Irene's DiaryFebruary 2011 Well, here we are still coping with the aftermath of the January flooding of Halls Gap. We were on our way home from a family reunion in Gippsland on the Thursday afternoon (January 13th) and at Beaufort we received a text message about a meeting in Halls Gap that evening to discuss the "current situation". It was raining where we were but didn't seem all that bad but by the time we got to Ararat it was pelting down and all roads to Halls Gap had been cut. "OK", we thought, "we'll go back to Gippsland and have another couple of days off" (seemed like an attractive proposition at that moment) but then we learned that the Western Highway was now cut at Beaufort...so there we were, with our two dogs, stuck in Ararat for two nights! At the risk of seeming to go off at a tangent: We have recently been wondering about the value of web sites such as Trip Advisor and others that encourage guests to make comments about their accommodation experiences. It seems to us that for the most part comments are either so derogatory that they must be aimed at extracting revenge and inflicting damage as punishment for real or imagined faults, or so glowing that one wonders whether they were written by the owners. Very few come across as balanced and objective. This has come to mind as a result of a recent experience of ours following the floods, and a comment made to one of these websites. I am pasting the exchange that we had with the website concerned here (they have not yet replied) because it illustrates quite well the difficulties that we have had in continuing to maintain our standards in the face of natural disaster:
Dear Sirs Herr & Frau Ulrich Winkler stayed with us for three nights from 30th January this year. Marwood is a resort of self-contained villas surrounded and bordering the Grampians National Park and that is how it is described on your website. Daily room servicing is not part of our tariff structure - although we are generally happy to service rooms if requested our main promise to guests is one of total privacy; and this information is clearly set out in our compendium. The Winklers went out early each morning while they were here, returned around 10 am and stayed in their villa until well after our cleaning staff had finished for the day. They specifically requested that breakfast provisions be placed in their room while they were out so that they could prepare them on their return. Each morning Winkler came to tell us what they would like for the next day and that was what we provided - we do not cook for guests in their villas and neither do we wash their dishes; each self-contained villa is fitted with a very efficient and effective dishwasher. Any problems with utensils would have been rectified while they were here had they reported them to us - but we have not been able to find anything amiss and nothing has been reported by other guests, either prior or since. The description of our guest dining room as "ugly" is rather strange. A picture is attached so that you can make your own judgement, although this was taken in the evening and we have not taken any pictures since the floods. We read Herr Winkler's comment about "Minor flood damage" with a degree of amusement: The January 2011 floods were "minor" enough for Halls Gap to be compulsorily evacuated for three days. Whilst they were certainly nowhere nearly as bad as those in Brisbane they have caused serious damage to many roads and bridges throughout the national park - see second attached image of one of the main roads (you can see Park Rangers on the right if you look carefully). Our internal roads have been severely and extensively eroded, especially a the bottom of the slope between the reception and the gates, which, when added to the effects of the major locust plague that descended Halls Gap just before Christmas and destroyed all grassed areas, and was still continuing with hoppers in the process of hatching, did not present our surrounds at their best. Winkler was fortunate that he himself arrived in a 4WD vehicle, most don't, but all other vehicles have been able to negotiate the road with care, even our own low-slung Audi Cabriolet. When we were permitted to return after the flood we found that our restaurant and house had been inundated by approximately 150mm of water, silt and sand that had soaked about 1800mm up the plaster walls. So Irene and I had spent the week prior to the Winkler's arrival cleaning the guest dining room and our kitchen to a standard that would enable the health authorities to permit us to re-open and serve breakfasts to guests. The rest of our main building is still uninhabitable in spite of having industrial fans and dehumidifiers running inside it for thirteen days at an estimate cost of $1000.00 per day. They were extremely noisy so we turned them off during breakfast service so perhaps they are what Winkler took exception to. It was only last Tuesday (8th February) that the Insurance Assessor arrive to look at the damage and now we are awaiting for him to obtain quotes and give approval for repairs to be made, including to the roads. The effects of the floods were described to all guests (including Winkler) on their arrival but Winkler nevertheless made some comments about "poor