We are packing all of our last-minute activities in before we leave and one of them was a Groupon I had for a horseback winery tour in Mornington. I always gravitate to anything with horses in them (I think Cian will be much the same) and so this combined horses + wine + amazing scenery. What was not to love?
We rented a car and asked our beloved babysitter Ciara to come for the day. I highly support the idea of a daytime babysitter now that we had one. Sometimes a day completely away from your kids can really make a world of difference and it did. They were happier to play with her and get a fresh face in their play mix and we were happy not to be playing.
She came bright and early at 0730 because it's a 1.5 hour drive to Mornington. We got in the car and realized there was frost on it. This was a miniscule amount of frost but with no antifreeze in the windshield washer fluid or any viable scraper it took longer to get it off than expected. But then we were off.
It was without a doubt the most gorgeous "winter" day of the whole season. Even though it was cold (it was zero degrees when we left) the air was crisp and the sun was out in full force. This lifted a mist out of the Dandenongs that was truly magical. We got there with 30 minutes to spare and drove up the winding driveway to the beautiful oak and stone stables. We signed in but hadn't had breakfast because we thought we'd be late and they directed us to this little secret bakery down the road in the back room of this winery(Johnny Ripe). The baked goods were outstanding (we ate everything apple on the menu) I think my grandmother would have been impressed. We got back with delicious baked goods in our bellies (and another espresso in mine) with plenty of time to spare.
They had given me a horse named Keiko because he was usually a beginner's horse but had started being tempermental so they were trying to get more experienced riders on him. I said I had taken some lessons so they put me down as intermediate but once I got on Keiko I realized all the riding I've actually done in my life. It's amazing how one nostalgic sensation like getting on the back of a horse can remind you of something you loved so passionately for most of your life.
Keith had Boss, who seemed to be a very reliable Clydesdale. I appreciate that he rides these horses to humour me and he does it without complaint. We rode out to the first winery which had stunning sloping views, a little pond, baby lambs and two Kelpie dogs. They had little tapas to try with our wine and we tried 6 different types - all of which were delicious with special note of the Chardonnay (and I don't love whites usually) and the Pinot Noir (Mornington is a Pinot region). Everything was yummy and it was nice to soak in some sun with our food and drink.
The guides taught the group how to posting trot on the way to the next place. Everyone was a very good sport and we made it to the apple tasting place in good time. There were lovely apple ciders and juice to try and it was a beautiful old barn with a pot-bellied stove in the corner. I think I like the decor of wineries almost as much as I like wine which is saying something. I think it's my favourite scenery: sloping hills, brisk fresh air, sunshine and a roaring fireplace inside. I would be blissful with a perpetual fall.
On the way home the guides were planning to fulfill my wish of cantering. I missed that amazing feeling and I had proven that I was able to ride. There were a few other brave people that wanted to try to canter including Keith! It was great to feel the freedom of a cantering horse - it is one of my favourite things. It's amazing how you forget how much you love something until you do it again years later. Why did I ever stop?
We had lunch after the ride at T'Gallant. It's a famous winery in the region and it was busy there on a Sunday for lunch but our package including a lovely lunch there where we continued our chat with a lovely British couple we met on the tour. It's nice to chat with other "international gypsies". What a beautiful day to start our loving goodbye to the Melbourne we have called home this year.
The guides taught the group how to posting trot on the way to the next place. Everyone was a very good sport and we made it to the apple tasting place in good time. There were lovely apple ciders and juice to try and it was a beautiful old barn with a pot-bellied stove in the corner. I think I like the decor of wineries almost as much as I like wine which is saying something. I think it's my favourite scenery: sloping hills, brisk fresh air, sunshine and a roaring fireplace inside. I would be blissful with a perpetual fall.
On the way home the guides were planning to fulfill my wish of cantering. I missed that amazing feeling and I had proven that I was able to ride. There were a few other brave people that wanted to try to canter including Keith! It was great to feel the freedom of a cantering horse - it is one of my favourite things. It's amazing how you forget how much you love something until you do it again years later. Why did I ever stop?
We had lunch after the ride at T'Gallant. It's a famous winery in the region and it was busy there on a Sunday for lunch but our package including a lovely lunch there where we continued our chat with a lovely British couple we met on the tour. It's nice to chat with other "international gypsies". What a beautiful day to start our loving goodbye to the Melbourne we have called home this year.
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