Not sure about the spelling of this one, but it was played at the Italian restaurant we had dinner at tonight. More about that later.
We left home on Saturday morning, almost on time. I had intended to be on the road at 9am but a morning ride with Dan and then breakfast delayed our departure. Regardless, we were heading south on the F5 by 9:30. It was about 25° when we left the Macarthur region and the temperature climbed steadily as we headed south. Somewhere in-between Yass and Jugiong (where Richie Benaud's father was the principal at the primary school - just like you Russ) the temperature maxed out at 40°. Mind you, that is according to the gauge in the car, so it was probably hotter.
Needless to say I wasn't too keen to stop for lunch in the heat and thought we'd push on a little. Gundagai passed, then Tarcutta, where the signs of the recent fires were quite visible and the temperature hadn't really changed. So, Holbrook looked like a likely destination, particularly after the segment on one of the news programs recently that lamented the soon to be operational Holbrook by-pass.
In retrospect a by-pass for Holbrook will be a good thing because there is not much to be by-passed anyway - except the bakery. And that landlocked submarine. I actually read the plaque about why there is a submarine so far inland at one time when our children were young enough to play on it. Too long ago to remember why. Anyway, in a cunning display of marketing and positioning there is a bakery at each end of town, so, they get you coming and going. There aren't many more food options. The one cafe I remembered didn't open on Saturdays. Who'd have thought it? A place that relies on passing trade and their cafes don't open on weekends! Totally Australian. Bring on the by-pass!
So we continued on to our destination for the evening, Beechworth. We'd been to Beechworth years ago, but not to stay. This was purely to break up the drive to Mornington and we are so glad we did.
Once we had decided that Beechworth was to be the resting point I commenced looking for place to stay and as had become our practice when travelling in France and Ireland, checked Trip Advisor for the best place. Albertines was recommended and now that we have stayed there we would recommend Abertines as well. It was just delightful and a most beautiful setting. Judi and Owen, our hosts, welcomed us like family and made us feel most at home, down to organising dinner reservations.
Our accommodation, complete with sitting room was beautifully appointed. There was complimentary water and soft drinks, a shaded verandah on which to sit and relax, delightful gardens to enjoy and some delicious liqueur muscat from Rutherglen.
Sadly, we were on the road again all too soon, but we assured Judi and Owen we would be back - especially as there are so many bike tails in the area.
We left in light drizzle, a change from recent Sydney weather and headed for Wonga Park to visit Jayne's sister and her husband. After an enjoyable catch up with Libby and Steve we drove down to Mornington and our accommodation for the next week. It is an interesting place. The bedroom is loft style and the rest is down stairs. It used to be a stable for the rich people back in the day and was then a storage place for a hotel down the road. Anyway, it is lovely and is our base as we explore the peninsula.
Bagged unpacked we headed for dinner. We walked up one side of the main street - curiously and creatively named Main Street - cartographers in this country, seriously. And then down the other until we came to DOC, an Italian restaurant. Crowded. Packed, in fact, we didn't think we'd get a table, but did. We'd only been seated for a minute when the music stopped and the lights went out. I thought there'd been a power failure, but the people at the next table assured us it was something special. Then La Bamba blared over the speakers and some of the wait staff came out shaking cutlery as a be-sparklered dessert was delivered to a birthday diner.
The food was beautiful. We had a lovely meal and then braved the blustery weather to navigate the short walk home.
Tomorrow the exploration of the peninsula begins. That would be after an early morning bike ride - if it's not raining - check it out on Strava.
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