Winery Trip

13th - 14th March

Leaving Yamanto after Alayne finished work we were on our way. Quite a number of semis on the way to Warwick, no police ladies, and not much traffic on the way to Girraween, an area we hadn’t been too for years.

On arrival we found Gordon & Loraine & Kevin & Maralyn. Gordon was very pleased as they were first this time. It wasn’t long before we had Alayne’s tent up and the cabana with our tent last to be put up. WHAT A CHANGE FOR US. NO VAN. The weather was quite mild not what I expected even the kangaroos were out.

After a good night’s rest and a hot shower, the bacon and eggs cooked we had a relaxing morning waiting for the Saturday group to arrive. They soon had their accommodation erected & we had lunch before leaving to the Heavenly Chocolate shop. Yummy.

Now down to business. Many bottles were sampled & many were purchased making this a great afternoon. What a difference between the sales people. Some really made us feel welcome & they were on the ball & others couldn't care if we were there or not. I know we won’t be going to them again.
As the sun set we enjoyed coffee & biscuits at “The Tulip House” at Ballendeen before heading back to camp.

Another mild night, morning saw everyone packing up. The plan was to meet in Stanthorpe at the markets however because of the Wine & Grape festival the week earlier they were cancelled.

We chose to visit the Lavender farms via the Storm King Dam, another place that can be taken off must do list. We found ourselves in N.S.W. for a short time and at the last farm we meet a coach tour from Ipswich. After lunch at the R. S. L. we were on the home run having had a great weekend relaxing, socialising and sampling ONLY A FEW wines.

Beryl Parcell