Hunter Valley Winery Tour

As Australia's oldest and best known wine region, Hunter Valley Wine Country combines a rich history with the best of contemporary winemaking, creating an environment for producing world-class wines. There was no shortage of picturesque wineries to choose from, as there are more than 120 in the area.


Our first stop on the tour was the Blueberry Hill Vineyard. This was also my favorite out of the 5 we visited, or possibly my taste buds were more alert in the beginning.

Boutique Wines from 100% Hunter Valley grapes.

Let the tasting begin.

Blueberry Hill Vineyard Logo

Blueberry Hill Vineyard

Each place we visited provided tips for tasting, facts about wines and their own specialties.

We had lunch at the Calais Estate. It was delicious! I forgot to take a picture before I began eating. I guesss I was too hungry.

Wine tasting gives you an opportunity to taste a variety of wines You are free to pour out anything that is not to your liking.

Rose bushes are attacked before grapes. Planting these help to give the vineyards a chance to save their grapes if they notice that the roses are being eaten by insects.

Beautiful Ivanhoe Vineyard

We were running short on time at the end of the day. This was our last stop and we only had 15 minutes to taste and shop, which I guess was a good thing. There was every kind of chocolate you could imagine. In the back of this picture is chilli chocolate beans. They packed quite a punch. Keith did not care for them, but I purchased a bag for me, along with a few caramel chocolate frogs.

Our tour group consisted of 9 friends, one of which was celebrating a 30th birthday, and us. They were a fun group from north Sydney and this is our photo at the end of the day after visiting 5 different wineries, having a delicious lunch at one of the vineyard locations, private cheese tasting with the Hunter Valley Cheese Company, and all the chocolate you could want including strawberries dipped in a chocolate fountain at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company.

Newcastle, Australia

Newcastle is located north of Sydney. Keith travels there quite often for work. This past weekend I went with him to check out the sights.

South Newcastle Beach is located in the heart of the city and the most popular of Newcastle's 50 plus beaches. It is known for its water surfing and beautiful blue waters.

Nobbys Head is still an active lighthouse. It was the third lighthouse built in New South Wales.

The wind was a bit crisp.

Brisbane Broncos

Keith and I really enjoy watching the footy. He has taken me to several games. The Broncos are Brisbane's professional Rugby League football team. They play in the National Rugby League (NRL) and have won 6 Premierships. The game moves right along and definitely holds my interest. I even enjoy watching the sports shows leading up to the games.



We love the footy!

Suncorp Stadium is where the Broncos play their home games and it is walking distance for us.

Go the Broncos!

Anyone for a balloon hat?

When the team scores, it is called a Try.

Brisbane Broncos


Scrum

Keith's favorite player, Israel Folau. Check out those leg muscles!

Broncos after a win.

Broncos' Captain Darren Lockyear

Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch is the South Island's largest city. It is full of Victorian institutional buildings which help it to retain its distinctive English flavor. The tramway decribes a loop through main parts of the city centre. It links the Cathedral Square, the Arts Centre markets, the botanic gardens, modern art gallery and Victoria Square.



The Chalice is a 21st-century sculpture by Neil Dawson. The native leaf patterns are created from aluminum and fixed to a repeated hexagon structure. It is also very pretty at night.

Christchurch Cathedral at night. Cathedral Square is in the very center of Christchurch and is dominated by the anglican cathedral and is 65.5 metre spire.

My hand made Merino Wool Felt hat I purchased at the markets. It is very warm.

On the way to the markets.

City Sights

Keith in Cathedral Square.

The tram runs all year round and is the easiest and best way to explore the heart of the city.

This interesting bank building is on High Street.

This old Post Office building now serves as an information centre. It is also home to a Starbucks on the corner.

The Brigde of Remembrance was dedicated on Armistice Day 1924. It is a memorial to New Zealand servicemen who died in World War I.

Punting on the Avon River, Christchurch NZ

I talked Keith into a punting ride down the Avon River. It is an iconic Christchurch attraction. Our ride lasted about 30 minutes and we were given an informative talk by our guide. He even sang to us as we went under a bridge. The acoustics were great!

A relaxed and cozy ride down the Avon River.

View of the Avon River from the Hamish Hay Bridge.

The punting ride takes you past the dandelion-shapes of the Ferrier Fountain. It is really pretty at night.

My Driving Attempt

While we were in an isolated area, Keith let me try my hand at driving. We came up on a bunch of cows being moved from one place to another. At one point they had completely surrounded the SUV. I did o.k. being that there were no other cars to confuse me, but I would not want to try it in the city. It is taxis for me, thanks.

I don't think he was happy with my driving!