Pepper's Resort Craigieburn, Bowral. NSW

We are on the road again on our way to an Army reunion in Gympie in Queensland.  We decided to take our time and to visit some places we  have not been to for many years.  Australia has many pretty and historic places to vist so we decided to have an evening at Pepper's Resort, Bowral in the Southern Highlans of NSW.
The property is very old and has several owners over the years.  Originally it was built as a Gentleman's Country Residence in 1887 by Alexander Maxwell a Sydney merchant.

The reason for the purchasing the land was that Sydney badly needed fresh milk and it just so happened that the direct rail line had just been completed from Bowral to Sydney.  The surrounding land was ideal for raising dairy cattle so this was a good business proposition for Mr Maxwell.

The gounds are well layed out and beautifully kept.

Now a resort offers the traveller good food and wine.   On a cool winter evening sitting near a fire with a good drink out of a fine glass in very relaxing.

Later in the evning we enjoyed some delicious food served by very friendly staff.  The soup is a combination of Peking duck broth with shitake, pork and schallot dumplings.

Served with local sourdough bread, local olive oil and balsamic vinegar and house made dukkah.

 Following was the Chief's platter of five inspired Tastes.  All delicious.

Desert was a shared plate.

 It was a wonderful place to stay.

Cheers,

Beverley and Ross

Tuross Head - NSW

We also travelled to Tuross Heads another very pretty seaside resort.  We popped into the Tuross Heads Tavern for a drink before returning to Bateman's Bay for a a late lunch.  The Tavern had just been renovated and we could still smell the raw timber which made up the walls.

The colour of the water is very inviting hence the name given to the area the "Saphire Coast".

We arrived back in Bateman's Bay and decided to dine at the Marina.

The view of the Marina provided a great backdrop for our lunch.

Ross enjoyed more local oysters.

Beverley tackled "Barry the Bream".

The surrounding areas of the Marina were pleasing to the eye.

On the way back to Bateman's Bay we stopped off to buy some prawns.  Cleraly the locals have a sense of humour.  You will need to expand the phot to see what it says.

Cheers,

Beverley and Ross

Bodalla Chesse Factory - NSW

Today we revisited Bodalla Cheese factory about 40 kms south of Batemen's Bay. The cheeses made here are sourced from the local area and made onsite.

                                    

The shop has many goodies to enjoy.

                                      

There is an onsite resturant.

Many of the cheese include herbs and spices.

There are also several historic buildings in this area.   This magnificent Anglican Church built in 1881 is still a place of worship.

Cheers,

Beverley and Ross 

Dan and Kala's Engagment Party

We were delighted to be invited to Kala and Dan's engagement and reveal party.  We have known Kayla since she was a school girl.   Later this year they will welcome a baby girl.  Clearly over the 9 years away from AU there is now the "reveal party" which announces the sex of the baby.  It is a secret affair with only the OBGYN and cake maker knowing the sex of the child.  Its all revealed only when the cake is cut.  

Here Kala is sharing the happy news with her brother Brett.

 The cake says it all.

 The party gave us the opportunity to dress up.

The following week we set of to Bateman's Bay for a few days by the sea.  This was the view from the restuarant where we enjoyed lunch.

Lunch was pizza and oysters.

Day 2 of our seaside holiday we travelled to Basin View where Ross's mother lived.  From there we decided on having lunch at Huskisson which looks out to Jervis Bay.

The Huskinson Pub has been around forever.

The Beer Garden is a very pleasant place to sit and enjoy lunch.

 It provides a great view of the bay.

 And the beach area.

 We both enjoyed flathead tails which were delicious.

Prior to depating for the coast we had spent a great evening with Wendy, a retired Army mate.  Its been many years since we last saw each other and it was just like yesrday.  We hope to meet up again very soon.

Cheers,

Beverley and Ross

Return to Australia

We arrived back in Australia on 1 June 2018.  After a direct flight from LA we arrived at Sydney International Airport.

We knew were back in OZ when we looked out the front door of our home and saw a family of Kangaroos resting peacefully in our neighbours yard.

We were delighted to catch up with our adopted American family who were our next door neighbours in Texas.  We have had a very close relationshp with Ablert, Adrian and Cameron over many years.

Shortly after our return we celebrated Cameron's 12th birthday.  We enjoyed a great evening at out local resturant and the cake when we returned home.

Earlier that day we took Cameron and Adrian out for a birthday lunch at our local coffee shop.

Ross is the boy's adopted Gandfather and he has taken on the role of expanding the boys education.  Here he is showing Cameron how to peel a prawn.  Given that in the USA,prawns are sold with the head removed, Cameron took to this task without any concerns.

Another skill taught was how to sharpen a knife with a steel.

Ross has also introduced Adrian to how play the guitar which has has become very interested in and shows real talent.

We have also tanken the opportunity to enjoy happy time with our dear friends.

We are so fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends.

Cheers,

Beverley and Ross