Much like Rod Stewart...

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...it was into the Hunter.

Andy informed us that just an hour-and-a-bit North was a place known as the Hunter Valley, where all manner of strange goings-on occur. Apparently they have these funny little farms called "Vineyards" where they grow a type of fruit called a "grape". These so-called "grapes" then get all squashed and the juice gets put into bottles and sold as a drink called "wine". It seemed foolish to come such a long way and not sample some of the New World oddities.

Anyway, always open to new ideas we hired a car and despite warnings from Jenny's Dad that we were bound to get lost and die in the wilderness by undertaking such a foolhardy 70 mile journey we made it there unscathed - there's proper roads and everything!

The best way to describe the Hunter Valley is that it is like Tuscany, except you drive on the proper side of the road, they speak English, and there'd be less side changing in a War. Although the region produces only 2% of Australia's wine, the big names are there, Rosemount, Lindermans, McWilliams etc..., it was the little boutique wineries that were the most interesting and welcoming. In fact, the reception at Lindemans was far from friendly, although their attention to detail in the lavatory was second to none.

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Photos

The View from Vineyard Hill
Andy found us this place, it is totally sweet, despite the "frog in the kettle" story.

Into the valley
After a bit of off-road action we were rewarded with this view down the valley.

Investment
Sherren is excited.

Hygiene
Somebody very childishly altered the sign. This sort of thing is not funny.

The good life,
A decent pair of binoculars, a mad wife and vineyards as far as the eye can see. What more do you want.

Traffic
A busy highway, Hunter Valley style.