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We gathered for our January Rally at the idyllic
Tamar Ridge Vineyards located at Rowella by the beautiful Tamar River
in the northern part of Tasmania. On our way to the Rally we were to experience
high humidity coupled with rain, thunder and lightening, was this to be
another damp Rally? No! as we set up the inclement weather was replaced
by a beautiful sunny day that required hats and sunscreen, what funny
weather we are experiencing this month. Our Hosts Eddie & Audrey were on hand to great us and quickly had us parked and at ease in these pleasant and tranquil surroundings; it didn't take long for us all to congregate and catch up on the events and adventures that had occurred since our last Rally. |
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| Gathered by the Grapevines | Parked around the Grapevines |
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Happy hour arrived and we all came together
and as usual laughter was to ring out across the vineyard as we continued
to swap stories with our hosts Eddie and Audrey and President Ian outlining
the programme for the weekend, our happy hours seem to extend usually
up until its time for our evening meal. What a sight to behold the many
barbecue settings amongst the grapevines with smell of the cooking food
wafting about. |
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| Relaxing at Happy Hour | Brian cooking his evening meal on the Barbie |
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After our evening meal members were seen to
be out and about walking around the immediate area taking in the wonderful
scenery that greets the eye, whether it be just the vines with the new
vintage of grapes or the many lakes and the winery itself. The evening
was balmy so there were many groups gathered chatting and looking so relaxed
that no one appeared to going to bed early. Or was it due to the screeching
of the Native Hens that proliferated the shores of the many lakes in the
complex. |
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One of
the many lakes |
Winery |
One of
the many garden settings for picnics |
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Saturday
dawned with a little high fog and at 7am a group of Chapter members assembled
to go for a morning walk amongst the vines and also take in the other
beautiful views that abound on the very large vineyard of 140 hectares. Then it was out with our yellow canopy getting ready for the days events, many are looking forward to the wine tasting due to take place at 11am this morning. |
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| Early morning walkers | Our Yellow Canopy being erected |
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So it was that we set out at 11am to go to
the winery for the highly anticipated tour and wine tasting, we were spread
out like a gaggle of geese and many as excited as happy school children.
On arrival were met by Chris our tour guide who explained the workings
of the Tamar Ridge Winery. Currently there is 140 Hectares of vines under cultivation ranging from pinot noir, which makes up the bulk, and other types that go to make the famous Tamar Ridge brand of Wines. As can be expected they have won many gold medals for their wines. Compared to other Australian vineyards this is small in comparison; though this means to compete they have to have wines at the top end of the market, quality wise. The winery produces 50,000 cases of wine from their Rowella vineyards and this is also supplemented by grapes from other producers and also from the companies three other vineyards in various parts of the state. |
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Gathered
ready for the Tour |
Our guided
Chris |
Part of
the bottling process |
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Our guide Chris was articulate in his commentary on
how the wine was produced, he took us through the various stages of
production until we arrived at an area in the wine barrel room where
he had set up an impromptu wine tasting table for our sampling of their
many fine quality wines. |
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Section
of the wine barrel section |
Gathered
for wine tasting |
Chris pouring
samples for Chapter Members |
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Happy Hour arrived with
the hour piped in by our Piper on his Bag Pipes, we wonder if it is the
aroma of the growing grapes that has us all in a permanent state of relaxation. Of course we had our usual raffle with a few bottles of top quality wines and other prizes which ensured good ticket sales, our evening meal again cooked on the barbecue's. What a fine sight it was to see so many taking their tables, chairs and barbecues at least 20 metres inside the rows of vines for their meal. As the late afternoon was very warm, the vines provided shade and coolness that was both relaxing, which in turn created a carefree attitude. As night fell upon us we gathered under our yellow canopy and spoke of the day happenings and other relevant subjects which created laughter and of course our Piper gave sterling renditions on his Bag Pipes of many popular songs and especially the birthday song for those celebrating their birthday and lets no forget that this weekend is also the birthday of the Island Wanderers Chapter that was first established in 1993. Later in the evening, as the night cooled, the fire was stoked up and many were still gathered around its warmth at midnight reminiscing then off to bed to the sounds once again of the native hens on the dams. |
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| Our Piper playing Bag Pipes among the vines | Happy Hour under our Yellow Canopy |
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Sunday dawned overcast at first and then sunny
for the rest of the day and quite warm, at 7am our walkers set out once
again; though on this occasion were to walk by road to the river via Beauty
Bay. What wonderful views of the Tamar River and the many bays and on
course the Batman Bridge. As usual we were spread out like a gaggle of
geese with many stopping to take photo's and others taking in the views.
This mornings walk was a lot more vigorous than that of yesterday and
was to have most of us sweating before returning to our Rally Site. |
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| Our early morning walkers | Walk with Batman Bridge in the distance |
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On our return we were greeted by our Piper
who welcomed us home and who repeated the birthday tune for the Chapter
Birthday and others celebrating the day. Most were enjoying their breakfast
under the yellow canopy and having a good old chat before packing to leave
the Rally Site. |
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| One of the many bays we walked past | Roses at the Entrance to Tamar Ridge Vineyard |
Before we knew it the
time had slipped by and it was final pack up ready to leave, as usual
members were slow to leave with some opting to stay until well after lunch
time before heading to the various areas of the state. Our interstate
guests indicated that they were more than pleased with the Rally and its
location and are continueing on to tour our State before returning to
their home State in the near future. We will all be gathering in a bit
over a week at the Combined Chapter's Rally being held in Hobart, it will
be great to renew acquaintances once again. So, again our hosts Eddie
and Audrey have done a spendid job in supplying us with such a wonderful
venue and hosting an extremly good Rally. |
January |
April |
June |
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August |
December | ||||||
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