Christmas 2021 escape.

With all the turmoil of the last two years and the usual Christmas ups and downs, we said “we should just run away for Christmas.” So... Read more

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December 9, 2021
Christmas 2021 escape.Janette and John
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Day 1
Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 9:00 AM
☁️ 18 °C
Altitude: 317 m
Australia Tatong -36.706203, 146.14228836°42’22” S 146°8’32” E
Christmas 2021.
December 9, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
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Day 1
Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 12:13 PM
☁️ 16 °C
Altitude: 115 m
Australia Dixons Creek -37.632008, 145.40133737°37’55” S 145°24’5” E
1st pre Christmas catch-up.
December 9, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
Although we are not 'running away' until the twentieth, we are trying to catch up with as many people as possible before we go.
Today we had the pleasure of catching up with Denise and Michael for lunch at DeBortoli Winery, near Yarra Glen in the Yarra Valley.Read more
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Day 2
Friday, December 10, 2021 at 1:23 PM
⛅ 21 °C
Altitude: 317 m
Australia Tatong -36.706203, 146.14231936°42’22” S 146°8’32” E
Ladies lunch - second catch up.
December 10, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Our neighbour, Jeanie, loves doing lunch with her nursing friends and I have been absorbed into the group and enjoy a lot of laughs and lovely meals with them. My turn to return the hospitality and Jeanie, Deb, Jenny, came for lunch. I asked my good friend Sandy as she too has been included at some of these lunches. We missed Gayle who was unable to come as her husband Tony is very ill.
Prosecco on the verandah followed by ham and turkey and salads, lots of chatter and fun before berries in champagne jelly with lemon cream, then coffee. These lunches are great therapy!
John took a packed lunch to the cottage to work on the verandah extension and watch some cricket until it was time to get ready for Fish and Chip night at the local hall.Read more
Like yesterday. Working first, then the reward. You in the kitchen and John on the veranda. Keep up the good lifestyle. [Paul M]
12/12/21Reply
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Day 2
Friday, December 10, 2021 at 6:02 PM
⛅ 21 °C
Altitude: 219 m
Australia Molyullah -36.642288, 146.15461736°38’32” S 146°9’17” E
December 2021 fish'n'chips catch up.
December 10, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
The second Friday of each month is Molyullah Community fish'n'chip night. Everyone is welcome and people come from miles around. Frying is 5pm to 7pm and current price is $6 per serve.
It is a great way to catch up with people.
Janette and I are 'on the gate' taking food orders and selling raffle tickets. This month Candice assisted as she was up for a couple of days. The last two months, we've had to have a check in before our table so people can show their vaccination status.
Even though we have a community Christmas party close to Christmas, it was decided, as there would be lots of children here, to hire a jumping castle and organise a visit from Santa.
As luck would have it, Murphy came too.
The jumping castle was to be set up ready for the start at 5pm, but their vehicle broke down. By the time they switched the castle to a ute, they didn't arrive till after 7pm. The said they would refund the hire fee and give us this one as a freebie.
The kids didn't worry about it being late. I've never heard such loud squealing while it was being inflated. The operator said, “ten at a time.” They all piled in.
Santa had been giving out lollies but he was well and truly gazumped by the castle.Read more
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Day 3
Saturday, December 11, 2021
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 314 m
Australia Tatong -36.70842, 146.13923636°42’30” S 146°8’21” E
Before (hopefully) cottage photos.
December 11, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Finally got the timber for the verandah extension at the cottage. Timber has been as scarce as hens' teeth. This had been on order for months.
So, having no excuse now, I bit the bullet and started with the 'easy' bit - demolition.
For some reason, probably laziness, I'd previously left a couple of dodgy bits of concrete - one being effectively the top step. They've gone to the tip - just up the gully at the back of the cottage.
Now all I have to do is finish the job before we 'escape' on our holiday.
There are people coming to stay on the 28th for a week.Read more
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Day 4
Sunday, December 12, 2021
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: 314 m
Australia Tatong -36.7084, 146.139236°42’30” S 146°8’21” E
Putting in the stumps..
