A winery and a coastal walk

On Tuesday we visited Langhorne Creek wineries. This area is a favourite with us and we love to share it with others. Lyn and Col were looking forward to it.

As well as the wonderful wines to taste, I love looking at the gardens. Why are winery gardens so beautifully perfect?  Here at Bremerton Winery, the roses put on a lavish display.

Of course there was always time for Lyn and me to stop and pose!!!

Here at Rusticana Wines I even managed to get Steve and Col (both ardent camera avoiders) in the shot!

On the way home we passed Lake Alexandrina, so I experimented with a black and white view. 

The next day it was off to Port Elliot for the coastal walk. Once again, the weather was not particularly pleasant, with the sun being very reluctant to show itself.

 

It was good to have a rest and soak up the sea air.

Harsh conditions ...

Friends who visit us on the Fleurieu Peninsula are sure to be taken for a walk around Granite island, the rock land mass connected to Victor Harbor by a 900 metre causeway. The sun was attempting to shine so, with my sister Lyn and her husband Col we set off in high spirits (and weatherproof jackets)  to explore.

Before long the wind was howling and we were feeling a little cold. Lyn then noticed an interpretation sign that referred to the 'harsh conditions' on the island, and we had to agree we were definitely experiencing them. But not to be deterred we ambled on.

 It was fun to pass the horse-drawn tram that regularly trundles across the causeway with tourists.

Luckily we made it across to shelter before the first drops of rain appeared.

In the afternoon, in better weather, we visited the Nangawooka Flora reserve, not far from home. Both Lyn and Col are native flora enthusiasts and enjoyed comparing the plants with similar ones in their home state of Western Australia.

I smell the roses ...

Even though we've been having cool, cloudy and windy conditions lately, we've also had some truly spring-y days. And there are so many places to stroll to and savour the balmy weather. For instance, I always enjoy my walk to the library, and it's wonderful when all the flowers are blooming. With my backpack full of books hoisted over my shoulders I set off down Matthew Flinders Drive. Lots of spectacular gardens to ogle, with roses leading the way.

On this particular day I had my camera with me so did some more experimenting with the macro lens.

I love it when I come to the Inman River. I'm nearly at the library now.

Just around this bend and then I'm there. 

I always make a point of coming back via the estuary where the river enters the sea.

I dream of sailing away ...

Out with the camera again to capture some of the seaside plants.

Back on the path, with some competition from a group of tourists...

...and a duck.

Time for a couple more garden shots ...













... then one last chance to smell the roses and I am home again.

Get thee to a ginnery

Well, it was certainly better than a nunnery, that's for sure.
On Saturday, we set off with our good friends Di and Pete and dog Goldie for Encounter Coast Spirits, a boutique distillery specialising in gin, vodka and liqueurs, with a sideline in chutneys, dressings and sauces. It was nestled in hill country not far from home.

It was a lovely drive there: rolling green hills, a big sky with sweeping clouds, black-faced Suffolk sheep gambolling in the fields, a few other farmlets scattered about. The sun was shining and we were looking forward to the visit.

The property was clearly signposted.

The property's front gate and drive

It's a very small business - in fact, here is the entire distilling operation.

 

 The owner was very welcoming and took us through a range of different types of gin, explaining the process (juniper berries must account for two-thirds of the final product), and the various types of herbs, berries and fruits that can be added at the distiller's discretion.

Of course, we tasted...

 ... and tasted.

Here I am making sure I savour the last drop!!!!

I loved the different mixers used; along with the usual tonic water, we had one with blood orange - absolutely fabulous. We were marking the ones we tasted and liked, and the Fortune Teller gin got a big thumbs up from us.

Then it was on to the liqueurs. We had an apricot liqueur, a strawberry & juniper liqueur (great for mixing with champagne), my favourite, Fortunecello, a lemony, velvety liqueur we just loved, and a spiced honey & wattle liquor which was a bit too spicy for me.

Out came the spoons and it was into the condiments branded with the 'Irreverent Kitchen' name. These are all made here from local ingredients, native botanicals and fruits. We had a taste of each one.

We tasted

• Apricot Brandy Jam with Wattleseed (ok)
• Strawberry and Boobialla Jam (tasty)
• Plum Brandy Sauce (delicious)
• Brandied Apple Chutney (yummy)
• Bloody Mary Chutney (not really to my taste) 

and the final two which we loved and bought:

• Honey Mustard & Lemon Myrtle Dressing 
• Peach Kasundi with Honey & Wattleseed.

Then we had to make the decision on what to buy.

It was a fun morning and we had learnt so much.
How wonderful that it is a mere 10 minutes from home. We'll be back.