The collected works of ScottyB

Well, its been a long time between posts. I’m alive, so you can stop sending my Mum flowers with your condolences.

As is typically the case with this blog, its becoming more of a ‘photo spot’. Not that its a bad thing (to me anyway) as photos are definitely a huge point of interest for me, a hobby if you will, so without further adieu - I bring you KatieWoo and ScottyB’s trip to the Hunter Valley.

It all began as an idea, Katie thought for my B’Day, she would treat me to a lovely overnighter somewhere up the Hunter, including a stay in a posh hotel, wine tours, all the fancy stuff associated with doing the ’rounds’ in the Vineyards.

Unfortunately with my input, we ended up vegging out in the hotel, watching movies on Arena and other Fox channels (in fairness, it rained most of the time on Sunday night, so going ‘out and about’ wasn’t really possible - without being silly anyway) and ended up spending most of Monday at the Hunter Valley Zoo. Yeah I know. But it was my Birthday remember? :p

The camera didn’t make much of an appearance on Sunday. We took it easy on the way up, had a nice drive, a stop at Maccas for lunch and a Mint McFlurry (Kate’s new favourite thing) before checking into the Hotel at a little before 2pm. We got some supplies, cheese, crackers, dip etc. And headed out to Peterson House wineries for Kate’s sparkling pink Champagne. We weren’t long back to the Hotel before Kate was into the Champerz, so we watched some of the Wrong Man on TV and then US Marshalls. Awesome.

Dinner fast approaching, we pulled ourselves from the comfy bed and got ready. Lazzarini’s at the Hunter Valley Gardens.

Now I’ll be the first to say I wasn’t truly into the idea of one of these ‘flowery menu item’ restaurants. An Agnello, Herb and Parmesan scented Lamb rack with sweet potato Gratinato, young basil and black olive paint. I mean - WTF. I can’t pronounce most of it, surely its just lamb with herbs, Parmesan and some toppings right?

Wrong. Sensationally good food - I was uneducated and a skeptic before. I was an appreciating believer as I left satisfied.

After finally dropping off to sleep, an annoying Mosquito at bay thanks to a Mosquito net over the bed, a snorer at bay thanks to my constant pushing and tickling her nose, it was smooth sailing ’till the morning.

We had a gorgeous breakfast at the Hotel, eggs, bacon, toast and a roasted tomato for me, Pancakes with strawberries and banana for Katie, then set off for the Hunter Valley Zoo.

The weather wasn’t perfect, drizzly rain for much of the day with the occasional heavy shower, but it didn’t dampen our spirits. We were two of about 10 people who were at the Zoo that day and looking about, the experience we got and the lovely people there, you’d have to wonder why the place wasn;t packed to the brim - especially in School Holidays.

Nonetheless, we had a ball. Almost lost an Umbrella along the way and left with plenty of smiles, great memories and hopefully some really cool photos.

We had a late lunch at Harrigans Irish Pub before heading home.

All in all a fantastic weekend. Can’t wait for the next one - thanks Katie x