House of Tint

from Porsche Parade 3-2022

Found Spaces

Creek township our second (and more urgent) pit stop became a bush pit stop (where are those darned conveniences exactly?) – where we noted the Flowerdale turn off being missed by a number of less than alert navigators…

Anyway…soon after we arrive at the stately Flowerdale Estate – a lovely property back to the 1830s and now a popular convention centre. The welcoming staff thrust nice bubbles and canapes into our hands as we shared tales of our morning’s fun, turny roads and scenery.

Patty much enjoyed the brmm brmm… but especially the friendly camaraderie and welcoming smiles from members as memorable. A generous three course Christmas lunch served in the Mackenzie Room completed a culinary delight, Patty enjoying both cocktails - the Christmas Grinch and Chrissy Cosmo. (I also managed a sip)…before the red and white (of Christmas – no green wines). Staying overnight meant less restraint! Lively and friendly conversation ensued around the dozen tables as two hours quickly disappeared course by course in a fab menu. Alison thanked us attendees and our wait staff and asked should we repeat Christmas in July – sounds good – yes please!

The winter sunshine masked the cold as we ventured out to ogle the parked Porsches and usual chats swapping tech data, natural aspirated and various Porsche trivia, as half the cars departed. We then had a much needed walkies prior to dinner…before more food!! A lucky 18 cars overnighting – well couples at this grand old homestead with its tasteful modernisation…enjoying the open fire in the reading room, larger billiards table, restaurant and lounges – wow!

An important highlight was that the heater was ON in our room – this very welcoming in this cold winter! For me a highlight the von Guerard art on the wall…and food. After some afternoon perambulations (in prep for next meal) a lively 6pm scene presented around the open fire with pre dinner drinks. Dinner saw us ordering small mains… but still tempted by sweets (well, shared sweets)…geesh! Post dinner chats around the open fire completed the evening.

Breaky followed at gentle hours and departures after careful defrosting! And yup, enjoying the twists and turns up‘n’over the Murchison Gap…in low gear.

Patty is keen to repeat but next time no pre depart coffees – especially if there is no arranged mid-morning stop!

A very big “thank you” to Alison for her efficient and cheerful organising – the run course, the varied scenery, great lunch and ability to overnight! Nice to know that the days are now getting longer! Roll on the real Christmas – and summer!