December 12, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
Sometimes there's only one way - bloody hard yakka!
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Day 5
Monday, December 13, 2021
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 314 m
Australia Tatong -36.7084, 146.139236°42’30” S 146°8’21” E
Joist time.
December 13, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
Getting there - I hope.
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Day 6
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
⛅ 26 °C
Altitude: 314 m
Australia Tatong -36.7084, 146.139236°42’30” S 146°8’21” E
Decking started.
December 14, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
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Day 7
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
☁️ 26 °C
Altitude: 151 m
Australia Wangaratta -36.352737, 146.32783536°21’10” S 146°19’40” E
Dinner with Bev.
December 15, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
Caught up with Bev, Janette's sister, for dinner at Rinaldo's, Wangaratta.
We had an early booking - 1st sitting.
Good food and good service - as usual.
Saw a feral pig on the road on way home near Schultz Road.Read more
Bev LeeIt was a delicious meal and a delightful early evening celebration of your birthday, John.
12/22/21Reply
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Day 8
Thursday, December 16, 2021
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 314 m
Australia Tatong -36.708405, 146.13920636°42’30” S 146°8’21” E
Just work today.
December 16, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
Some cows and calves came down from 'the top' yesterday. We put them across the road to the cottage side. Unfortunately, one cow and two calves had their 'other halves' still up the top. We decided we would have to wait for them to come down.
They were down this morning so we put them across the road and they all paired up.
Half the herd have stayed up top. We probably need them to come down before we leave on Monday so we can have them all together.
The bull has been out with the cows since the beginning of November and was due to be out for a bit longer yet. However, he seems to have 'lost interest' lately. Perhaps his work is done. He decided to have a 'chat' with two of next door's bulls over the fence. If they were to start a bit of push and shove, the fence could easily be damaged. We managed to get him into the yards - his work is definitely finished.
Went next door to help Kevin attach his grader to his tractor.
Suddenly it was nearly 10.00am - morning tea time.
Janette wanted to mow but the mower wouldn't start - checked for flat battery, low oil, cutting blades turned on, safety switch under seat - tried to start with jumper leads - nothing!
Turned out to be a blown fuse - phew!
Janette shopped after lunch. I worked at the cottage.
More catch ups tomorrow - lunch and dinner.Read more
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Day 9
Friday, December 17, 2021
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 164 m
Australia Tarrawingee -36.389744, 146.45123336°23’23” S 146°27’4” E
Lunch at Tarrawingee, dinner at Mirima.
December 17, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Had lunch today at the Plough Inn, Tarrawingee with John and Marian and Peter and Kathy.
First time we'd all been here - we'll certainly be back again.

Went up to Catherine and Darren's for dinner. They've called their farm Mirima which means hidden valley. Salmon entree, roast turkey and cake for desert.Read more
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Day 10
Saturday, December 18, 2021
⛅ 31 °C
Altitude: 155 m
Australia Oxley -36.443334, 146.3819836°26’36” S 146°22’55” E
Our annual birthday catch up.
December 18, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C
With two days till we head off, we are starting to get things sorted.
I cleaned up the timber off cuts at the cottage and put the tools into the back of the ute to bring home (still there so far).
Janette prepped inside the cottage as people will be arriving as we come home.

We have a booking at the King River Cafe, Oxley, at 6.00pm for what has become an annual combined birthday get together (any excuse!). Bob and Peter's birthdays are today, the 18th, and mine is in a couple of days. Bob's son, Michael and Michael's wife, Jenny, and Jenny's Mum, Janet also joined us.

This socialising is making all my clothes shrink!Read more
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Day 11
Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 6:18 PM
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: 212 m
Australia Winton -36.54237, 146.09553636°32’33” S 146°5’44” E
Last catch up before we go.
December 19, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
Woke to a very noisy thunderstorm which continued on and off all day.
Picked up Kathy and Peter and went to The Murphys' for drinks and nibbles. We still need to pack for tomorrow, so left quite early.Read more
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Day 12
Monday, December 20, 2021
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 695 m
Australia Halfway Creek -35.256775, 149.43948435°15’24” S 149°26’22” E
Away at last.
December 20, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
Managed to get away by 9.00am. The drive to Bungendore is about 6 hours so we didn't need to push the departure time.
We forgot to bring our time-tested 'Touring Atlas of Australia'. Believe me, it's done far more kms than many people I know. Janette likes to have a map to refer to when we travel so we decided to buy a new one.
We popped into Chiltern but the newsagent has closed down.
Holbrook seemed to be the place for a late morning tea or an early lunch and a newsagent.
Holbrook looks to be booming since the freeway bypassed it - it was really busy. The newsagent had our new atlas and there is a nice little cafe next door. So, it was early lunch. Pumpkin salad for Janette and Thai beef salad for me, then back on the road by 12.30pm.
Fuelled up at Gundagai and reached Bungendore at about 3.15 pm.
As no eateries are open on a Monday in Bungendore, we had to drive 25kms into Queanbeyan to eat. It was worth it just for the views on the way. We ate at the Thai Queanbeyan Restaurant.
Tomorrow - Huskisson.Read more
All looks good - and no cooking Janette Love from [The Zoets]
12/21/21Reply
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Day 13
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 12:12 PM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Australia White Sands Park -35.038944, 150.67076135°2’20” S 150°40’15” E
Bungendore to Huskisson.
December 21, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Set off about 8.30am intending to drive to Batemans Bay and the up the coast to Husky.
Our on board navigator (GPS) offered us an alternate inland route. We opted to take her advice and turned inland.
It was certainly a good decision. We had plenty of time and the drive was very scenic. We suspect there was far less traffic this way too.
This route zig-zagged across country showing the signs of the fierce bushfires two years ago.
We arrived in Husky about 10.30, and, as we couldn't check in till 2.00pm, we parked at the motel and went to have brekky. Janette bought two Christmas tree ornaments and we each bought a pair of sunglasses.
A message from Trish and Paul showed they weren't far away. They also parked at the motel and we met them there and then walked down the street.
We had lunch at the Husky Club, walked to the shops and booked a dolphin cruise for 10.30am tomorrow. We walked down to a little beach opposite the motel. No wonder there are so many families here - this beach is ideal for littlies - a safe little bay for splashing around and rock pools to explore. Back to the motel to freshen up before dinner.
Dinner was at the Motel's restaurant, the Sandbar - pizzas and a couple of bottles of Pinot Grigio.
Retired at 9.30pm.Read more
Bev LeeWhat a lovely trip and catch up with your friends. Good to know you are keeping up your early nights!
12/22/21Reply
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Day 14
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 9:59 AM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Australia White Sands Park -35.037956, 150.67065435°2’17” S 150°40’14” E
Dolphin spotting cruise on Jervis Bay.
December 22, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Met up with Trish and Paul for brekky. Walked up the street and decided on a small cafe with tables on the footpath. Replete with food, we went back to the motel to prepare for our one and a half hour dolphin spotting cruise.
It was recommended we go to the quay by about 10.00am for boarding and a 10.30 departure.
We headed out into the bay with the captain giving a commentary. Part of this included the warning that there are no guarantees that we would see any dolphins.
For quite some time it looked like we wouldn’t see any. We headed toward a reef where the surrounding water is fairly shallow and is a feeding ground for the dolphins.
Almost an hour in, one surfaced. The captain suggested she was a mum with a two year old. Mum has a bite out of her dorsal fin received when she defended her baby from a shark. The baby then made an appearance.
We think there were three in the area.
It was time to head in and let another of the spotting boats come in and show their passengers some dolphins.Read more
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Day 14
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 2:51 PM
☁️ 21 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Australia Chinamans Beach -35.095692, 150.69299335°5’44” S 150°41’35” E
Vincentia for lunch.
December 22, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
After the dolphin spotting, we decided to go to Vincentia to have a look around and see if we could get some lunch.
Paul volunteered to drive. Vincentia is a little village with a few food outlets. We chose a bakery and sat outside to eat.
Trish wanted to check out the area further along as a potential holiday spot for her family.
We went to the Hyams Beach area and walked on a couple of beaches. All would be ideal for littlies to play safely.
