9 April 2012 Rocks, trees, and wine

 You would think we had had enough of mountains in Tasmania, but no - we have returned to the mainland and gone straight to the Australian Alps, staying in Mt. Buffalo National Park. Hiking was beautiful, and we went cycling on one of the tracks. Interesting rock formations, and well groomed trails.

Mt Buffalo

This is ski country, and has some very interesting Alpine roads. Large red and Yellow poles remind you not to stray to the left or right, depending on which side the 100 metre drop is!

Alpine Road

We then went to Corowa April 4 to stay with Bobbie's friend Joanne. She has 2 children, Alana 10 and Murray 5. We enjoyed the space of staying in a house, and Murray's dancing (but not the yells). Ian (Joanne's husband) is a wine maker, and was putting in long days at the winery, as it is harvest time. It is now Easter and we are in a overflowing caravan park on the Murray River. 

Campbell's Winery

Yesterday we spent the day visiting cellar doors in the Rutherglen area sampling their wares. We visited Chambers, Calico Town (home of the Wicked Virgin olives),All Saints, and Campbell's (where Ian works). Bobbie had a very nice time sampling her favorite Durifs (petite shirah), so much so, a nap was required before dinner! Bill bought a couple of stickies - a Tokay and a Muscat, another specialty of this region.

All Saints

Today we plan to wander through one of the local historic towns, Beechworth. This was goldrush territory 150 years ago.
Our plans are thne to move onto South Australia and the Coonawara wine area, before heading over to Kagaroo Island where the penguins, seals, and whales live. BTW the island is also know for fresh produce and an active artistic community. Hope to stay there  a couple of weeks and do some exploring.