Christmas in July - Nelson Bay July 2010

Le Trio Magnifique -

 

LeTour____________________________________________

Day 1:

Departed Grandviews Bowling Club at 8.00 a.m. with 54 happy souls, looking forward to an enjoyable few days together.

After  morning tea (missed Joan’s homemade boiled Christmas Cake) moved on to a guided tour of Williamstown Airbase, then beaut sandwiches at Fighter World Café.  Following this, a wine tasting at Wonganella, then on to the Marina Resort at Nelson Bay.  After settling in we enjoyed a beautiful dinner at the Resort.

 

Day 2:

All aboard the four wheel drives, after arriving at Stockton Sand Dunes by coach, for a drive along the beach stopping for hilarious sand board rides for those wanting the experience.

Moving on to Tin City we viewed the unique tin buildings and enjoyed morning tea amongst the sand dunes.  Back on the coach to Nelson Bay, where we boarded the various vessels to enjoy either Dolphin (35 participants) or Whale watching (17 participants). The whalers sighted 10 whales and those inside the Bay sighted numerous pods of dolphins.  Home to the resort to enjoy another beautiful dinner and celebrations of Bastille Day which were lead in song  by the “French Trio” (Ron S, Brian L and Graeme N – dressed fantastically in French national costume – complete with moustaches, flags and drums).

 

Day 3:       

Off to the Hunter Valley taking in on the way the interesting Kurri Kurri murals, then to the breathtaking Hunter Valley Gardens. After a very interesting tour of the Gardens we enjoyed lunch in the Garden Café and then headed to Hungerford Hill Winery. Unfortunately Joe C became ill resulting in an overnight stay for him at John Hunter Hospital for observation.  After moving on to the Cheese Company for a cheese tasting (venue was a little disappointing), we headed back to the Resort to prepare for the “Big One” the Christmas Dinner.  We enjoyed Baked Whole Snapper, Baked Glazed Leg Ham, Prawns, Roast Turkey, Pork plus all the fineries. Santa and his helpers provided gifts for the ladies and Christmas Carols were the order of the evening led by “The Two Tenors and a Twenty!!!” (Brian , Ron  and Graeme again!). A wonderful evening was had by all.

 

 

Day 4:

Home we go unfortunately, stopping off in Newcastle to visit the beautiful Newcastle Cathedral followed by a very interesting and scenic ride on the tram on wheels.  Lunch was enjoyed on the foreshores at various locations and Joe was transported back by car provided by the Nelson Bay coaches to join back with us for the journey home.

 

Summary of Tour:       

Coach comfortable, Steve the Coach Captain once again looked after us in wonderful fashion.  Venues enjoyable and well selected.  Resort accommodation very comfortable although one or two rooms not quite up to standard.  Resort food certainly superior to any we have experienced on many previous tours and we compliment Tim and his team in this regard.  It was outstanding in quality, quantity and presentation and the buffet breakfasts were to die for (especially the poached eggs).  Overall, another great break was enjoyed by all.

 

Barry

Tour Leader

 

Barry & Jan - tour hosts extraordinaire!

 

Pete teaching Jan about brewing.