maintenance" of the grounds as he left, so I attempted to explain some of the above to him again...but he merely sneered and said that he had stayed in seriously flooded places - it was quickly apparent that he had not the slightest interest in our local environment! Whilst we would have expected some attempt at verification or explanation from you before publishing such prejudicial and misleading comments, we have no objection to you leaving Winkler's comments on your website provided that you also add the above as a management comment. In any case we will be posting this exchange to our own website. Kind regards Ian Martin And from me: To whom it may concern, Appreciate your comments but after the severity of the 12th,13th,14th Jan 2011, as the interior designer of Marwood I was shattered by the devastation wrought by the 3 day flood. The restaurant, studio and apartment at the foot of the mountains were almost unrecognisable as all furniture, rugs and food store areas were removed for drying, cleaning. Carpets were ripped up and antibacterial products professionally sprayed and a skip hired for disposal of tainted materials.. Each day a gauge was placed on walls to identify seepage and we vacated to a villa, where we are still forced to live, so the main building still causes concern. Until the assessor permits work to commence and funds from WFI insurance are approved there is little we can change. An English couple who overheard Winkler's comments actually laughed at him because they were having a wonderful albeit a very "different" experience to that which they were hoping for. Winkler's comments are insensitive in the extreme under the circumstances, even though we briefed all couples on arrival of these unprecedented happenings so they could choose to move on or stay as wished. These particular guests chose to have breakfast in their villa as an alternative to an a la carte meal in the dining area and cleaning staff complete cleaning between one and two pm. Instructions are not to disturb a guest's privacy being one instruction we carefully teach staff. No comments were made to us until departure, making rectification of any reasonable problems impossible. We did our best, Regards Irene
-----Original Message----- From: support@takeabreak.com.au [mailto:support@takeabreak.com.au] Sent: Friday, 11 February 2011 04:16 PM To: Ian Martin Subject: Guest comment for 'Marwood' Dear Operator, The following feedback has been provided for inclusion in our online guest comments system by a guest who stayed at your property. Property: Marwood Reference: 2637207 Rating: 2/5 Published Comment: 'Rooms are spacious but run down (kitchen dirty, tools worn out, frying pan desintegrates) If you don't want to use the ugly breakfastroom in the mainbuildung, you have to prepare your breakfast yourself and to wash up the dishes. Service is bad: of three days only on one day our room was made up. The hole resort looks run down (credit given for some minor flood dammages)' Visitors love to see independent reviews, so we urge you to link to your guest comments from your own website. If you click on your TakeABreak listing then on the guest reviews link at the top right you will see a page devoted entirely to your comments which is ideal for you to link to. If you wish to request removal of a comment please respond directly to this email. Please be ready to provide a clear statement of either: A. What you have done to fix the problem(s) raised by the comment; or B. how the comment is factually incorrect or inappropriate. Please be nice to our hard working support team, they are there to help you. They are following our guest comment policy which we are happy to provide on request. Other unpublished suggestions from the guest on how you could improve your service: 'Kitchen needs to be replaced including pots pans.. Fridge regulator needs fixing. Insect screens are torn. Roads to villas need to be repaired. Currently you'd better a 4 Wheel Drive car' The unpublished feedback is not shown on your listing. It is intended to provide feedback that will help you to improve your service. We strongly urge you to take all feedback constructively and even if the comment is not really correct or seems negative we urge you to think if you could change anything to prevent another guest from having the same concern. Kind regards, TakeABreak support team Our Advice: Almost without exception tourism operators the world over are in the business because they they love it...and the part they love most is You! Of course there are exceptions but for the vast majority of us the above statement is true. But none of us are perfect and things do not always happen as planned or as they should - and sometimes, dare I say it, guests make their own problems by not listening to, reading or absorbing information that is provided to help them get the most of their experience. But nevertheless things do go wrong and when they do our number one desire is to put them right again so that you can continue to enjoy your experience (this goes for the vast majority of people who work in the tourist industry). But we can't do that if we are not informed - and after you have left is too late. After all - your enjoyment is our main reward, the rest goes to the Government.
