Day 9 and 10 Sydney & Hunter Valley

Day 9 - Friday 12 Nov.  Today was our day to find the airport ! in order to pick up Colette and Michael from their flight from the UK.  We had a slight panic over whether we had to pay a toll or not or if  indeed the car had a device to pay for the toll for the motorway, we fought the early morning traffic, noticed that cyclists are allowed on the motorway!! and managed to park ok in time for their arrival at 07:30am.

Helen, Colette and Michael share one passion and that is Liverpool Football Club so Helen had made a YNWA sign (You'll never walk alone) and she proudly paraded it above her head outside the arrivals gate, the looks from people were so funny.

Despite traveling for god knows how many hours Michael insisted on driving home.

It was so good to see them as we had not seen them since the wedding and had plenty to catch up on.  We went out at lunchtime to the local pub for some food and got some shopping in for a barbie for tea. It was 30 degrees very hot and sticky so many dips in the pool were taken today.

We stayed outside most of the night chatting and drinking beer it was a great night.


Day 10 - Sat 13 Nov - Hunter Valley

Our day started at 7.30am in order for us to arrive in the Hunter Valley at 10.30.  Michael had volunteered to drive many weeks ago and was still happy to oblige.  We started wine 'tasting' at Peterson Champagne House where some delicious pink bubbly was the best so 2 bottles were purchased for Tina's birthday on the 26th, along with a new pink apron - for Tina of course!!

We then made a visit to the chocolate shop next door for a couple of smooth creamy chocs.

2nd wine tasting was at  directly opposite at Kevin Sobels Wines - we sampled a few but decided to leave as this was full of hen parties.

We then proceeded to Scarborough Wines which was the best by far on experience and taste, we purchased some Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (2007).  We even managed to get a wine glass to take with us with the companies name on.

We then went and had a fantastic lunch at Blaxlands Inn, Steak for Helen and a very large Chicken and Mushroom Pie for Tina - it was yum and much needed to soak the alcohol up. 

Next stop was at First Creek which was interesting as you could see all the vats and barrels with the wine in but we think we had been spoilt with the wine at Scarborough that we decided not to purchase although Michael was persuaded with a nice Shiraz.

We decided to let Helen pick the next one and she chose a funny name Hanging Tree - this turned out to be set in the most loveliest of places  and it had a very nice but small range and we purchased a lovely chardonnay that will get drunk whilst we are here I am sure.

Our final stop was at Peterson House which by that time we had all had enough - but this winery has the best views for miles around so it was a great spot to take photos.

We travelled home with Helen, Tina and Colette all falling asleep within minutes of setting off.

We enjoyed a leisurely evening  packing for the next leg of the journey - we are off tomorrow to Cairns on a 1.25pm flight with Quantas - but don't worry it wont' be on an A380!!