Arimia

Posted on November 7, 2017 by kathy

We had worked up an appetite with a morning walk along the spectacular Meelup Trail and lunch at Arimia had come highly recommended. Australia’s most westerly commercial vineyard, the unusual name is a blending of the owner’s daughters, Ariann and Mia. The cellar door and restaurant were airy and welcoming.

1.cellar door & restaurant 2.restaurant 3.restaurant

We chose a table on the sunny deck

4.alfresco

amid the relaxing atmosphere of the peaceful bushland setting.

5.garden

Accompanied by winery dog, Bess,

6.Bess

we took a pre prandial stroll around the immaculate grounds.

7.garden 8.garden 9.veggie patch 10.garden 11.garden 12.garden 13.alfresco

We enjoyed our delicious meals and superb wine

14.meal

under the watchful eye of Bess.

15.Bess

A perfect way to end our wonderful Margaret River experience before travelling back to Perth, a back seat snooze inevitable.

Sanur Beach

Posted on October 31, 2017 by kathy

After spending a sultry, sweaty morning at GWK Cultural Park, we sought the solace of the seaside. Sanur Beach Market Place offered a beautiful beachside location for lunch.

1.Sanur Beach Market Bar & Restaurant 2.Sanur Beach

Sanur Beach is Bali’s earliest beach resort, the golden sands a contrast to the dark volcanic grains of Seseh.

3.Sanur Beach 4.Sanur Beach

We were appalled by the condition of some dogs we had seen in Bali but this fella looked very contented in the sunshine.

5.Bali dog

A group of musical orphans wound their way through the market. I couldn’t resist a donation, although I knew it wasn’t nearly enough.

6.orphans

Suffering the worst case of cankles known to womankind, I was easily convinced to partake of a post prandial fish spa. Despite his pedal sensitivity, Michael bravely accompanied me in the experience.

7.fish spa

The tiny, toothless garra rufa fish nibble enticingly at the unwanted dead tissue on the feet, fortunately leaving the good stuff alone.

8.fish spa 9.fish spa

Time for another beer………

Seven Sheds

Posted on October 26, 2017 by kathy

The small town of Railton in northwest Tasmania is home to Seven Sheds Brewery, Meadery & Hop Garden.

1.Seven Sheds

Michael had been invited to join friend, Neil Gray, to play at this year’s Oktoberfest. Arriving early, I had the opportunity to poke around and take photos before the crowds descended. The cellar door, opened in 2008, was ready for the afternoon tasters.

2.Seven Sheds cellar door

Outside, the rustic bar offered three tasty options on tap – the deliciously golden Paradise Pale, the flagship Kentish Ale and the exquisitely rich Black Inca, infused with Peruvian cacao beans and locally grown organic oats and quinoa.

2a.the bar

The remnants of last season’s hops rested against the sky,

3.hops

while below, the hop garden awaited new plantings.

3a.hop garden

This magnificent 1912 McLaren Steam Tractor made a guest appearance for the afternoon, peacefully chugging away in the background.

The music kicked off with talented ukulele maestro, John Beck, his beaming smile and obvious enjoyment were infectious.

To complement the beverages

22.beverages

there were tempting choices of wood-fired pizzas and seafood as well as the Oktoberfest stalwart, Bratwurst.

The sun kept us company on a beautiful spring day

26.clouds

while the musicians entertained with their usual outstanding performance.

Later in the afternoon, we farewelled Annie. I expect it was a very slow drive home.

36.Annie departs

As the shadows lengthened, the punters departed and a calmness settled over Seven Sheds once more.

This was the first time I had seen or heard of John Beck and I have since learned more about his enviable lifestyle in rural Tasmania. I challenge anyone to watch this video without a smile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXk3JtlWIZY

Monks Barn Farm

Posted on October 19, 2017 by kathy

We left Marple after a leisurely breakfast, our southward journey taking us through the spectacular Peak District National Park.

1.Peak District National Park

Peak District became the first national park in the U.K. in 1951. Even on an overcast day, the scenery was breathtaking.

2.Peak District National Park

We had worked up an appetite by the time we left the park and stopped for lunch in Ashbourne at the quaint Bowling Green Inn.

3.The Bowling Green Inn, Ashbourne

We were heading for Stratford-upon-Avon to spend some time exploring Shakespeare country. Our accommodation was 2 miles from Stratford at Monks Barn Farm, a 16^th century working farm on the banks of the River Stour. The farmhouse B&B was gorgeous,

4.Monk's Barn Farm

4.Monks Barn Farm

6.Monk's Barn Farm

for some reason we were given the luxury of our own cottage.

5.Monks Barn Farm

The Grade II listed thatched barn is believed to have monastic connections, hence the name of the farm.

6.Monks Barn Farm

There were stunning views across the 100 acre farm, dotted with contented sheep quietly grazing the lush pasture.

7.Monks Barn Farm

The Greyface Dartmoor sheep were very cute and always happy to smile, “good morning”.

8.Monks Barn Farm

Meelup Trail

Posted on October 13, 2017 by kathy

Our last day in the Margaret River region dawned clear and sunny, perfect for a morning walk. The Meelup Trail starts at Old Dunsborough beach

1.Old Dunsborough Beach

and follows the coastline for 11.5 kilometres to Eagle Bay. We fortified ourselves with coffee from the Silver Bullet Espresso van, a gorgeous Airstream caravan parked at the boat ramp.

The detail in this lovely sculpture doesn’t really show in silhouette. Sculpture by the Bay is an exhibition of works held on the foreshore each March as part of the Dunsborough Arts Festival. This was the winning piece from 2015, installed near the boat ramp.

3.Dunsborough boat ramp

We walked past some beautiful homes with stunning views

4.Geographe Bay

before the trail narrowed and we were embraced by dense coastal vegetation.

5.trail

It was a bit early for most of the wildflowers,

but the magnificent Barrens Clawflower was putting on a wonderful display. Endemic to the south-west of Western Australia, the name is from the location where it was found in 1920, West Mount Barren.