beack. Apparently, there is an esplande there, with a separate bike path, alongside, so it might be a pleasant ride tomorrow morning with your parents. Not sure what plans are for dinner. Gang may have scoped a restaurant from talking to locals while tasting. Otherwise, we often pick up something at butcher's and green grocer's and prepare our own meal in kitchen and/or communal bbq. Latter is most enjoyable as you have a chance to meet other people and no corkage for wine we drink!

Fondestos and Cheers, Dad!

HI D,

didn't save message, but i'm pretty sure it was Bill Lester but oh well???

will call Branko, haven't yet, whats the deal with bag of stuff for him??? beer is for him and there is something for someone else??

have not been able to catch Bernie so no news on the cheque. love you

Hi Maggie and Chloe!

Thanks for the positive criticism but "Dear Reader" is a convention that early writers of the novel employed and I like it! Phone number for Branko is in address book on phone under Ragin. Ask him about printing from laptops as I'd like that function to work. Don't know any Bill Linster. Could it be Dempster of Gross? Is message still in voice mail? Also, please ask Bernie, across the hall, if he knows anything about our cheque for $750 for Strata Council. Your Mother put it throught the mail slot in room down hallway from us before we left but cheque has not yet been cleared by bank. Let us know as soon as you can.

Had a wonderful time in the Clare Valley, Dear Reader!


Hi again Prince Valiant!

Can hardly wait for the Cross-Canada Diaries! Will be a rand trip with Princess Megan. Will she ride in the vack seat and wave at the locals as you pass through North Bay, Sudbury, Blind River, Marathon and the like? Hello to Clan Darrow, Big Bad Dennster, Roger the Dodger, et al!!! All the best with your studies for finals. Buona Fortuna with exams you take. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Ron!

Enjoyed the Edmonton snowscape! Quite a marked difference from SA! (Couldn't open your zip file on my iPad but will try to do so when next I have access on a laptop. All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Michelle!

Greetings from wine country, about an hour south of Adelaide! Obviously, we won't be at the Alumni event as Corinne and I left Vancouver on March 5th for a week in Hong Kong, then on to Sydney for a week. Met close friends in Melbourne and have been travelling with them ever since, in a rented car. Will make our way to Brisbane and then fly from there to Cairns, then Darwin and then back to Sydney. On May 11th we fly to Japan for three weeks before returning to Vancouver on May 31st. Trust you are well. Best wishes to others at the gathering. Hope all goes well. Cheers, Patrick!

Hi Patrick:

Oh, I do enjoy these missives from the travelling duo. Sigh. I'm also very jealous.
Have a wonderful time, say G'day for me, and dip a toe in a jellyfish-risky place just because life is short.
Cheers to Corinne! And I'll forward along to the executive committee with alacrity. Michelle
Avulse yourselves from your inebriated ways!

Hello Ron!

Enjoyed the Edmonton snowscape! Quite a marked difference from SA! (ouldn't open your zip file on my iPad but will try to do so when next I have access on a laptop.) We left TNT's place at around 11:00am and due to heavy city traffic, exacerbated by road work, didn't actually make it to McLaren Vale until just after noon. Checked into our caravan park, unloaded car and then went into town to scope bike rentals. I decided to pay $40 for my bike so that I could ride this afternoon and all day tomorrow. Flamin' and Sarge will pick up their bikes tonight at 6:00pm, just before Oxygen Cycle closes so that they can ride around 7:30am tomorrow morning when it is cooler. Minimum $15 for three hours, $5/hour thereafter. Not sure when their meter will start ticking. They wanted to go to the beach for an hour or so, (Apparently the best "unclad" beach in all Australia is not far from McLaren Vale!), and then return to pick up Cora Lee and do some wine tasting. She was content to sit by pool and read and rest her foot.

I rode the short distance from town to our caravan park and changed into cycling gear and then headed south to smaller town of Willunga along the hiraz Trail, a simply marvellous dedicated, bitumen bike path, through outskirts of McLaren Vale and then vineyards. Gorgeous views of the hills surrounding the valley floor. Very green here, more so than further north in Clar and Barossa. Once I hit Willunga, 7K, I cycled up and down the main street and then retraced my steps back towards McLaren Vale, doing a short dipsy-doodle to the right along an aunpaved road for about half a kilometer. According to a posted map it was another bicycle/walking route but I didn't pursue it once it met a busy road. (Will take a look at some of the maps we picked up at the Tourist Info Centre we stopped at upon arriving in town when I'm back from ride and see if it offers a longer route.) Back past caravan park and then on to the Tourist Info Centre, where I am currently sending this message from, using the free WiFi, sipping an iced late! Unfortunately, our caravan park doesn't have Internet access so will have to drown my sorows in local hootch!

