As various F-Class competitions were running at Stawell Range over the weekend, this gave the team a perfect opportunity for some R&R before the Australian Match Rifle Championship starts on Monday. Around Halls Gap (our base of operations) there are lots of activities to do. Here are some of the things that we got up to.
Fishing
One group had a leisurely trip into Stawell to purchase the cheapest fishing rods available, scoring a bargain at $20 each including line and reel. After some local guidance, and catching a member of the Australian team who is [in]famous for always wearing thongs actually buying trainers for the first time in 15 years, the quad of Jon, Norman, Fergus, and Ashley headed to Lake Bellfield, just south of Halls Gap, optimistically in search of dinner.
They were somewhat hindered by the record high water levels, trying to cast between submerged trees in the only accessible spot. After a couple of fruitless hours they decided to pause for lunch; a lunch which somehow evolved into sampling every local beer at the excellent brewery. Optimism suitably refortified the team headed back to the lake, only pausing for the first bite of the day – Fergus somehow managing to be bitten in a somewhat sensitive area, through his trousers, by an ant stowed away in the car. Obviously the others were incredibly supportive and absolutely did not laugh or take photos as Fergus applied bite cream…
Fishing resumed with no real event other than constantly feeling mocked by the hoards of local kookaburras. It was only shortly after plans were made for a dinner of shame from the local store, and Fergus had persuaded us to give it just 30 more minutes, that Norman hooked into an impressive brown trout. A short but epic battle saw him land dinner and there was much rejoicing. Before he had even unhooked the trout Fergus had poached his fishing spot, but sadly no further bites were had. However, an excellent dinner followed (the only challenge being how to fit the trout into the oven) with one fillet comfortably feeding the 4 with plenty leftover.
Early Walk
Alex and Julian set off enthusiastically early to hike from Halls Gap town up through the bush to the Pinnacle at 715m, climbing 1500ft past Splitters Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls which had benefited from yesterday’s rain. After descending for a coffee in town, they spent the afternoon climbing Chatauqua Peak and felt they’d earned their kangaroo steak dinner at the Halls Gap Hotel.
Late Walk
Knowing that Alex and Julian are keen walkers, a group of less energetic walkers decided on a later start and more gentle stroll. Having spoken to the very helpful ladies at the visitors center in Halls Gap, the Pinnacle was also the target for Derek, Fi, John, Mike, Si and Sophie. They were not quite as enthusiastic as the early walkers and chose to drive up to Wonderand carpark before tackling the 4.2km round trip. The views from the top were worth every bit of the climb and following some dubious selfie taking the various wind coaches determined where the best spot to have lunch would be. A gentle stroll down the hill with a brief detour to Splitters Falls (on the recommendation of the Captain…) and it was time to return to basecamp and join the non fishermen for dinner (booked on route back from our walk) at the Halls Gap Hotel and Restaurant.
Wine
Down days, just right for exploring Grampian wine country.
Shepherded by Zoe, our volunteer driver our three man squad (David, Gary and Martin) took the short drive to Fallen Giant’s winery. A small boutique cellar door affair offering a range of award winning wines. Including Riesling, Cab Sav, and Shiraz. It would have been impolite not to try them all, so we did. The conclusion purchase of some Cabernet and a Riesling.
On to Pomonal Estates- a much more commercial venture with much less character. The options were a tasting flight for A$10, although for this you got a small glass of 5 different wine’s. We took the opportunity to have a light lunch of local cheeses olives etc, which was perhaps the best part of that experience.
Next stop a true maverick, Clayfield wines. Somewhat off the beaten track we drove round the back of the house to be met by a large hound and Simon the proprietor, wine maker, bottler and chief engineer. He was fixing a stuck valve on his dam. So directed to help our selves to glasses and pour some wine in the shed. While he washed his hands we duly did as bid. Another selection of award winning wines single handily produced on site. Again it would have been impolite not to try the full range of around 7 different Shiraz grades and a conawarra Riesling. The passion for his products was evident and we had a lengthy chat about his whole operation. To such extend he earned a GB match Rifle badge. We left with wide grins and some top grade Shiraz and more white.
The next one we knew would take some finding, Miner’s Ridge wines is cross country from Clayfield and the roads were gravel. A great opportunity to see some real Australia, or if you were in the back seat have a nap. We eventually arrived to be met be Jacinta wife of Andrew who was cutting the meadow. This husband and wife team produce another great selection of Riesling, Chardonnay, Vognier, Cab and Shiraz. The Riesling, being Rhineland style was unique on this tour and caught our attention along with a superb Shiraz rosé which both had to come home with us.
7 more wines under our belt we set off for our last stop Bests wines on Best Western, only to be turned away as they were under staffed and it was getting close to closing time, oh well their loss.
And hats off to Zoe who tolerated this whole experience in abstinence.
Grampians Adventure Golf
On Sunday afternoon, five intrepid golfers (Mike, Sophie, Si, John and Fergus) set off to play the world renowned 18 hole Grampians Adventure Golf course in Halls Gap. The course’s formidable reputation is the likely reason why it has never been considered for inclusion in the PGA Tour.
Each hole required balls to be skilfully directed past slopes, holes, water hazards, pipes, rocks, bridges and – in some cases – other golfers. A few things quickly became evident: Si was actually very good at Adventure Golf, John’s strategy of “get it airborne” rarely paid off, and everyone (apart from Si) has a lot of work to do on their short game. Once the 18th hole had been played, scores were added up and Si unsurprisingly emerged victorious on 72, which was still eight over par, leaving plenty of room for improvement.