December 2010 Where did the year go? And where was spring? Hi to all Marwood friends getting into the usual pre Christmas frenzy. What drives us every year to overspend, overindulge and overlook the Christmas message? Advertising and expectations that escalate each year have a great impact shaming us to better the year before. We welcomed our seventh great grandchild last week born into a consumer society that’s so over the top. Not for Jack Alexander the simplicity and joy of Christmas 1940’s style. One of my Dad’s knee length socks weighted with a mandarin in the base, topped by a net filled with coin chocolates, some transfers, a scarf, a whistle and a gollywog peeping out of the top, not forgetting a Rupert bear annual at the bottom of my bed. But Christmas was magical especially when it snowed and coal fires burned brightly reflected in the glass decorations on the tree. My Pekingese puppy, bought for my 6th birthday the week before, made an entertainment with the discarded crunched up wrapping paper he chased and tried to shake dead. Mother played the piano, we sang, we danced, we forgot the war for a few hours as we put on a scratchy Glen Miller record on a wind-up machine and a little hesitantly copied the latest dance sensation “the jitterbug.” We had invited some American airmen; a couple of RAF boys, a lonely French sailor based nearby so shared our rations with these boys, missing their own families back home. Where did the years go? However you chose to celebrate we wish a safe holiday and much happiness with the ones you love. Best Wishes from Ian and myself not forgetting Phoebe and Oliver
August 2010, We greet you from the land of plenty---plenty of rain. The dams are filled at Marwood, the ducks are ecstatic, the daffodils and snowdrops are blooming and all is well in our world. We look forward to hosting couples during off peak times when we can offer long term stays at a great price, and many returning guests have enjoyed their "Hot August Nights" so far this year using our self-catering packages. After some very wild weather, experienced generally in Victoria,, the sunny days are most welcome and enjoyed to the full. There’s a fresh, country smell as swathes of native flowers fill the mossy glades and a “great to be alive” feeling abounds. Clematis Falls, an uninterrupted short stroll from the villas, can be heard as you drive into the property only a twenty-minute walk away. At this time of year there is clearing- up to embark upon, lots of fallen branches, pruning and debris to be disposed of at the local tip. I took a look at “stuff” in cupboards and top shelves we have not needed to use; clothes we have not worn for two years or more, five overflowing bookcases, triplicated kitchen tools, family photos and memorabilia and packed the lot into packing cases and felt heaps better, with less clutter. After twelve years in this house, it astonishes how we hoarded unnecessary items, collecting dust, spiders and silverfish. I can thoroughly recommend the cleansing exercise. Next a visit to Joel’s Auction premises to dispose of original paintings, estate jewellery, and rare books, stamp collections etc. A trip to Melbourne now the Audi is fixed. We got into the car to keep an early appointment in Warrnambool recently and it started and after a few seconds stopped. We hopped in the workhorse ute and completed the days business, rang Audi service on our return, who said it sounded like immobiliser problems, in other words the anti-theft computer did not recognise the owner keys. Unceremoniously the RACV towed her to a specialist Ballarat garage, which serviced and fixed the problem, ready for us two days later. We spent $4.20 each on train fares to Ballarat to pick it up, had a lovely lunch at The North England hotel in Macarthur St and on the way back contemplated giving up a car in retirement. Looking forward to meeting you soon, hope you can make it Ian and Irene For a short period, we are pricing self-catering deals at 2004 prices. Book on line or phone Ian 03 53564231
May Newsletter 2010
Welcome to a brilliant Autumn, great excitement and happy, contented guests. Lowest rates since 2006 have had recent bookings flowing in at an unprecedented rate, but they are limited in availability. Last week the morning Today show from channel 9 visited Halls Gap as part of Tourism Australia’s promotion campaign. Imagine the venue- outside Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, pitch dark with a handful of stalwart people grouped around a fire, a howling wind and threatening rain. Naked except for his lap lap trying to ease sounds from his didgeridoo, a very cold Koori, freezing lips, goose bumps on his goose bumps and hardly any sound emitting from his ancient instrument, live on Win TV. Snuggled more appropriately in his cosy Brambuk