Middle-aged flash packers

Family gatherings are intimate things, and when the much loved, but frail matriarch of that family reaches one hundred years old it’s emotionally charged. It’s far too intimate to be discussed in this blog but I do feel a novel coming on which will be written in my dotage. Maybe. What I can say is each and every one of the people involved in this very special weekend are all fabulous and it was a privilege for S and I to be invited. 

A special mention must go to Michael (Kylie’s dad)  who gave up his bedroom for Steve and I and slept in a tent in the garden – during an excessive heat event where the temperatures rose to 39degrees and weren’t much cooler at night. This will be on my conscience for years to come. Thankfully he is still alive although he wasn’t looking great this morning.

I also feel guilty about Zappa the cat who is the friendliest cat in the world and was completely bewildered as to why he wasn’t allowed to sleep in “his” bedroom alongside Steve and I. He never once gave up attempting to gain access having abandoned Michael to the tent. Probably too hot.

We had a lovely time at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens just after we arrived in Adelaide. Well, Steve and I did, the rest of them went to the pub. In their defence, it was extremely hot, but you know what they say about mad dogs and Englishmen so S and I carried on in stereotypical fashion. There was a Chihuly exhibition (famous American glass designer) which consisted of glass structures strategically positioned throughout the gardens. It was absolutely fantastic. Loved it.

Another of Kylie’s Oz Travel Adventures (this time in cahoots with Marina) involved the hiring of e-bikes and exploring the Shiraz wine trail. I hadn’t thought too much about this in advance which was lucky as my memory of how completely useless I am on anything that requires some technical ability didn’t kick in until the bikes were wheeled out. I also had a shiver of fear that I would be consigned to the kinder bike again (see previous blog on our cycling experience in Germany) but all was fine  in that department as it wasn’t pink with tassels. The hire guy did struggle to find a small enough helmet though.

After a quick experimental ride up and down a residential road which did nothing to soothe my nerves, we were led to the beginning of the trail and let loose. I did manage to settle down though and eventually found it great fun. The trail followed an old railway track which was perfect – no cars and very few corners. 

The heat ratcheted up to the high 30’s and so a visit to a winery was in order. The aircon was sublime and Steve, Zeke and myself decided to do a wine tasting. We had the added bonus of Marty, our wine host at Serafino winery, adding an extra 3 wines to the standard  5 so a merry time was had. All three of us decided the orange wine was the best which was a surprise. 

The heat was extraordinary when we got back outside but we saddled up and had a very jolly ride home although I did manage to fall off the bike 3 times – it was the corners, they seemed much more difficult to negotiate on the return journey, can’t think why. Anyway no damage done to me or the bike.

I must also mention the breakfast gang (Lorna, Zeke, Ian, S and myself) who walked to the Boy  and Bloom cafe  in search of morning coffee and sustenance. A bit of chatting would commence once coffee was imbibed. 

The family gathering went off well and although the birthday girl herself couldn’t be at the event she can rest assured that she is loved beyond words by some very special people. She must be very special herself to inspire such adoration.

Happy birthday Ooma.