It was a blustery day but we hedged forward into the low-lying haze and up to Mt Lofty which gives quite a nice view of Adelaide and its burbs. There were plenty of cyclists and even a footie team who had run to the top making Jen and I feel a bit bloated and out of shape. The drive to the Barossa was great with rolling windy roads, vistas of different wineries and dry hills as far as the eye could see. We made our way to the Jacob's Creek Visitors Centre which is located near Tanunda. I think they've been jaded by too many visitors as their tasting was a bit impersonal and almost fast-food like. We did find a few tasty drops though so after a spell headed out to Penfolds - just outside Nurioopta. One of the oldest wineries in Australia it definitely had a more posh feel about it with bottles of red ranging from $15 to The Grange at $605 - needless to say The Grange wasn't offered but some other reserve Cab Sav and Savoignese were there for the tasting and were reasonably priced. The Koonunga Hill Sem/Sauv Blanc hit the spot with Jen so we also picked up some of it for those warm thirsty evenings. Finally, we found Yalumba - the oldest family owned winery in Australia - it was located on a beautifully landscaped area of Angaston with a clock tower / castle like building behind. The service was very personal with wonderful tasting drops of vino to partake - we settled on the Signature Range Cab Sav/Shiraz blend from 2005 and tucked a couple away for future use. The drive back took us past one fo the longest waterpipes we've ever seen and a section of boulders well anointed with graffiti - the funniest of which simply spelled out BOOBS in capital letters! A fan like my brother! He would have had a good chuckle. The long day and drive left the kids a bit feral but we managed to get some school work out of them and then send them off to sleep.
Woke with anticipation today as Canada was up against the USA in the gold medal game at the Olympics. As I entered the office for work there was a minute left to play and Canada was up 2-1 - destiny was here! Alas - with 24 secs to go, the USA netted one and my heart sank - it had to be me - the Canucks always seem to lose when I start watching! I hustled into my office for the day and started seeing patients. After my second consult, another patient who had seen my keen eyes darting to the screen, informed me Canada had won! I was elated and it made my day! Now I just have to catch up with the replays!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hi Wade,Jen, Aidan, Cole and Piper
ReplyDeleteYour blogs have been great..we remembered some of the wineries mentioned and also we went up to Lofty Peek in 1975. The Olympics have been wonderful for Canada! Everyone will know where Vancouver and Whistler is in the world. We thoroughly enjoyed each of the 17 days..we are all feeling a bit sad the games are over. Now we will get ready for the ParaOlympic Games..we will also attend some of the events. Today we were out motor home shopping from noon until dinner time. We saw a couple of 2005 Class C units, both in good shape, but the one with the gas engine was larger and definitely more spacious and with a few more conveniences. We also want to see another 2007 that is on the market, but the owner indicated he has an offer subject to financing so will be willing to talk if the deal falls through. We also had a letter from Hyundia today wanting us to trade our vehicles and offering up to $5,000 in discounts. We tried to phone you to see if you were interested in a Hyundia, but no one answered. Check out the Veracruz on line as it is probably the only one large enough for you, but the Santa Fe is also probably large enough. We could make the deal for you. The deadline on this offer is March 31st. If we buy a motor home I may want to get a smaller car that could be towed behind. It still has to be big enough to haul golf clubs.
Today is March 1st and the weather has been pretty mild. There is no snow on the cut at Grouse and I haven't used my Seniors pas yet this winter and may not get to use it. I have messed up my left knee recently, so can't ski anyway until it gets better, hopefully soon just in case March goes out like a lion.
Brad was here last thursday night as he came in with his company for a few days of the Olympics and spending some time in Sask House and at some major events like the USA/Can hockey game and the closing ceremonies. It was good to see him and he is fine and doing well. Besides Can doing well at hockey we also did well in several other events and we witnessed Christine nesbitt winning Gold and saw Switzerland win Bronze in curling. Only watched canada win on T-V, but that was great too.
Not much eles to report here, except that next Sunday we have the Foster family, Kailey and Brad, Craig and Megan and Errol and Meaghan all participating in a curling event with us, followed by dinner back at our house. Nothing changes, big parties are still part of our routine. It should be fun.
The stockmarket is behaving fairly well and the Can. economic outlook seems to be improving. Even Bank stocks have been going up so maybe your kids will be able to go to University after all. I think their portfolios are making some money these days. Bombardier has signed a huge contract so it may do well as well and Metro is doing just fine.
Your Mom is talking on the phone to an old school friend from Assiniboia, who has lived for years in California and has been up here for the Olympics and visiting some friends. I don't think we'll get to see her as she is heading back on Wed. morning.
Your travels are certainly interesting and we hope everyone is fine. Give Aidan, Cole and piper a Big Hug from both of us.
Take care.
Dad & Mom