Gray

Gray as in France, not grey as the colour. The beginning of another chapter of our European adventure. Stephen and I arrived very early in the morning by coach so we quickly located the boat depot where we stabled our bags to allow us to explore Gray unencumbered. We hadn't packed light! The village of Gray has a long history which is proudly exhibited in its buildings and architecture.

The old shopping precinct that we entered first was as we had hoped. One particular shop featured interesting curios and an enormous clock. After window shopping for some time we were rather hungry as it was well past breakfast. We enjoyed coffee and a croissant at a patisserie where to the surprise of the local residents we were almost a tourist spectacle ourselves, as our French was not good. As we returned to the boat depot we noticed that the local food and produce market had set up beneath a large outdoor shade area. Determined to buy home grown from the farmers we gestured, pointed and tested our French phrase book to make some purchases for the boat's galley. Success. Afterwards with my hair cut in a very short French style we were finally on our way downstream.

Murder!

Murder, a night to remember. Invitations to a murder. Most unusual. What to wear?

Menu:
Canapes - Caviar with Sourdough, Smoked Salmon with Creme Fraiche & Dill Crudites

Served with Pol Roger Reserve Champagne, Cocktails

Entree:Duck Liver Parfait with Brioche & Cornichons, Scallop Ceviche with Fennel Mousse and Cucumber Jelly, Quail wrapped in prosciutto with an Apple Roquette Salad, Pomegranate vinaigrette & Toasted Almonds, Salt & Pepper Squid
Served with 2006 Joseph Droulin Chablis, 2006 Ten Minutes By Tractor Pinot Noir

Mains: Mulled Duck Breast, Roast Pork Loin, Crushed Potatoes, Glazed baby Carrots, Asian Greens

Served with 2001 Parker Terra Rossa Merlot, 2007 Paringa Estate Shiraz

Dessert:Cake, Koko Black Chocolates

Served with Coffee / Port

To Finish: Cheese with Dried Fruit, Spiced Pear Jam and Christian Crackers

Served with 2003 De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon & Cognac

Guests arrived dressed as per the invitation and each made their way to the ship's library for pre-dinner cocktails. There was an obvious air of anticipation for the ship's renowned chef was the social set's man of the moment. The paparazzi had also been advised that this would be an evening to remember. There were those among us with secrets that would, over the course of the dinner be revealed for all to hear; suspicions announced and fingers pointed each diner denying or rebutting allegations of their motives and possible involvement in the murder.

Spicer's Choices

So many choices.
What to do?
Wake early.
Watch the sunrise with a friend.
Take a spa.
Photograph at daybreak.

Relax with a book. Dine at Cotton's.
Consider a trail ride;
remember to take an apple to reward your stead.
Perhaps golf, half of the fun is keeping your eye on your ball.
Skeet shooting with a mate.
Sit, enjoy good company.

Go for a walk. Sip wine.
Visit local sites.

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.

Look

As we travel from place to place in our daily life often we don't see the many works of art that surround us. If we take time to stop and really look it is surprising what can be discovered? Who is really climbing out of the window and who is watching? Some places in Bellagio seem to be devoted to artistic forms and even the lights that illuminate narrow lanes surrender artist's skills for all to see. While others in Cuisery are quite blatant and and boldly paint portraits on village walls. However, the more sophisticated in LaChalon note the building's wide, blue eyes and hidden mouth that frowns. Even the medieval town of Petroio shares its works of art with pride.

Boats and Bridges

Boats Big ones, little ones, barge boats, boats at berth, broken boats, boats squeezing in between, boats in fog, boats under bridges, boat buddies,

Smart Parking - No Problems

Smart parking in Florence, Mesha something in Dijon and a train in Switzerland ...