A Weekend Away!

Mr P.'s birthday has swung around again!  I won't even mention how quickly that happened :=)  So off we went for the weekend, to the Southern Darling Downs and New England areas, a few hours west of Brisbane.  It is such a change from the sub-tropics where we live, to the Granite Belt where the climate and geography are completely different.  It even snows on occasion!

The township of Stanthorpe is the main town in the area; it started off as a tin mining town in the 19th century, but became an agricultural hub when tin prices fell.  Now the area is famous for grapes and apples and vineyards.  I bought a few of the local varieties including one called Envy!  They were crisp and sweet and delicious.  

You can walk off the wine tastings, and climb the rocks at the nearby Girraween National Park if you feel energetic.  We have climbed them all in our younger days!  But nowadays we just relax, eat and read.  Sadly the olive farm that we always used to visit has been ripped out and turned into a tomato farm.  What the??!!  All those beautiful olive trees... 

Anyway my friends, here's a quick photographic journey for you of our brief trip:

we stopped off for tasty treats at Aratula Bakery

and checked out the historical cemetery
behind the old Lutheran church, now a private home

 

we checked out the cheesery

The figures represent soldiers and sailors, as this area was a major resettlement area for those suffering from mustard gas exposure after WW1.  Many of the streets are named after battles and place names in Western Europe.  There is a historical cemetery in the area, listing those who left to fight in the war, and did not return.

and found (Jersey) cows on a roof - she looks so real :=)

we stayed in a cottage at Cypress Ridge Garlic Farm

and Mr P. kept the fire going at night

we had lunch at a cosy pub in Tenterfield NSW
 - The Commercial Boutique Hotel, restored to its Art Deco glory

the rainy day courtyard for another time

I ate panko-coated fish and chips - see, salad!

while the fella had a beef burger with chips

gotta love a country café sign
 - mum used to make us rissoles when we were kids

look at these fabulous old 44 gallon drums cut down for seating!

there were hilarious hay bales

and cranky cows

and a Mr P. in the wild

and a drop dunny in the mist - spooky!

and a glorious sunset after the rain - that cloud looks like a fish!

We had a lovely time away, enjoying the misty rain and the cool weather.  Mr P. ended up with a big splinter in his finger after hauling in big bits of wood for the fire - ah the sacrifices ...  It was almost a full moon, and the moonlight shone in through our bedroom window all night.  Our wee break was so peaceful, and rejuvenating for the spirit.  Can't wait till our next getaway!