uniform, Rudi featured in the next segment, a boomerang throwing lesson. The film crew scattered as the whirling object hit them fair and square only half way into its protracted journey a mere 20 metres away in a straight line. I have never in my life laughed so much before 8am.before The crowd were in a good spirits as people from Bendigo, Geelong & Los Angeles swelled the numbers as daylight broke. The bakery got a good freeby and provided us on camera with award winning vanilla slices. Steve Jacobs the weather man, after such a detailed lesson on “how not to” and with prior apologies to a silver Mazda owner in the adjoining car park, hit bulls eye. With the greatest professionalism Steve curled the boomerang back to its start where it fell just short of, you’ve guessed it, the silver Mazda in the car park. Steve, was great, in between segments signing autographs & enjoying breakfast with us of croissants, filled with bacon and egg with lashings of hot coffee. The HG primary school kids holding placards with lovely messages to Grans scattered about the country were the stars. Towering shots of the sentinels surrounding the valley, the craggy, mystical mountains gave HG a great marketing boost. This weekend the Grampians Great escape was held on the oval and by last Wednesday “marquee city” was being erected. The weather was perfect and all went well. Bigger and better each year just when you think it can’t stretch any more. Have a look at the very special packages we have put up for the coming weeks and take advantage of lowest rates since 2006. Book on line or ring us!!!! Have a good day and include a few belly laughs it really does help!!! Irene @ Marwood March 17th 2010 Welcome to Marwood I just noticed my last news was January, not that I have been too busy to put pen to paper, but time does get away. On the contrary, scare tactics, albeit unintentionally put out by government departments, politicians, and picked up and embellished by media, put rural tourism in jeopardy, unable to cope with an unforseen drop in visitation. We did not have a bush fire anywhere near the Grampians, but might as well have, so great was the impact. The livelihoods of over one hundred and fifty business owners in Halls Gap, totally dependent on tourism, were greatly affected. After a mild summer and few dangerous conditions we are now left to lick our wounds whilst irresponsible bureaucrat’s lives are not in the least affected. We are assured they are “looking into it” for summer 2011. This is a great opportunity for you to visit places you have always wanted to explore. Get out and enjoy this fab autumn weather. Western Victoria is feeling good; looking good with perfect conditions, great deals and you’ re all set for a real treat. The car might benefit a good work out too. We will be here at Marwood to welcome you! The length of journey from Melbourne is getting shorter and my five hours to Gippsland where all my family live, is cut by half an hour now the freeway continues past Pakenham. Take the kids round to gran, put the dog in a Ballarat kennel en route [can highly recommend Eureka Kennels] and give yourself a treat. Life’s too short to keep putting things on hold. Or why not organise a girl’s weekend and catch up with female friends you don’t often have the opportunity to see. We have one we are hosting this weekend and are looking forward to meeting these ladies and good on yer girls! Halls Gap resounded to the toe-tapping beat of enthused musicians at the annual jazz festival in February 2010 and the atmosphere as usual was stimulating. What diverse talents we are captivated by each year. Put this event in your diary now for 2011---- A hot rod rally one weekend brought some extraordinary cars, and “textures week” was a great success. Three years ago, Halls Gap Tourism sponsored a full week of seminars; classes to improve weaving, tie dying, felting, in fact skills involving textures of all kinds. Tutors come from far and wide some being internationally acclaimed craft people. Put that date down too for next year, and get your registrations in early. Each year word has spread and numbers are growing rapidly. We encourage you before making accommodation, tours or restaurant bookings to check on www.visithallsgap.com.au for the comprehensive of the best in local tourism businesses. Dedicated people with a common aim, supporting each other to help make your visit to the Grampians the great experience we promise. Support the businesses that care. Easter is nearly upon us and we have one pavilion available for a four/five-night period only- Phone 53 564 231 ask Ian for tariff details and secure your booking. Ozact is once again performing Shakespeare over Easter - this year Midsummer's Dream in Heatherlie Quarry. The next highly awaited gig is on the first