Once I've sent a few more messages I plan to cycle a bit further north, again following the Shiraz Trail for a bit and then will branch off to the west to take a look at Moana Sands Beack. Apparently, there is an esplande there, with a separate bike path, alongside, so it might be a pleasant ride tomorrow morning with your parents. Not sure what plans are for dinner. Gang may have scoped a restaurant from talking to locals while tasting. Otherwise, we often pick up something at butcher's and green grocer's and prepare our own meal in kitchen and/or communal bbq. Latter is most enjoyable as you have a chance to meet other people and no corkage for wine we drink!



Discovered, upon return, that Goils had picked up a variety of cheeses and spreads and crackers so we nibbled on those as we sipped: Sevenhill 2011 Inigo Chenin Blanc, 12.5%, Claymore 20011 Joshua Tree Riesling, 11.5%, (This was only white I tasted as my loyal friends had finished the CB by the time I was back from my ride!); Sevenhill 2010 Inigo Grenache, 15.5%. We opened the latter to fortify ourselves for the half hour walk into town and to The Barn, the spot the Threesome had made a reservation for dinner that afternoon.

We left the cabin at 7:00am, taking a shortcut through the grounds, (Sarge had scoped it earlier), to connect with the Shiraz Trail and followed it into town and then along main street to restaurant itself. Wonderfully comfortable space and not too busy so we joined about five other sets of diners outside, on the covered patio. I took a look at the extensive collection of local wines but it was my considered opinion that the two wines we'd muled were just as interesting and far more reasonably priced, in spite of $10/btl corkage fee, than most of the offerings we might consider. Group concurred and we started with a Maxwell 2010 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, 13.5%. I hadn't tasted it so I was more than delighted with its balance and flavour, lemon and melon and just the right touch of minerality. I had a green salad with balsamic dressing before the kangaroo filet. Both were simple but simply delicious. The Tim Adams 2008 Reserve Cabernet Malbec, 14.5%, paired poifectly with Skippy. For dessert we shared two lemon curd tarts. Paying our bill, we thanked our attentive and friendly waiter, a student at U of Adelaide, and walked slowly home. Sky was filled with stars but nights-cape was not nearly as spectacular as one we'd been dazzled by in Clare. Still, impressive.

Back in the cabin, Sarge poured the Grenache for The Sisterhood and we attempted to do battle with the Edradour, putting a fair dint in its 56.2% full metal jacket body armour before everyone repaired to bed to read. Since there was a line-up for the bathroom I did a few dishes before brushing and flossing. By the time I was ready to follow Inspector Villani through sweltering summer days, (bush fires burn across the state), on the mean streets of Melbourne, Coriandre was well away in Dreamsville, near the border of Snoresville, so I read a few chapters to the symphonic snores until I was bludgeoned to sleep by the not so gentle strains of her stentorian snorts and whistles!

To be continued....

All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!

P,

Thanks for the pics. What a handsome crew – how did you ever get into the country?

The suit against Hungie is underway and will prove to be a piece of cake. Everyone at VLT, especially Captain Marvel, has already signed up. It is turning into a Hungie class action suit. Even Ray is willing to testify to his malevolence – and that is only part of the suit.

Big Al may be able to weld the frame so I have room for optimism on that front.

Mark is hiding somewhere. Te NRBC is poised to meet at Moe`s on the 15^th. Let me know if you will be Skypable then.

Avulse yourselves from your inebriated ways. You are making us righteous moss-heads even greener.

Fond regards to you C and all the crew. W

 Hi Elly:

We just left Adelaide and arrived in McLaren Vale. We leave here on Sat and head toward Sydney. Looking forward to being at your place on Mon the 9th of April.  Wayne

G'day Wayne

The mention of Adelaide brings back some memories having been born their in the last century. Nice place visit wouldn't want to live there. How's all the driving going ? Are the back seat passengers behaving themselves ?

Yes all is in readiness for your arrival on the 9th, I've organised slaughtered of the fatted lamb in anticipation. In addition rose petals will be scattered on the driveway to herald your arrival. The beer is cold and red wine is warm.

