Cessnock

Friday, 20th September

We had another cool start to the day, but the temperature soon rose to 20 degrees once the sun came up.  While we were packing up, a kookaburra sat on the top of the caravan and kept an eye on proceedings, not the least bit perturbed as we walked around underneath him.  The highway south continued to be good, although the wind did pick up and swing around to the south before we had travelled very far.  We arrived at the Valley Vineyard Tourist Park in Cessnock well before lunch; this being the only caravan park in the Hunter Valley.  It is quite old and really only worth the three and a half stars awarded, but the receptionist was very nice and helpful.  Our site is plenty wide enough but very tight to reverse into – we also have a dog next door!

We decided to follow the receptionist’s advice and visit the Hunter Valley Gardens this afternoon and this is when Cat threw a wobbly because we weren’t visiting any wineries today.  He took to his bed and refused to come with us!  The gardens were lovely, with lots of lovely photo opportunities and we thoroughly enjoyed walking around them.  There were also a number of quirky displays, as well as a fascinating storybook area.

The Pokolbin area is well known for its vineyards, luxury accommodation, food and wineries.  There are just sooooo many wineries, if one visited them all, there would be no room left in the caravan – if one could find the caravan after all those wine tastings!  As my driver’s licence expired this week (and I can’t renew it until I return home), there is no argument about who will be the designated driver tomorrow.

Unfortunately, the weather today has been rather cooler than we have experienced for some time – the long pants, shoes and windcheaters had to be found.  Himself has even suggested finding the heater – for my benefit tomorrow morning, of course!