w/end of May “The Great Grape Escape” and this year promises to be the best yet. A carnival atmosphere pervades with food and wine aplenty and a good time is had by all. My very favourite event this year was attending my third grandson’s wedding at Traralgon in Gippsland. Sam’s dress was amazing with swathes of glass beading scrolled down the voluminous skirt, quite the prettiest I’ve ever seen. The day was spectacular……. But on reflection the best man’s five year old son stole the show. I was so impressed with Caleb, my first-born great-grandchild, doffed out in a smart three-piece suit. He behaved impeccably throughout the proceedings and smiled for forty minutes non- stop during the ceremony and so much enjoyed being on stage I think he found his niche in life. Hoping you can take a short break at Marwood soon, so give yourself a treat Until next time, all the best, Irene
January 21st Don’t miss the .annual Halls Gap Jazz Festival, which is held over the weekend of 12th, 13th & 14th February - a highlight of the year. Three days of talented musician, singers and enthusiasts sees the village alive with the towering mountains resonating to the magical sounds of live music. Guests book one year to the next, so get your bookings in early!!!! Our normal 'pay for two and stay for three night' self catering package is valid for this weekend and Halls Gap Tourism are running a courtesy bus to the village and restaurants. January 13th 2010 Here’s wishing you all a healthy, prosperous New Year with plenty of opportunity to have valuable short breaks . Please check our own web site for accurate, up to date packages. Unofficial sites often do not keep abreast with the latest services or tariffs. A guest got information from one recently, years out of date. And whilst the site recommended that surfers check for accuracy it can cause misunderstandings. Ian and I have been in hospitality for 22 years in this area and integrity is something we pride ourselves on. The code red warnings have a few teething problems but with study and dedicated operators will become more familiar and part of our summer Marwood used the first ever Grampians code red on Monday to implement our upgraded fire plan. A lot is common sense. And whilst the National Park was out of bounds there was still a lot to occupy guests during the heat of the day but each code red will be assessed on the day. The day after this one was cool and raining so even if a fire had started it would not have lasted very long - unlike Black Saturday when fires had been burning for days and there was no forecast end to the bad weather - we think that some refining of the Authorities’ message is needed, particularly the way the media overuses the word 'Catastrophic'. We pass all updated information to guests and ring incoming guests so they can make up their own minds. We have never been so prepared!!!! Some old timers who have lived with total fire ban days all their lives, don’t understand what the fuss is all about but conditions are changing . With advantages of electronic technology we can be alert and stay safe ‘cos these conditions seem here to stay and everyone’s area is affected. December 6th Now it’s off to an early Christmas lunch with families in t Gippsland, a five hour drive, so the very best wishes and have a great and safe Christmas break.November 15th 2009 Hi everyone! Just a short note for you to catch up with what nature is dishing up at Marwood at the present time. Forty-two ducklings have survived the heat and their predators, and all are thriving. A tree fell into the house dam in high winds a couple of weeks ago and this new perch is proving popular for them. The shy kingfisher loves to dive from the exposed branches, so we think the tree should remain, half submerged. It looks like we have god- like ducks, which can “walk on water.” However it’s just an illusion, the submerged trunk supporting them. Ibis and heron are enjoying the frog overpopulation and the pook owl constantly “pooking” We also found that swamp wallabies can SWIM. One evening visitor during a hot spell just did not want to emerge from the cool water and this lone bather stayed half an hour in the shallows, after swimming from the centre to the grassy bank, much to our surprise! With the festive season creeping up on us, just a reminder that very special pre -Christmas deals are available, so take advantage and book early! See home page “Availability” The ever-popular vouchers for loved ones are available with a twelve-month “use by” date. An Extra Special, special purchase available from 4th December up to Christmas Eve. A 2 night villa voucher $540.00 room only, a saving of $220.00. So even if you were thinking of coming sometime next year anyway why not get one for yourself? You'll never see that price for two nights again!
