Barossa Valley
Off the Ferry @ 2.30 and put the address for Barossa Valley
Tourist Park into Mrs G and headed north alongside the very inviting blue
waters of St Vincent Gulf. We passed the area that had been burnt by the fairly
hot but fortunately not widespread fire we’d seen earlier in the trip and continued
though very dry farmland passing the only apiary we’d seen. If beekeeping was
too hot for the Apiarist around Narooma it would have been unbearable in SA!
Our ETA was 5.30pm and we’ d told the receptionist that we
expected to arrive by 6.30 when we booked. As it turned out one wrong turn and
the fact that most of the roads going through Adelaide we being repaired/
restructured/ rebuilt added a frustrating hour to the trip. Not one of our
fondest memories of 2013 South Australia!
Arrived after the office had closed and we interrupted the
owner who was getting ready for BBQ tea but was happy to give us directions to
the unpowered camping area. We had our choice of sites as we were the only
occupants of that area and we were able to select a site that was at deep long
on (we were right next to the cricket ground). Set up the tent, used the
Tourist Park’s washing machines, relaxed with some nibbles and wine before
dinner, bed and some well earned (especially for the pilot) sleep!
Awoke to an overcast but calm morning, broke our fast, hung
washing, watched the junior cricketers warming up for the final’s match and
headed off to the Barossa Farmers Market at nearby Angaston.
Drove all of ten minutes to the very popular market. The
drive was well and truly worth it as we were overwhelmed with variety of
condiments, breads, fresh foods, dressings, sauces etc. Tasted lots, bought
some and envisioned making most of what was on offer in the two pleasant hours
of roaming! The coffee on offer was almost worth travelling back for!!
Home via the Nuriootpa Library where some of the blog
(WOMADelaide) was posted while the Educator was buying more everyday
provisions. More importantly she gained more information (including the BEST
campsite) for our stay in the Flinders Ranges.
Local Libraries are a good, cheap and workable alternative
for Internet access and you don’t need to buy a Big Mac or drink some ordinary
coffee while going online. Finished blogging left and returned to the tent site
in time to unload and marvel at our Market purchases and have lunch while
watching the cricket.
Next was a favourite not only for the product but also for
the wonderful, attentive, knowledgeable service from the family. Gibson’s wine
is great and judging by the Gibson’s we have met so is the family. Their Dirt
Man Shiraz is a favourite and their many other varieties wonderful! Left both
wineries with more for the cellar if it makes it home; travelling is thirsty
work!
Next stop was at a winery that will only be remembered for
the fact that they wanted us to pay for tastings! We paid for the tastings and didn’t
purchase at all. Both the Apiarist and the Educator enjoy tasting wine but
neither enjoys paying for the privilege. It is unusual for them to leave empty
handed but in this case there was something that is unusual for the Barossa.
Nothing worth buying!!
We finished on a high with an extended tasting at the well
hidden Glenrock Creek Wines including tasting of wines up to $192 value. NO
CHARGE FOR TASTING HERE. Instead we walked away with a scrumptious $30 Shiraz.
Arrived back at the tent in time to see the cricketer’s day
one post mortem underway and the pitch being covered. We were in full
agreement, called for drinks and (late) afternoon tea before cooking home made
pasta with kasoundi, onions, capsicum & pepperoni. Yum!
The earlier intermittent showers were long gone and sound
sleep was a reward for a hard (lol) day!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment