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Published: March 11th 2015
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Taste of Huon food festival
One of the interesting food stalls at the festival Sunday 8th March, 2015 We were a little sad this morning as we watched Brett and Jan drive away, we had a lot of fun together and probably did things we wouldn’t have done by ourselves.
Rather than to just spend the day at home as we first intended we instead drove about 30kms to the Ranelagh Recreation grounds where the first day of the “a taste of the Huon” festival was to be held. This is an annual celebration of fine food, wine, entertainment, arts and crafts from the Huon Valley and Channel region and held over two days.
On entering the grounds we were greeted by music from a local band and a large circle of stalls selling local produce such as wines, ciders, breads, jams, chutneys, seafood and fruit to mention but a few. There was some tasting of cheeses and home preserves but most were there to sell their wares. We weren't into buying chutneys as we have plenty at home and in the van but Judy is always on the lookout for some new ideas to make at home.
After a circuit of the stalls which included some root vegetable
Shot Tower
Shot for the muskets were made here for the early settlers. chips, we settled in one of the covered seating areas with a salmon and brie pie and a curried scallop pie. Both were delicious. We then made our way to the main tent where there was a Food Theatre, showcasing “The Chef and the Showman” Paul Foreman and John X. This was almost a comedy routine with some serious cooking thrown in. Dishes included one with corned beef, another with brined salmon. At the conclusion, the audience shared the dishes. We were both impressed by the salmon and intend cooking this some time in the future when we get home.
After admiring a display of 50s and 60s restored vehicles we felt we had seen enough and made our way out. Traffic was being directed in a certain direction, we found that by the time we reached the turn-off we came in, we had travelled a few extra kms.
As it was still early afternoon, and the sky was relatively clear, we decided to drive to Mt Wellington. Not having a GPS or a proper map, we found ourselves on a coastal road almost in Hobart rather than near the mountain.
This did give us an opportunity
Mt Wellington
A bit cool up there, over a kilometre above sea level to see the Shot Tower, where shot was made in the early settlement days, and to walk around Wrest Point Casino. The latter was the first casino in Australia but it now looks quite tired and didn’t appear to have as many customers as we expected.
The long drive up the mountain followed, the narrow road twisting and turning to the summit 1271metres above sea level. This reminded Judy of her previous experience many years ago when the clouds descended as she was driving up and visability was almost nil - this was an awesome experience compared to that rather frightening one! When we stopped at the carpark we both agreed it was well worth the trip! The views were superb. Hobart was spread out below us and you could see up and down the coast for kilometres. Many photos were taken and we tried to work out where we had driven over the last few days.
The temperature at the summit is said to be 10 degrees less than Hobart and the wind-chill had Rags feeling very cold after about an hour, even though he was wearing his Gortex jacket. He was quite thankful to be back
Huon Food Festival
As we entered the grounds we saw families and groups picnicking amongst the food stalls in the warm car for the trip home.
There was a sign in the lookout area on what to do if a car's wireless unlocking and ignition system didn't work. This problem apparently is caused by the nearby communications antenna. It told you what to do before contacting the RAC. Just as well Rags read it as the doors would not unlock when we returned to the car. Luckily the ignition was not affected and after opening the doors with the key we were able to start the car.
Neither of us was very hungry after our late lunch, so the early evening was spent catching up with work, photos, and the writing of this blog. A supper of local cheese and biscuits, with a drink or two, was sufficient.
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D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley
Tasty treat
perfection