The spectacular rainbow over Port Phillip Bay at 7:30am told us we were in for a gorgeous day and it was certainly an accurate sign. The mild weather conditions of light breeze and temperatures around 19 degrees were perfect for wine tasting and puppy play time. Dog Friendly takes on a whole new meaning when you grab one of our tickets.
It was a strange start for the Gourmet Pawprints team without their Chief Paw Officer and Co Host Diesel, who was on light duties due to a small operation to fix an infected wound. He sent his licks and woofs and was almost happy to stay with his friends for the day watching movies, eating popcorn and chilling out. Morning tea of muffins and coffee was a welcome start to the bus journey down to the Mornington Peninsula and the first stop at Willow Creek.
Thanks to Maggie and her Dad for offering a bottle of Saumah 2012 Cabernet Sauvingon as a prize for the best Facebook posted photo. There was an initial flurry to get on our FB page (thank you!!!) and to start posting. Some really sensational pictures were shared. Lu you win with the creative shot at Flinders Pier.
A very warm welcome from Ian, Peter and Kathy at Willow Creek started the day with the wine and olive oil tasting under the veranda of their historic homestead. Puppies were very happy to wander around the lawn while Peter explained the virtues of the Willow Creek Range. A very exciting time for Lilly-Lu and Milo who experienced off leash play time on grass and sand with other dogs for the first time. Well done guys a very special time for these gorgeous rescue Maltese X’s. Fraser entertained the group with his voice imitations of seal. Hysterical sounds!
Only a few dogs braved the water at Flinders Beach however all scooted along the sand sniffing and smelling.
Lunch was at Pier 10 Winery and what a sensational array of tapas greeted us as our entree. Plum, Chorizo and Proscuitto salad, individual seared scallops in their shell, olives, chicken and mango salad to name a few. Robyne tendered to the pooches out on the lawn, while their Mum’s and Dad’s mingled inside.
A very happy birthday to Helen who chose to celebrate her special day with Gourmet Pawprints and we thank her because it gave us an excuse to share a pear, orange and chocolate cake from Food on The Hill Cafe. Simply yum. Diesel (namesake), Kyra and Abbi were very happy lounging around and watching the more chatty dogs in the group over lunch. They figured out pretty quickly that treats came to those who chilled out. Tilly thought it was easier if she just plonked herself on Robyne’s knee that way she would not be forgotten when the treats came out.
More birthday celebrations at Mock Red Hill, this time our 4 legged guests, Dan and Ned, they were very excited to share a special platter of treats with all their new friends. Very enjoyable finish to the day with Cider and Red Hill Cheese Tasting.
Exhausted pooches and content owners snoozed on the way home.
