Cloud watching (Marramarra Lodge)

After a sound night's sleep, we were woken to the sound of voices. As it turned out, they were probably from the early breakfasters. Sound travels when there is precious little to compete with it. Tuesday's weather was proving to be as capricious and changeable as the previous day. We opted to breakfast al fresco in, what was at the time, sunshine. It was soon followed by light drizzle. That too didn't last before the clouds parted and so it went. Hence the title for today. We did a lot of cloud watching because they moved so fast. The song? A favourite from a favourite of ours Abby Dobson circa 2003.

The sun did come out

Just to keep Jayne guessing, I had a breakfast brioche roll which contained two foods I avoid if possible: egg and avocado (pronounced arvo-cardo in the 'fern). I didn't die, but it destroyed a good bacon roll. The service was attentive and efficient, as it has been since we arrived.

We ordered a picnic hamper for lunch in the vain belief that we would be kayaking somewhere on the Hawkesbury River to a destination to be decided. Should the weather hold of course. In the intervening period of time, I had decided we were going, not going, going, not sure, going, let's wait awhile and so it went. As I tap away at the moment we are going but the wind is now getting up ... perhaps a picnic in the boat shed would be a safer option.

Just relax and enjoy the view

And finally that was the option chosen. Our picnic was back-packed and we walked down to the boatshed where the wind was just as annoying. The backpack contained a neat little picnic set with wine glasses, well wine plastics, a corkscrew - wow, ancient artefact, but NO wine. The food was great. A quinoa, crab and beet salad, cheese, olives and crackers and chocolate and vanilla mousse with honeycomb shards. Again, I don't get it. The fridge in the boatshed was filled with beer but not a wine in sight. We've enjoyed our stay, and the staff couldn't be more effusive or responsive, but it's the little things. The finesse, Jayne would say. At Jonah's you were being finessed but you didn't notice, here you notice its absence.

Toys @ the boatshed

More toys

Post picnic lunch, the weather decided to turn again and the cloud cleared, the wind dropped and the sun shone. We opted for a couple of glasses of wine in the only place we can enjoy them, the lodge. Well, this time, the pool deck next to the lodge.

A pretty orchid on the path

We ticked the clock down, enjoying the afternoon and playing Scrabble. No, don't be concerned dear reader, we didn't keep score. Unusual I know. It was a friendly game, not our usual bloodsport battle-to-the-death event. And then the wind shifted into overdrive and we sought the relative safety of our tent, but not before we met one of the locals. He just came meandering through the pool area, unconcerned by all around him. Check out his photo.

Just popping in for a swim

The sun continued to shine as the wind picked up. The tent entered rock'n'roll mode and was buffeted from all sides. We were quite comfortable inside enjoying the view and cloud watching.

I went to dinner prepared for the sunset with both mobile phone and my camera. Neither were required, as the day slipped into night with barely a smudge of colour beyond the grey of the clouds. Dinner tonight was a five course cracker. Even jayne approved. The amuse bouche of Balmain bug was followed by ceviche of Kingfish, both were fresh and tasty. The zucchini, basil and macadamia soup was lovely, the macadamia a welcome addition and something I will use at home. The palate cleanser was a strawberry sorbet and signalled a change of wine from the NZ sauvignon blanc to a Victorian Cabernet Merlot. The main was wagyu steak accompanied by a miso and date sauce, followed up by a lemongrass creme brulee. All delightful.

Until next time