As
we didn’t get to bed til 3am I had a nice sleep in. Tom cooked a hot breakfast
on the BBQ while I rang Sandy in Geelong for a chat.
The
sky is blue and clear – a change from cloudy Cairns. Met Tom’s neighbour whose
job is to watch the computers that control the big gas pipelines. Tom and I
played a few games of Skipbo – I won the first one but lost the next two. Quite
hot in the sun (38 degrees) but there is a good breeze in the shade.
Mickey
and Chris arrived so said farewell to Tom and we headed out of Perth towards
Toodyay.
We
stopped at Coorinja Wines which is a small winery and sheep farm. They make
some fabulous ports which we have enjoyed at Chris and Mickey’s. The owner,
Michael, greeted us and chatted about the recent centenary celebrations – they had
300 people here then a private one for 190 people. They have a 10 year old port
for the centenary which we tasted and Chris purchased. We checked out some very
old vats which Michael thinks are from the 1960s but as the winery has had a few different winemakers over the 100 years he isn’t sure what is in some of them. He
gave us a taste of a 1966 liqueur musquat which was fabulous. It was so thick
it hung to the side of the glass – unfortunately it is not for sale. He also
had a special 1960s port which was very nice too.
Michael
got us a rickety ladder (he thinks it must be 100 years old too) so we could sign
our names on the big beams.
There
is a natural spring nearby and some old basket presses outside.
We
continued on admiring the countryside of wheat fields. Harvest is underway.
Turned
off the main road to find Jennacubbine Tavern. It was only 2.30pm and there was
no one around. Eventually Mickey found one of the staff and we got our room
keys. Nice units like Mickey’s. As it was quite hot we got the air conditioners
going and relaxed until the tavern opened at 4pm.
Rang
Steve – he is getting up early as the dogs are missing their Mum and Dad and
are whinning very early. He mowed the lawn yesterday and washed the car today.
Will wash the van tomorrow so we are ready to go on Monday. Steve chatted with
Erica this morning – they are in Bundaberg. All good at Woodgate as they had
rung a neighbour and the house was ok.
Ray
rang back has I had tried to get him and Carol so check they were ok in
Woodgate with all the fires. They were fine, just a lot of smoke.
Nice
old inn which was part of a small township of Jennacubbine that was mostly a
tent town when the railway was coming through. There are still a couple of
houses and the old CWA hall. Chatted with Becky and young Irish lady who is
exploring Australia with her friend. They are doing their 3 months rural work
here so they can get the 12 month’s extension to their visa.
One
of the local farmers was having a drink and he brought in some yabbies to show
Becky – she was a vegetarian so wasn’t too impressed that someone eats them.
More
farmers arrived and a heap of young guys who were all in to watch a boxing
match between a retired AFL player and a NRL player. Unfortunately the pub
owner didn’t turn the channel over in time and they only got to see the last
two rounds of the 6 round match which ended up a draw any case.
We
ordered our steak dinners which the chef cooked perfectly. The meat was so
tender. Nice salads and potato bake too. Took our drinks back to our rooms as
it was quite rowdy in the bar. Still very warm so I went back to my room for a
shower and to read my book.
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