We mark eight weeks on the road in the Hunter Valley where the scenery is picturesque but the weather is a little variable. It ranges from showers to a small storm to bright sunshine and back again. There are plenty of things to see and do though so it doesn’t hamper our time here.

 

We start our tour of the region at a local brewery called The Potters Brewery where we taste a paddle of their offerings and some bloody hot spiced peanuts that are designed to either cleanse or numb your palette. Then it’s time to move on to one of the great wineries in the region with a visit to Cockfighters Ghost were we sample some of their impressive collection. Not a bad way to while away a wet Saturday afternoon.

On a very rainy Sunday morning we head to Gosford where there is a car museum that delights us with it’s range and quality. There are many cars that I idolised while growing up and just as many that I’d love to own right now. From legendary Aussie icons such as the Ford Falcon GT and Holden Torana SLR5000 through to current model Ferrari’s and most things in between. Even the VW Combi is well covered with several examples on display.

Monday starts with an early morning storm before clearing for the morning. We pick and choose our visits to keep us out of the worst of the weather. First its up to the lookout above the valley for a few photos before the weather sets in again. Then its time for morning tea at the Two Fat Blokes cafe where coffee and scones are the order of the day. While there we also order their lunch hamper for later in the day. A selection of cheeses, a couple of meat and salad rolls and some nibbles.

Next a visit to the Matilda Bay Brewhouse for a sampling of their beers then on to the Hunter Distillery to try a few flavoured vodkas and gins. The Chocolate Vodka is the pick for us with a bottle making it into our bag for enjoying later in our tour. What a morning which now requires Stacey to drive for the next few hours as I’m sure to be a little over the limit but very happy all the same.

We head back to Two Fat Blokes to pick up our hamper but realise that there is a boutique winery that shares the driveway with the cafe. We decide to fit in one more taste test, for Stacey only this time, before our late lunch. De iuliis Wines provides her with several delicious white wines for tasting with the Verdehlo the bottle of choice. The way we are going we’ll need more room in the van or the Jeep.

A point of interest at this cellar door is the garden ornaments. Knights of armor on stilts is a talking point.

We eat our picnic lunch at the Hunter Valley Gardens then head to Sabor for dessert. We are not disappointed as the tasting plate provides a good selection that it both rich and full of flavour.

There will need to be a number of long walks to work off today’s calories but the afternoon brings another set of storms so we call it a day.

As I write this there are several fire engines and ambulances heading into the area and the news is reporting that the latest set of storms have removed the roof of a library in Kurri Kurri which is only a few kilometres away. Looks like we dodged the worst of it which is good when you’re in a caravan.

The next few days will hopefully be fine and allow us to have more of a look around without continually looking at the skies for ominous weather.

We take a trip to Newcastle and experience a wind blown walk up to the top of The Hill. The memorial walk sits atop the clifftop above the crashing waves from the ocean. The blowy conditions meant it was a case of holding onto your hat as the updraft caused by the wind and the cliff face was constantly trying to separate you from your head wear. The walk is amazing. The views are worth the climb to the top and the structural components of the walk are an impressive feat of engineering. It’s also a great way to burn a few calories which we have accumulated along our trip.