Safe driving, Tony 


Hi all.

Here is some information I am passing along to those of you on our
group e-mail address. These issues were discussed at our lunch yesterday.

Nadine

1. Basil.
Here is the blog giving updates re Basil: http://basilupdate.blogspot.com

2. Reminder.
Our group e-mail address was set up for all of us to use as needed:
lib-emeritus@interchange.ubc.ca

3. UBC Association of Professors Emeriti.
Here is their web address: www.ubcemeriti.org

You can use this address to access their newsletters. There are
about 6 per year. As I mentioned at the lunch, the Association has
an influence on benefits that we get from UBC so you might want to
check their newsletters regularly if you don't already receive them
as a member.

4. Basil's message read at the lunch.

Here is the text:

Dear Colleagues:

I'm sorry I can't be with you today and thankful to my reader [Bill
Watson] for lending me his voice. There are a few things that I have
been reviewing in my mind and which I am overdue in conveying to you.

In the sixties and seventies the library underwent a period of rapid
growth that we all experienced in individual ways. Only at a
distance can we see how our collective efforts combined to create a
research library worthy of the name "University Library"; the
emphasis being on the root word "universe".

Being closely involved in these developments, lost in detail, you may
not have been aware of the scale of your joint efforts, under several
intertwining themes.

First, collections, that in two decades doubled, passed a million
volumes and went on to double again. For a time, we were blessed
with financial resources that allowed us to buy whatever we liked and
to say "yes" to any faculty request. The end result was one of the
finest academic collections on the continent, built on millions of
your individual choices.

Second, yours was the generation that introduced the library to the
computer, and vice versa. In the sixties rudimentary applications
began to appear. These were aimed at managing routine tasks, such as
circulation. Remember those huge blue terminals, the wide floppy
printouts, all in capitals, the clangorous keypunch room, the
sequestered mainframe computer with its spinning tapes? Decades on
we had desktop computers and information retrieval. We all had to
learn about systems and to guide their development. You were part of
the so-called information revolution, though you may not have known
it when it was happening.

Third, you were involved in the dispersal of collections and public
services, bringing them closer to users in a campus ever-expanding
southward. Two decades of construction resulted in a network of
thirteen or so branches and divisions, and I can't remember how many
reading rooms. From a distant perspective we can now see that this
was a simple reflection of the growth and fragmentation of knowledge
itself. Again, all this was your work.

Fourth, and finally, you stepped into the shoes of UBC's first
generation of librarians, such capable pioneers as Dorothy Jefferd,
Eleanor Mercer, Mabel Lanning, Roland Lanning, Anne Smith. Starting
around 1960 we began to recruit specialist librarians, individuals
who were versed in foreign languages, trained in specific subject
fields, possessed of specialized skills. I try to visualize all of
you, librarians, library assistants, archivists, systems analysts,
programmers, gathered together in one place, probably the size of a
hanger, and I am staggered by the breadth and depth of knowledge you
represent. You are a national treasure.

I hope you enjoy a deep sense of satisfaction when you contemplate
your contributions to the developments I have outlined. I can tell
you that I am very proud and beyond fortunate to have worked with
you. It was my good luck to have stumbled into librarianship at what
proved to be a very exciting, challenging and rewarding time. May
you all be able to say the same on behalf of yourselves.

Thank you for being such wonderful colleagues.

Warmest regards, Basil, March 2012

Wed, March 28th, Day 17, Trev's 65th Birthday!!!

We are like tenant farmers chopping down the fence around our house for fuel when we should be using Nature's inexhaustible sources of energy -- sun, wind and tide. ... I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don't have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that. -Thomas Edison, inventor (1847-1931)

Hello, all –

If anyone attending the retirees’ lunch would like to sign a group card

for Basil, I will try to find a suitable one (no commercial message) and

bring it along.

Nadine advises that rime may be limited for this, especially between
1 p.m. and the end of the program, but it does seem worth doing.

Looking forward to seeing you there – Elsie

Hello, Elsie and All:

By all means, do bring along a well-being card for Basil. 

I and many others will want to sign it and pass along our best wishes to him.

Basil was instrumental for so many of us beeing involved in the UBC Library .

As usual, I have no idea what Basil's health issues are , but I would like to convey my best wishes to him.

