November 6
Hobart to Rutherglen
As ever when an early start is scheduled, I didn't sleep well. This was helped along by what sounded like a recycling truck stopping outside the hotel at about 05.30 to crush a load of bottles. At 06.00 the hotel's clock radio alarm went off. I hit it on top & it shut down but, as it obviously had a snooze function, it sounded again five minutes later.
Fully awake by now, I deactivated all of my own alarms and prepared to face the day. At 07.30 I crossed the road and, a few minutes later, the shuttle appeared. The driver told me that the hotel had screwed up as usual and given me a receipt and not a bus ticket but he would let me off and I should climb on regardless. We then circled the city centre a few times, collecting people from various hotels, before crossing the bridge and heading for the airport.
We arrived there at 08.20 and the long line of Virgin check-in desks was gloriously deserted. Coordinating with the airport transport is obviously not at the top of their list of priorities. After half an hour, they sprang into life and check-in was completed quickly and efficiently. I was through security by 09.00. A weak coffee and a tired toasted sandwich followed. The catering here leaves a lot to be desired. I then sat and waited.
We took off a couple of minutes late and arrived a couple of minutes early. Nothing to complain about there. My bag arrived quickly and I found my way across the road to the Hertz office at the base of a multi storey car park. The lady there was reasonably, not completely, helpful but I found my bright yellow car and left the car park without incident. Both of the ladies at Hertz said it would be easy - just take the 2nd exit. I did and it was. Within ten minutes I was finding my way along the Hume Freeway, where road works slowed everything a little.
With photography not being possible whilst driving at 110 kph, I will have to rely on my descriptive skills. The road was a low grade dual carriageway by UK standards, but not too busy so driving was easy. The weather was hot, dull and cloudy and there was a hint of rain in the air. The scenery was rural, green but not intensively farmed. There were large areas of rough common and a few trees. Other than the odd farm, there was no sign of development until, after about 90 k, I pulled off the Freeway at Seymour.
 |
 |
|
|
Finding the town centre was a problem - there didn't seem to be one. I'm not sure why there was a tank parked by the side of the road but the information centre looked pretty and the pub looked as if it might do a lunch.
It was rough and ready but friendly and I had a couple of cold light beers and a burger. The meal was huge and very good, including an excellent Greek salad. I got a lot of entertainment from the byplay between the girl behind the bar and the three regulars sitting alongside it. It was fun, mainly good natured and mostly unrepeatable.
|
 |
The rest of the journey was similar to the first part. Showers appeared and, on one stretch of the highway, the puddles suggested that I had missed a downpour. I stopped at Violet Town for a cold drink & an ice cream. It was pleasant enough but not memorable.
 |
 |
|
|
At about 4.15 I entered Rutherglen after a drive of about 300k, and parked at the Information Centre. There, I discovered that there wasn't a tour of the vineyards, unless I wanted to hire a stretch limo, so I would have to drive myself and be abstemious. I enquired about walking from the Motor Inn into town and was told that it was a long way. When I arrived there, I found a road sign pointing back to the Information Centre - 1k! I think I should be able to manage that.
 |
 |
|
|
I checked in, dumped my belongings and wandered out of town for about ten minutes to see what there was. I found nothing very much other than a house with about half a dozen assorted doggies - Labradors, retrievers, mutts of indeterminate parentage etc - all of which egged each other on to attack the passer by. The fence prevented them from doing this but it was an entertaining performance. I'm sure that they would all have enjoyed having their tummy's tickled.
It was repeated when I retraced my steps past the motel and on to the Tuileries, a posh restaurant, where I reserved a table for the following night. I collapsed in one of the pubs for a cold beer, perused the menu and decided to return there for dinner.
 |
 |
|
|
A brisk walk home in the heat left me a sweaty mess. I showered, thought of changing into trousers but decided to retain the shorts. Some laundry might be required in the morning.
 |
As I walked out of the motel, the rain started. I donned my waterproof and the rain stopped. I couldn't be bothered to remove it again. I was soon at the Poachers Paradise Hotel, a walk of about ten minutes, and in the cavernous restaurant. They offered a good selection of local wines by the glass. I started with a Stanton and Killeen Frontignac, a grape I have only previously tried in the Barossa. It was aromatic and with a touch of sweetness. It was interesting but I don't think I would buy it. Next was a Campbells Verdelho. Nice enough but not Hunter Valley standard. |
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
The salt and pepper squid arrived suspiciously quickly - but it was excellent. I didn't come 300k inland to eat seafood but this was cooked to perfection.
While I was ordering a Campbells Durif/Shiraz, my steak was arriving. It wasn't as good a piece of meat as I had enjoyed the previous night but it, too, was cooked to perfection. The wine was rich and smooth. Remarkably good for AU$8 a glass.
By 8.15, the pub was almost empty. I probably outstayed my welcome by ordering a glass each of the Campbells and Stanton and Killeen liqueur muscat. I sat in the bar and compared them while the staff locked up around me.
It was a good night with a lot of good food and good drink at reasonable (by Australian standards) prices. I walked slowly home.