As today was my birthday, it was another good excuse to go to a restaurant for dinner. We went to The Quarters and had a $60 set menu. We only had to choose which main we wanted. Janette and Paul chose pork and Trish and I had lamb. It was delicious. We were pretty full but decided on sharing two deserts. So, an Eton Mess was shared by each couple.
A walk back to the motel finished the evening.Read more
Happy Birthday for Yesterday. Sounds like a great day. We loved the beautiful beach shots and the dolphins. Love [The Zoets]
12/23/21Reply
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Day 15
Thursday, December 23, 2021
🌧 20 °C
Altitude: 664 m
Australia Moss Vale -34.52473, 150.37595534°31’29” S 150°22’33” E
Husky-Nowra-Kiama-Robertson-Bowral.
December 23, 2021 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 20 °C
Not too far to go today, so no hurry.
Again, met Trish and Paul for brekky at 8.00am. Went to the same little cafe as yesterday as the food was really nice.
Trish and Paul had to be home for their booster shot at 3.00pm so we were off by 10ish.
As we had a cruisy day ahead we headed to Kiama for a look around and a coffee.
We were looking forward to the next leg with some potential spectacular views. We forgot about Murphy, didn’t we?
Low cloud and mizzle meant that we saw low cloud and mizzle. Fuelled up in Robertson.
Had lunch and a wander around in Bowral. It's funny how your memories of places aren't really backed up by what you see when you return...
Booked into Briar's at 2.00pm. It’s address is Bowral. It is on Moss Vale Rd between Bowral and Moss Vale.
Went to Briar's Inn for dinner. Food was good if a bit exy.Read more
Paul and Trish here. We went up through kangaroo valley and the same applied. Mist everything!. Got to the top by keeping on the left of the centreline and hoping the cars coming the other way did the same. Only time I have stayed below the speeds indicated on the curve signs. [P and P]
12/25/21Reply
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Day 16
Friday, December 24, 2021 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 994 m
Australia Katoomba Falls Reserve -33.72147, 150.31382833°43’17” S 150°18’50” E
Kurrara guest house, Katoomba.
December 24, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Left Bowral and headed for Mittagong. We wanted to have a browse around the Cotswold Furniture showroom. We managed to find it, more by good luck than good judgement, but Murphy decided they didn't need to open today.
Went into town and had brekky at a little cafe. There was a really nice, tiny supermarket nearby so we stocked up in case we have trouble finding eateries in the next days.
Arrived at Kurrara at midday and checked in.
We were shown around - the lounge / dining room with 24 hour tea and coffee - the reading / tv room with 24/7 complementary port - and,of course, our room.
Had a couple of cups of tea in the lounge and worked out where to eat tonight with the help of some local knowledge from the manager. Pins restaurant had a 5.30pm booking available - we took it. Eating early is fine as we didn't have lunch.Read more
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Day 16
Friday, December 24, 2021 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 18 °C
Altitude: 994 m
Australia Katoomba Falls Reserve -33.721493, 150.31376633°43’17” S 150°18’50” E
Sightseeing in Katoomba.
December 24, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
After checking in we did a bit of the tourist thing - Wentworth Falls, Echo Point and the Three Sisters.
On the way 'home', we checked out the best route for walking to tonight's restaurant. We decided ten minutes would be plenty of time.Read more
Hi and Happy Christmas just loving your blog and all the lovely places you are seeing and enjoying. The photo of Wentworth falls reminded me of when we walked to the bottom of the falls with P's family who lived nearby. I was 40 years younger then and half way up I thought I'd never make it to the top (not to mention our plane home later that afternoon). The family also told us about their walk down to the bottom with their elderly dog - similar to your Molly - they had to take turns to carry their dog up the steps and didn't get home till after 8 pm [The Zoets]
12/24/21Reply
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Christmas 2021 escape.Janette and John
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Day 16
Friday, December 24, 2021
⛅ 18 °C
Altitude: 982 m
Australia Katoomba Falls Reserve -33.723705, 150.3116333°43’25” S 150°18’42” E
Pins on Lurline.
