Barossa Valley

Well, I'll admit I'm no wine connoisseur. I can tell a white from a red, and a sav blanc from a chardonnay with a bit of an effort. But a trip to the Barossa has been on the bucket list for a long time. 

The Barossa is Australia's oldest, and probably best known winery, about an hour east of Adelaide.Some of the vines we saw are up to 150 years old, and are reputed to be the oldest remaining in the world. The Barossa is renowned for its shiraz, but we also got to try a number of whites and port as well.

Following our day at the cricket, Matt, Bre, Ally and I left the boys to the cricket and headed off on a bus tour for the day. We visited four wineries; langmeil, Chateau Yaldara, Murry Street and Peter Lehmans. I would have also really liked to have made it to Penfolds, but I'll just have to save that until next time.

In case your wondering, the dam wall we are all looking at is known as the Whispering Wall - you stand at one end and whisper to the person at the other end of the dam wall. Lo and behold, they can hear you loud and clear. I would like to point out we hadn't had a single glass of wine at this point in the day. 

http://www.google.com.au/

Last Stand at the Oval

Our friend Ronnie first brought up the idea of going to the Adelaide Cricket test about six months ago, when he heard the ground was being upgraded and the beloved 'hill' would be gone forever. 'Why the hell not?' we thought. So the the Vintage Youth Cricket Club (and associated WAGS) headed down south for the Australia V's India 4th test. 

By lucky (or unlucky) coincidence our tickets were booked for Australia Day. This apparently means that you are required to paint yourself yellow and green, put a water melon on your head, drape a flag around yourself or any other means that make you look like a yob. We took the easy way out and just drank beer.

The Adelaide Oval is set in parklands, ringed by shady trees and stone churches. It was a pleasure to sit and while away a 34 degree day in the shade of the grandstand, with occasional forays to the heaving hill. We briefly saw Sachin Tendulkar bat, although we were not to see the 100th hundred. We were also in the crowd to see a an 'almost hatrick' by Peter Siddle. 

A tired, but happy bunch in front of the Donald Bradman statue. As fun as the day was, one was enough, and the Barossa was calling..............

A Day in the Life of a Hurdling Squad

This is my Dad's hurdling squad, who very patiently allowed me to take some photos of them a couple of months ago. It was a lovely privilege to see my Pa in action in his element. Many moons ago, I did train (albeit briefly) with this squad. Oh to be that fit again! 

Thanks again for having me for the afternoon, I hope you enjoy the photos.