October 6th 2009 Welcome to the chat page from Ian and Irene at Marwood. The linga-longa evenings are a bonus and the dogs are adjusting to changed feed times whilst native birds hold off their dawn greetings. They soon adapt. Spring is a very busy time at Marwood with spectacular wild flowers in profusion and the sights and smells of new life putting on a great show, giving a “lift” to the spirits. To enable those of us who can no longer climb or have the wherewithal to seek out the unheralded beauty of nature in mountain chasms, the flower display held annually, brings appreciative enthusiasts to the village hall. All thanks to dedicated locals who spent three days picking, not to mention hours and hours of prior planning. Celebrating the 72nd year has to be a record anywhere. NB. It is illegal to pick any native flora in national parks and if caught a heavy fine can be imposed. We have spent a great deal of time under overcast skies and roaring winds recently so to turn our faces towards the brilliant sun is inspirational. Not that we’re grumbling. Fourteen years ago winters brought good rains, it was always expected, then along came years of drought and empty dams and scant grass paddocks full of bleating lambs. It gave me the opportunity to settle in front of a fire on a sofa to enjoy Harold Mitchell’s newly published book” Living Large,” I wonder, autobiographies can be so revealing that depths of hereto hidden personality traits, our secret foibles, shared with the world. A brave soul indeed who contemplates putting pen to paper to reveal all. The writer could not honestly leave out the dodgy bits, like they do at funerals. How many times have you listened, perplexed, looking around the gathered congregation to check if you’re at the right funeral, so far is the rhetoric from the truth! Then I contemplate, would the public be interested in a non famous person’s exposure if one decided to spend a year or two recalling incidents in a life starting with the beginning of the second world war? Harold’s book has given me food for thought. Marwood has recently been hosting some corporate bookings, seven guests flying in with an experienced geological guide. The two-night stay was declared “not long enough” Noels four wheel drive Grampians tours declared an absolute winner. We provided an eleven course “feast of flavors” for the last meal. Ian’s theory is to appreciate a fresh product it needs to be savored on it’s own, not over ruled by other stronger flavors, so one dish was asparagus with butter and toasted almonds. The popularity of tapas, mezze or degustation qualifies this theory. A Canadian group of guys, with a background in gold mining, required different skills on our part. An all male group is unusual to say the least at Marwood.. Their repeat visits mean we must be doing something right!!!!! So, can we do something right for you? Spring packages are sure to please. Call Ian or browse www.marwood.net.au for online booking. See you soon, Cheers, Irene and Ian
September 1st Rabbits, rabbits, rabbits------ and welcome to Spring. My early morning walk with my dogs Oliver and Phoebe across Bellfield wall was brilliant! A huge sheet of glass reflected the escarpments and wattles of the surrounding mountains making a picture perfect image. Last week there were four markers showing water levels, this week only two & a half were exposed-that’s a lot of water risen in a week!!! So Tim Holding our Minister for Tourism is safe, points out how essential to walk in groups, even if experienced in bushwalking. ‘til next time, take care --irene AUGUST 30TH 2009 We gritted our teeth and hung on, knuckles white, in anticipation of the predicted storms……………. and found a mere whimper. The rest of the area was hard hit. We did experience a water deluge and both dams are well and truly full. Marwood is a secluded haven in stormy times, in more ways than one. The snowdrops have been a pretty sight and the daffodils a brilliant intrusion. Native spring flowerings are glorious and the Grampians exclusive thryptomene bushes are ablaze, cascading on to roadway embankments in white profusion. Unprompted, Ernie Dingo on “State Focus” this morning talked about the variety of Grampians orchids, the leopard and donkey and how he found them, and what a great place at this time of year. Couldn’t have a better ambassador. The drakes are flighty, skit ling across the water and quacking threateningly. Their unmelodious courtships are supposed to entice coy ladies- a bit like the Palais on a Saturday night circa 1960’s. Event---------On October 1st, the 72nd year of the Grampians wildflower show will be opened and for four days will celebrate the beauty and diversity of Grampians flora all will be enjoyed. As dedicated volunteers tramp each year into inaccessible valley nooks and crannies and we wrap up warm and snug in the hall we should appreciate the efforts of these die hard mountain folk. I’m told the first “exhibitions” were swathes of blooms picked from the mountains, placed in the village stream by the adventurous clamberers to share their pleasure with others. Young and old alike could delight in the contrasting shapes, size, smells and colors without venturing up cliff and rock face. Fines are enforced for illegal picking of wildflowers, so don’t be tempted! So what’s changed? Well the pickers are older, or descendents of former volunteers carrying on the