December 24, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Arrived a few minutes early and waited outside. A few more diners arrived and by the time the doors opened, there was quite a queue.
By the time we were seated and settled, half the tables were full.
We ordered the six course chef’s menu with matching wines.
By the time we started the first course, every table was occupied.
Service was amazing and staff explained all about the various dishes and the wines. Wines were varied and from many wine areas in Australia - apart from the champers - Veuve!
Our B&B has a list of suggestions for eateries and referred to this restaurant as a good restaurant. Others were listed as fine dining restaurants - cannot imagine what the others must be like as this was fine dining as far as we’re concerned.
Walk home was a bit interesting as the wine (6 glasses - very full!) matching meant we had a lot more wine than we are used to. Lucky we could walk.Read more
Yum [Kathy Z]
12/24/21Reply
Lucky you could walk home or lucky you could walk at all? Sounds delightful and very much like the APT style. [P& P]
12/25/21Reply
Sounds like my sort of night. Sleep well? [Denise]
12/27/21Reply
Janette and JohnCan't really remember.
12/27/21Reply
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Christmas 2021 escape.Janette and John
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Day 17
Saturday, December 25, 2021
⛅ 25 °C
Altitude: 997 m
Australia Kingsford Smith Memorial Park -33.712894, 150.31572133°42’46” S 150°18’57” E
Christmas in Katoomba.
December 25, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
Late start after getting a bit Adrian Quist last night. Breakfast was at 8.30 - cereal, toast and tea. Got chatting to another couple, so it was a long breakfast.
We had to be at the Mountain Heritage Hotel at noon for Christmas Lunch so we took it easy till we had to get ready.
Lunch was four courses:-
* pumpkin soup
* seafood entree - grilled scallop, salmon and prawns.
* roast dinner main - pork, turkey, lamb chop and veggies.
* plum pud with custard and ice cream.
There was the obligatory visit from Santa. He worked the room, stopping to say “hello” at each table.
We probably won't need tea tonight. But, just in case, we have some nibbles in the fridge down in the dining room.Read more
Bev LeeWhat a genteel Christmas luncheon experience!
12/28/21Reply
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Day 18
Sunday, December 26, 2021 at 11:10 AM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 958 m
Australia Mount Tomah Botanic Garden -33.538536, 150.42166133°32’19” S 150°25’18” E
Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens.
December 26, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
After another long brekky with our new brekky companions, we set off for the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens.
Got there about 11.00am and had a good walk around.
They are well worth a visit. Because they are situated high in the Blue Mountains, many of the trees and shrubs are cold climate plants. Although the site is steep, it is possible to take gentle zip-zag paths and avoid the straight up and down steps.
One of the most interesting trees was the Wollemi Pine with its fascinating story of its discovery.
We always try to purchase an item as a reminder of our holidays. Perhaps a Wollemi Pine might be the item for this holiday's memento (?).Read more
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Day 18
Sunday, December 26, 2021 at 11:15 AM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 958 m
Australia Mount Tomah Botanic Garden -33.539347, 150.42242533°32’22” S 150°25’21” E
More Botanic Garden photos.
December 26, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
It was very noticeable the grass near trees was left higher near the base of trees.
A ranger explained the reasons:-
* to protect the trees from mower and whipper-snipper damage
* habitat for skinks etc
* habitat and protection for germinaters
* increased moisture retention
Food for thought at home?Read more
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Day 18
Sunday, December 26, 2021 at 1:26 PM
☁️ 21 °C
Altitude: 1,059 m
Australia Medlow Park -33.677406, 150.2815433°40’39” S 150°16’54” E
Hydro Majestic, Katoomba.
December 26, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
Lunch venue today - The Boiler House Restaurant at the Hydro Majestic.
The building was once the boiler house for the Hydro Majestic Hotel, supplying hot water for spas and heating etc.
The menu offered a two course meal and drink 'special'.
We decided on entree and main. I swapped my wine for a pale ale. The serves were big. My seafood entree would have been enough.
We had a wander through the pavilion gift shop and a sticky at the old hotel.Read more
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