Sunday 28 July 2013

'Winter' in July

We've just arrived back home from a lovely weekend with Phil and Vas in the Barossa Valley wine region in South Australia. As if we haven't eaten or drunk enough over the weekend (I think we managed to visit around 10 wineries) we're now relaxing with a glass of (Margaret River) red, along with trying to get through the 2kg of pate I made the other weekend. Such is life.

Lately we've had a few quieter weekends where we've stuck around locally and enjoyed the winter sunshine, and we've had a couple of surf lessons at Brighton beach - even saw a seal in the water on a couple of occasions, Phil just about managed to keep himself under control.

July also included a local longboard competition on Cottesloe beach, an Aussie classic tradition - 'Christmas in July'. No photos, but you can imagine what it looks like - an abundance of food, some bad taste Santa outfits, and a 'secret santa' gift selection consisting entirely of alcohol. Other highlights include the purchase of a soda stream, some lovely sunsets and weekend breakfasts out, and obviously our trip to Barossa with the Bentleys.

 Cottesloe beach, after our regular weekend strolls down to get some coffee

 A particularly calm day - only a few days later this was incredibly stormy and exciting!

 Brighton beach, where we've been having surf lessons



 Perth CBD - a light display onto the 'heritage' buildings
 Tscharke's Place

 Pindarie - the 'best view in Barossa' - not bad

 Phil and Vas, at Charles Melton's
 A panoramic of Rockford's

The underwhelming sculpture park - good views though 
 Artisans of Barossa
An early morning view from my office window