A simply sensational weekend spent with a group of fabulous guests and their pooches. Diesel was super excited to welcome back Edward, Sophia, Ayla, Lulu, Coby, Oscar, Teddy and Tammy. Not even the slightly wet start on Friday afternoon could dampen the spirits of this social group. Who needs to have a welcome sparkling wine on the beach at Port Melbourne when you have a perfectly useful bus shelter!
The rain eased enough for the pooches to take a short stroll on Rye beach before getting acquainted with their cottages.
Graham our private chef wasn’t deterred by a little drizzle and happily prepared a wonderful array of BBQ delights while everyone got to relax over a range of wines from aptly named Toodle and Buster from Armadale Cellars. With contented faces and some debate over the start time the next day, it was time to tuck the pooches up in bed.
Just when Kerry and Sharon thought they had figured out which people would need a wake up call, everyone was up and about and getting stuck into the breakfast hampers.
There was a friendship buzz about the group as they boarded Bella for a day exploring the Mornington Peninsula. First stop was to block the traffic on Eastbourne Road, Rosebud and say hello to Kerry’s 95 year old Aunty Nancy, who was discussed with love the night before. Aunty Nancy even managed to climb on board and say hello to everyone. Thanks for making her day!
Now back into the swing of things, it was off to see the most magnificent view across Westernport Bay from Flinders Beach and to run off some energy. Now for some cider tastings before heading off to Merricks General Store for lunch and more wine for the hoomans, while the pooches got to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and munch on pupcorn with Lani.
The afternoon was spent relaxing, with pooches getting their essential personalised massage from Paw Things and fur-parents off to Peninsula Hot Springs, there was a calm descending over the group. This was a chance for everyone to wander around the Springs at their own pace, however, we spent most of the time moving from pool to pool as a group, which showed friendships had been formed.
Sharon was in charge of getting the pooches to their massage appointments on time and it was a busy few hours with the dogs wanting to tell each other what it was all about.
Saturday night was kicked off with Dan from Yabby Lake Vineyard entertaining us with their extensive range. Graham our chef was back with 4 course dinner capped off with a birthday celebration for Kathy. So many relaxed little fur-kids soundly asleep near the table while the adults went into a food coma.
Sunday morning we crept a little more quietly onto Bella and cruised around Main Ridge and Red Hill before taking a short stroll from Red Hill shops to the recreational ground for morning tea.
Our last stop was McClelland Gallery and a stroll around the inspiring Sculpture Park and our final lunch.
What an amazing weekend filled with so many happy paws and great friendships.
Teddy and Tammy talking about their 2016 Gourmet Weekend Getaway – “just wanted to send a big thank you for giving us such a fabulous weekend away. We had an awesome time and loved every single second. We really appreciate the hard work and effort and it was so fantastically organised. Could not have been better, perfect.”