I think the card should be placed ahead of all other programs and signed by as many of us as possible.

thank you for thinking of this.

Sincerely, Paul Thiele

!
Good morning from Adelaide, Beckster! Literally just made myself my own latte with nifty Nespresso machine at Tina's/Trevor's. Flamin' and Sarge are off to the gym with Trevor shortly. I plan to swim at Tea Tree Gully pool later. Fab  50 metre swimming complex with a number of smaller pools for swim lessons, etc. Hardly anybody else there when I have been swimming so feel like The Millionaires with my own personal lifeguard! Fondestos and Cheers to you and Kid Chelene, Patrizzio!

Cheers Pat.
 
Had Dinner with the Darrows this previous Thursday. It was Roger the Dodger's 51st birthday. Big Den was telling stories of you after I mentioned your current travels with my parents.
All are well on the east coast. Two weeks tomorrow I leave for the home front. Should be a great trip. Princess Megan will join me in Montreal for the trip. We should arrive back n BC in close proximity to your return. Will have the diaries prepared. -PV


> Hello from France,
> 
> On Thursday morning we left Arras and headed north to Vimy
> Vimy was an imposing, austere, and even eerie monument.
> The site is maintained by the Canadian government,
> and the tour guides are all Canadian university students.
> We saw the monument, and the tunnels used to take the
> soldiers to the front line trenches.
> 
> Our next stop was Ypres.  Ypres (or Ieper) is an old Belgian city
>  with a huge WW I memorial gate for falle
> British Empire soldiers.  Every night at 20:00 thhey have a last
> post ceremony - they have done this daily since WW I.
> 
> After the ceremony, we went for supper at a Belgian pub, then
> headed back to the hotel for some wine, etc.
> We finished the day with a 2010 Col de la Remiere Coteaux
> du Languedoc (Yummy) and some Calvados.
> 
> Friday was a lot of driving through picturesque French countryside.
> We made it to  Rouen around 1:30 and saw the magnificent old (1170)
> cathederal and the medieval half-timbered buildingds.
> Lots of gargoyles in this town.
> 
> Booked into our hotel in Ouistreham, and then went to Juno Beach.
> Walked around a bit and then went back to the hotel for dinner.
> Lonely Planet considered La Mare O Poissons to be the only place in Ouistreham
> worth eating at. I  had scallops as an appetizer (Jo-Anne had prawns) and we
> both had a roasted fish as a main.  Dessert was apple in pastry with
> Calvados and home-made ice cream.   All in all, it was a fabulous meal.
> Don and Ruyun had the same main, but Ruyun had oysters as an appetizer
> and a chocolate cake dessert.
> 
> Completely sated, we retired to our room for a post-prandial Calvados and
> a glass of Chateau Champs de Lucas 2009 Bordeaux..
> 
> Saturday started with breakfast at the hotel, and after packing up, we
> headed back to Juno Beach to see the museum.  It is a very worthwhile
> stop.
> 
> After the museum, we went to Bayeaux, where we walked around the cathedral.
> We had a quick lunch stop, and then saw the famous Bayeaux tapestry.
> It is amazing!!!  A nearly 1000 year old piece of cloth in near perfect
> condition - and it is nearly 70 metres long!!!!
> 
> We left Bayeaux and went to Mont St. Michel - an always amazing sight.
> We looked around the old town and the abbey, and then looked for a place
> to eat.  Then it was pup-out time.
> 
> Today we headed to Chartres via an old medieval city called Fargeau (?).
> This place should be more known than it is, as it is well worth a visit.
> 
> We reaches Chartres, and after checking into our hotel, (and having some wine -
> a La Tour Coste 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape) went to the
> magnificent cathedral.  We stayed for evening vespers, and the crossed
> the square to get food.
> 
> Tomorrow we are on to Fontainbleau.
> 
> -Colin


Hello Kids!

Wonderful to hear from ryou and hear about your most fascinating travels in France. Sarge is more than envious as he wanted to visit the Vimy and Juno Beach when we were in Paris in 2010 but hadn't the time.

Tuesday, March 27th, Day 16

It has been said that a pretty face is a passport. But it's not, it's a visa, and it runs out fast. -Julie Burchill, writer and journalist (b. 1959) 

A Jobian SnowGram

Hello Kids!

Wonderful to hear from Prince Valiant that he missed The Diaries! 

