Jan 3rd...

The Cessnock Hotel, and the town itself, isn't exactly blessed with class. But it was simple and did the job. For instance, my single room had 2 bunk beds in it and a window that wouldn't shut. The tap water had an 'interesting' taste to it too shall we say.

We had breakfast at a local cafe then hired our own personal taxi. Bruce (seriously) turned up and charged us a very reasonable hourly rate to take us round the vineyards. He was a very friendly chap, insisted we call him Fletch, and gave us the grand tour with all the local knowledge thrown in. He was also fairly easy on the micky taking when it came to the cricket score.

We tasted wine at several vineyards, I even bought half a dozen bottles, and ate a cheese and bread lunch at the Smelly Cheese Shop. Quality day out.

By the end we were all pretty tired and drunk but we made it out for some food in a local Irish pub before retiring to our hotel bar for a couple more beers and a game of darts. The locals were out in force and banjo music was playing in all of our heads. Early night then.

Gooseberry, Chris, Jill, Ros and Andy

Fletch lives!