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?

Grandchester - Spicer's

Easter in Grandchester was as its namesake suggests, very grand. The afternoon arrival allowed our group to settle into the idyllic surrounds at Hidden Vale. The cottage verandah provided views to the lawn, pool and thence the ranges beyond. The nine of us relaxed with bubbles, olives, cheeses, dips, salami and other tasty bits and pieces before dining at Cotton's restaurant. The company, cuisine and staff at the restaurant made for an evening of fine dining. Exceptional standard of service and menu saw us all more than pleased with the experience.
Day 2: Stephen and I rose; he to capture the sunrise in his camera lens while I lazed for one, whole, solitary, hour, in the spa by our cottage. Immersed in the warm water of the spa I sat and admired the vista and the comings and goings of the abundant bird life. I missed the wallaby but I did hear it as it made its way though the long grass to the paddocks below. At breakfast we all gathered at Cotton's restaurant where we sampled platters of fruits, pastries and selections of meats. Interesting breakfast concept. Very different from the standard buffet breakfast that one usually finds at a resort. Good coffee too as I was in a state of withdrawal as our current caffeine contraption back at home is in for repair.
Later, two of us navigated our way to Plainworld to do a spot of shopping for our Sunday night's barbecue. On our return journey we diverted to Doonan's which is also known as the much publicised location of another green snake happening. The home sits some distance from an abandoned aircraft hangar, an enormous dam, farm sheds complete with public toilets and showers. A few cows graze in the paddocks but they are barely visible above the long grass. Back to the resort where a few partake of a cheese platter and ales while I seek the soothing calmness of the spa.Others in our group have travelled to places such as Laidley and Harrisonville. So good when everyone regrouped and recounted their adventures and finds. Saturday was also the party's High Tea. Mmmmm, delicious. Regulation sandwiches, mouthwatering slices, scones, jam, cream and pastries. Oh, yes. We were eating again but not before we had an impromptu tour of the restaurant homestead's board room and lounge. Fascinating fireplaces and antiques stationed according to smart interior design. Satiated we meandered up the cobble walk to the cottage to consider our options. As I was remarking that we had no music I became aware of singing close by. Yes, it was right outside on our back verandah. To my surprise a member of the group who just happens to sing had spirited her guitar to Queensland via one of the cars. Visualise the gathering, moon and stars shining, lights softly glowing in the gardens down around the pool as we sat on the verandah and listened to or joined in the singing. Again there were platters of sumptuous leftovers to nibble between choruses. As Australian Eastern Daylight Saving refugees we were weary by 9 o'clock and wondered why it felt so much later. Sleepy but happy I think we all slept deeply.
Sunday was a big day with itineraries brimming with resort activities. Some among us witnessed rampaging youth harassing a five foot something, white, bunny. On the lawn the well meaning bunny suited person was surrounded by unbridled chocolate crazed little people chanting menacingly for more Easter eggs. Easter Bunny must now be considering therapy. I missed the commotion as I was on a mission to have my much awaited massage. Two in our group saddled up as a couple of the gents planned their shoot (clay targets) as no animal was harmed in the making of this blog. Yet another photo opportunity.
On The Road Again
Massages, manicures, pedicures over it was time for further exploration of nearby Laidley where several admired the local sites. In Laidley, the restoration of Neuman's House was digitally captured and its unusual architecture a testament to the era of its construction now blogged and filed herein. Lunch at the local with Rosie. What a gem! Couldn't dally over lunch for there were antique shops, historic pubs and scenic rims to explore. Remembering that some sought a swim before the Doonan's barbecue we hastened back to Hidden Vale. What to pack to match our feast? Couldn't decide so we packed reds, whites, bubbles and dessert wines and I think some ales. I was keen that we should check the property's dam for fish or yabbies and those with fishing tackle were equally keen. There is only one story of the one that got away so back to the house where there was a meal to cook, chocolate beetles to hunt (not eggs) perhaps a new trend. We shall have Easter chocolate, beetle hunts in future. Doonan -- home to many elegant green frogs. So many frogs that one had to be careful not to step on them as they walked along the verandah. Salad dressed and lamb eaten we sat and chatted still fascinated by the shiny green frogs that had established themselves amongst us.