Grandchester - Hidden Vale

So picturesque here. I am on the verandah of the Laidley Room at Spicer's, Hidden Vale. Several people are about to leave on horses for a ride around the property. Looks like they'll be having a slow time of it. The horses seem calm and obviously accustomed to the less experienced mounts at their reigns. Yesterday's flight to Queensland was surprisingly quick and it was apparent that the crew were determined to be on schedule. Having arisen at 3:00am for the trip I can't imagine why I wasn't asleep for the journey; perhaps the excitement of catching up with family. Hire car travel to the retreat was equally uneventful but there were signs of the recent flood damage for most of the journey. Hidden Vale was pleasingly spared the impact of the floods but not so its staff who all report their own personal memories of the last days and weeks and in some cases. It is time for renewal so it is good to start with a dip in the spa and allow the warmth to quieten the spirit and enjoy the vistas of the local mountain ranges. What followed was an unexpected luncheon where the platter was a sampling of various breads, dips and oils before a spatchcock main. Had I known that the bread would have been a meal in itself I might have shown more restraint when ordering. I'll remember for next time. My massage booked for 3:00 allowed me enough time to finish my book, take a brief nap before heading to an hour of respite from the world. Dutifully oiled and slicked it was soon time for afternoon drinks and a stroll in the garden. A wallaby outside our cottage not at all disturbed by our presence. Once in the garden one must also spend a little time taking in the animal nursery and spare a thought for the goose that had always been referred to as a gander until its sudden cluckiness and the arrival of eggs too! Poor goose! What a dilemma with everyone thinking that it was indeed a gander since it was hand raised. Dinner in Cotton's Restaurant was more than satisfying. I can recommend the desserts too. Our cottage is the last in the row and it is well appointed. A small wallaby has taken kindly to this location and grazes most of the day under the tree near the back verandah. A photo op! Later we may go to Laidley to see what has been spared from the torrents of flood waters of last week. The antique shops, cafes and the historic Neumann House I hope can recover from the incredible devastation. Where does one start for what must surely be, an overwhelming task ahead?