Walkers: Coralie, Diane D, Diane P, Fiona, Helen, Irene, Ken, Linda, Marg, Peter, Rosalie, Sandra (leader)
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Report:
After setting up their tents at the Dunkeld Campground, Coralie, Di D and Di P visited us at Ararat. Helen, coming from Rutherglen, detoured to our place. Then we moved on to Great Western to see Val's scarecrow - "Charlotte's Web" exhibited at Garden Gully Vineyard. Thirty eight artistic pieces were on display and Val's creation was a highlight in the collection: a huge web woven between two tall gum trees with the spider lurking, one crow already captured!
Touring to Dunkeld, we kept a lookout for the large flock of handsome brolgas in a paddock that had stopped the girls earlier that day. Ken and I missed that spectacle.
Sandra had booked our large table for twelve at the Gourmet Galley at Dunkeld which offered fine dining. Conversation, laughter and wine flowed easily.
In the morning Helen photographed the assembled bike riders, Sandra set us on the back roads out to Corea Winery and a couple of cars travelled the 17km road for us to transport any/all the purchases. We were all welcomed by an outdoor fire but we hurried inside, lured by the aroma of red grapes fermenting in the large open vat. Cee Blackwell poured generous wine samples served with tasty nibbles. Then three pots of steaming, fragrant soups were served with continued wine tasting. Lovely.
Full tummies and carefree spirits weren't enough to keep us warm on the ride back as by now it was raining steadily and a cold wind was blowing. The mountains were shrouded by low grey cloud. Warm showers at the campground were appreciated.
We gathered again at the camp Barbeque for a good evening meal, then retreated gratefully to the warmth of Sandra's holiday house to settle in for an episode of "Doc Martin".
During the weekend we mixed in walks up the Piccaninny, Mt Sturgeon and/or meanders around the scenic Arboretum.
A wonderful weekend together at Dunkeld and thank you Sandra for organising the happy event.
Marg
PS Val's scarecrow was judged "The most appealing Scarecrow". Husband Leo shares the trophy as assembling the exhibit was an engineering feat. Congratulations!
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