Did just a smidgeon over 3 miles yesterday, 5K. Trevor picked me up at 3:30pm, 29C! Best wishes from Flamin'/Sarge and Cora Lee to one and all Fondestos and Cheers, Il Conduttore!!!

Dear Patrick,

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


Hi Daniel!

Trust all is well with you. Have been having a blast everywhere, ever since
leaving Hong Kong.


Card for Basil at Wednesday Lunch!

Hi Elsie!

Greetings from Adelaide! Obviously, I won't be at the lunch but if you could sign the card for Basil, on my behalf, that would be much appreciated. Corinne and I left Vancouver on March 5th for a week in Hong Kong, then on to Sysdney for a week. Met close friends in Melbourne and have been travelling with them ever since, in a rented car. Will make our way to Brisbane and then fly from there to Cairns, then Darwin and then back to Sydney. On May 11th we fly to Japan for three weeks before returning to Vancouver on May 31st. Trust you are well. Best wishes to others at the luncheon. Thanks and Cheers, Patrick!

Hi Big Al! Great to hear from you an know that your new venture is going so well, along with working with former friends. Computer assisted design, etc., is exciting. Great that you are taking advantage of this exciting technology. I trust you'll be the New Millionaires by the time we return. The ShapeOmetre should be in full production by the time we are back in Vancouver!!! Will let you know our details for Brisbane as soon as I confirm with rest of gang. I think, however, that we may well have enough overlap to get together, depending on your work schedule, of course. Anyway, hope it doees work out. Literally just made myself my own latte with nifty Nespresso machine at Tina's/Trevor's. Flamin' and Sarge are off to the gym with Trevor shortly. I plan to swim at Tea Tree Gully pool later. Fab 50 metre swimming complex with a number of smaller pools for swim lessons, etc. Hardly anybody else there when I have been swimming so feel like The Millionaires with my own personal lifeguard! Did four miles there last Saturday and then 2.5.33 miles yesterday! Trevor's 65th today so big family/friends party this afternoon/evening so should be fun. Teens is a wonderful cook so food will be something else. Plenty of terrific hootch from our recent tastings so looking forward to sharing our discoveries. Hi Maggie and Chloe! Any word from Ragin'? Hi Raymond! Great to hear from you but sorry to hear about your colds. Trust you are both over them by now. Say hello to Mick and Polly when you next see them. Hope that you are able to ride in next little while. You are right, with all the eating and drinking, I'll be last one climbing Heather! Glad garden is coming along. Sorry we'll miss blssoms. Your books sound fascinating. You can't have much time to read between "farming" and hosting friends! Good luck with oven. Always something to go wrong when you least expect it! Hi Kjell and Jane! Pleased to hear you are both well. I take it you are looking at property on Vancouver Island. Is that correct? Never heard of Gray Fox but price is right idf you like it. Funnily enough, we paln to visit a winery in McLarenn Vale called Fox Creek, one of our favourites. Will leave for there tomorrow morning, for two nights before making for Mornington Peninsula.

Did just a smidgeon over 3 miles today, 5K. Trevor picked me up at 3:30pm, 29C! Time to change before guests arive. Best wishes form Flamin'/Sarge adn Cora Lee to you both. I guess you will be returning to Sweden shortly. Safe journey. Cheers, Patrizzio!!!


Hi Kasimir and Boithday Goil, to be!

Pleased to hear you are both wel and enjoying the Lives of the Rich and Famous at Harrison Hot Springs! Take a vidoe of party and we'll watch it upon our return!  Best wishes from Cora Lee to you both. Hello to Barry G. when nex you pummel him on court! Cheers, Il Conductore!!!!

Hello Whirlissimo!

Wonderful to hear from you but deeply saddened to learn of all your many and trying woes. My sun-drenched heart goes out to you for all your considerable troubles. For moss removal, I will post some bottled sunshine, apply liberally to affected areas, take a dram of malt and call me in the morning!!! The 'Oribble Hungie Syndrome is a bit more difficult to deal with as we have our own VLT mole along. (Did you manage to play in tourney?) Best wishes form Flamin'/Sarge and Cora Lee to Kerry, Tia Maria and you. I guess you will be filing a suit against Captain Marvel. Perhaps Sandy, Ragin's ex could represent your class action! How is Marcus Aurelius? NRBC? Fondestos and Cheers, Il Conduttore!

PS: I'm sending this as well as one from my iPad, with snap attached. Let me know if you receive it five times!!!