Set off from M & E about 10.30 after picking up some cider from the farm up the road. On our way Mulwala on NSW side of the river Murray and Yarrawonga on Victoria side. We stopped at Shepparton for lunch. Arrived at hotel and I had a swim and Spa lovely. I got thrashed at Canasta, might not play anymore!!! Long drive with lots of open countryside.
Sunday 1st November
We went for a drive firstly to a Farmers market at Corowa,quite small brought some smelly soap! Then onto Olive Farm in Yarrawonga had a lovely time taking all the oils,dressings, chutneys and jams.
Another photo for you Ryan a 1967 Holden
Followed by at visit to a The BIG Strawberry farm in Koonoomoo. Where we had pancakes with strawberry ice cream ,went out and picked ourselves a kilo, I did a 'Connie' and ate loads.
These town names make me laugh, Elli tells me they have Aboriginal influence.
Just got back to hotel when an enormous thunderstorm started. I waited abit after beating Elli at Canasta -just, before dashing over to pool for a swim,lots of kids so stayed in the Spa mostly.
We decided to go to the Casino for dinner,I had roast pork very English.
Monday 2nd
Left about 8.30 big drive today to Orange stopping at West Wyalong for coffee. Had a walk around Orange brought a hat for Ayres Rock! Put car through car wash as it was filthy. Hotel here fab overlooking vineyards, beautiful views lovely tuna salad and strawberries and yoghurt. Watching rabbits running around.
After breakfast and looking at some old farm machinery set off to our cottage in Leura in the heart of the Blue Mountains.
Stopped after about half hour to look at and Iris & Bee farm. Beautiful Irises so many wonderful doubled colours. Must show the guys at Trenthan when I return.
Leaving behind the blue sky's we headed into the grey mist of the mountains and the weather did not improve. Went to Tourist info centre at Echo point, Leura, to sort out what to see while we are here. Had lunch, then we found our cottage which is delightful, very comfortable and airy. Three days here. Hurrah I won at Canasta had! I stayed up and watched the film Snatch brilliant hadn't seen it in ages.
Tuesday 3rd
Has not stopped raining since we got here! So disappointing as we can not see anything of the mountains. Went to an Aboriginal Culture show this morning very good although we where in danger of being the only two in the audience until another couple came in late.
Then went on to a Quilt / Craft shop Elli was interested in. The lady in there could out talk me! She was off to UK on Saturday looking for Quilts and Samplers so we where in there over an hour, telling her of all the lovely places to go. She was so excited to have tickets to go on a Christmas tour of the house Downton Abbey is filmed from. So after all that chatter went and had lunch in Seven Sisters Chinese . We read the set menu wrong and ened up with two meat dishes and rice, no veg so abit disappointing but brought home what we could not eat, brought some Chinese broccoli and Pac Choy and will have a better meal tonight. Tried my first TimTam chocolate biscuit, you where right Diane very yummy.
We then went to visit Rick Rutherfords, a wonderful country homeward gallery. Now it has 10 showcase rooms all decorated with Christmas gifts. Elli brought loads of gifts for her friends as well as an old fashion recipe book stand for herself. Took photo of these tea cosy just for you Mum x
Rick himself was there offered to sign his Christmas book. He writes for one of the magazines here in Australia - Counrty Life.
Returned back to our cottage for a game of Canasta, back to normal lost! Please let it stop raining for tomorrow or we will have seen Jack Shit.
Wednesday 4th
Well it is still raining.Urgggg decided to go down to the town visit a Teapot Museum and browse shops, with the hope of the clouds lifting. This did not happen so went back to cottage for lunch,then low and behold the rain stopped and the clouds lifted slightly. We shot off in the car to a viewing point near Echo point and hurrah we saw the mountains. Not to brilliant but at least a view of what we came all this way to see.
The clouds once again
appeared so we went to visit The Hydro Majestic hotel, famous for its waters, idea from the baths at Matlock UK, and 'High Teas' with views. We had intended to treat ourselves but sandwiches and cake without a view - no.
Back to our cottage for a read and cooked our dinner in tonight. We are hopeful tomorrow morning may be clear and will get our last chance. But it's still pouring down.
Thursday 5th
Wonders will never cease we both woke up about 6.30 and the sun was out we showered and dressed getting in the car and down to Echo point by just gone 7am and yes we saw the Blue Mountains. It was quite magnificent and took loads of photos although my camara does not do it all justice.
After breakfast and checking out of our lovely cottage seeing a Kockabura as we left.
We headed on to another more beautiful cottage in Berrima. After stopping for lunch in Exeter. This is a delieghtful old cottage very old,wooden floor boards low doors very pretty.went our own way around the few shops that are in the town the back to raid the well stocked fridge. Bottle of wine to wash down the smocked salmon.
Watched a film called Red Dog very Australian then ready for bed after our early start.
Nearly a whole posting without food!
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