work. Oh! And there’s an entrance fee to cover hall fees but $5.00 has got to be the best value around! Event----Inaugural –“Classics in Wartook Valley” next weekend.4/5/6th September Stay at Marwood and enjoy the drive to Wartook. Experience classical music, local produce & wine, vintage cars, Irish dancing, kids entertainment & working artists in a bush setting, Will it reach 72 years? www.classicsinwartook.com.au or for more info 03 53836377 Hope you can make it! July 24th 2009 Ian attended our local business group monthly meeting on Wednesday and Greg owner of the zoo brought to the meeting an eight week old dingo pup to help acclimatize him to people and new experiences. Apparently, he just nonchalantly flopped and took a nap. Rex is to be their ambassador and will roam the public areas when trained. When Ian told me, I couldn’t wait to get around there. I had a Japanese couple staying and next morning told them I had a surprise for them. The mountains were covered in cloud which inevitably delayed their proposed walks and so followed me the five kilometers to Halls Gap wildlife park. Several big cuddles and photos later we were smitten after being “adopted” by Rex, albeit temporarily. I’m sure he will have his own Face Book page before long. The ten year plan for expanding the animal compounds is in hand, with a funky new entrance still a“ work in progress.” Lots of deer roam freely checking out the pockets for food and peacocks display their fabulous color. I last visited six months ago and there are lots of changes. A nocturnal enclosure is now complete and with new species arriving monthly, including Barbary sheep, bush stone curlews, yellow footed rock wallabies, two Burmese python, water buffalo, boa constrictors, and a second Tassie devil ensures new “finds” each time you return. You will be entranced with the tiny marmot, such perfection; and the hairy nosed wombat, looking like second cousin to a pygmy hippo. We had thoroughly enjoyed a winter day, our visit a highlight of my guests short weeklong visit to Australia and as predicted the sun brilliantly obliged Congratulations Greg and Yvonne. July 15th 2009 Welcome to winter in the Grampians, swinging from wild winds one day to steady rain the next, to pale wintry mornings, followed by a sun kissed day. Awaking one morning, our black Audi parked outside, looked like an over zealous pastry cook had dusted icing sugar over the entire centre. Trees and grasses and the car took on an enchanted Narnia look. However the safe haven of Marwood escaped a night of fierce winds. We were totally unaware next day until driving to Stawell seeing large branches lining the main road, that anything untoward had occurred as we had not been disturbed during the night, did not hear a thing! Three large gums had thumped to the ground next to the back packers hostel, in direct line of the turbulence. The valley floor provides a tunnel effect and not the first time damage in this area had been experienced. We do seem to be unaffected in our sheltered enclave. However guests have had some wonderful three day breaks. After a particularly rainy day, one adventurous pair sought out all the waterfalls and were so excited at their “finds.” I guess it pays to be flexible, and enjoy what is presented at the time. I’m assured they will be back in springtime! On walks at his time of year you could have a whole mountain to yourselves, after all you have a 90-kilometer rock to challenge. I picked the first snowdrops from a clump near the dam today, my teary reaction confirming little things can mean a lot. Like the unexpected sighting of a wild animal rounding the corner deep in a dank wood, darting for cover on sighting humans. Or the aromatic smells of the bush after rain, a sprinkling of fresh colorful flowering shrubs where blackened earth once stood. A delightful surprise from a partner, a thoughtful phone call, a welcome cup of tea to bed first light with kookaburras laughing in the swaying tree, these are some of our precious moments. Each new day, as we pull up the blinds and peer through the rising swirls where ducks have invaded the dam, we start the day well. How do you begin your day? Today I assembled the ingredients for three Christmas cakes, delicious cooking aromas permeating the whole house. The recipe I use is the best yet, resulting in a very moist celebration cake and happens to be the easiest recipe I’ve ever used. Thanks to my daughter for handing it “up” to me [isn’t it supposed to be the other way around?] Di is a great cook and has a café in Yarram; South Gippsland named “The Crazy Dog,” right next to the Regent theatre, so if in their region you’re welcome to pop in. All goods are home baked with fresh ingredients and some local customers bring in garden produce to use. That’s country way. Even in winter we enjoy salads and with pomegranates available we like to toss cleaned baby spinach leaves, red onion, lots of chopped parsley, salt and white pepper. Dressed with 4 teas water, 2 tsp honey, slightly warmed, ¼ tsp salt, 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses. Whisk together, cool and add and toss leaves just before serving. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and seeds from one pomegranate and a sprig of watercress to garnish. At Marwood we give you all the ingredients for a perfect stay, you choose the right mix to suit your needs and individual preferences. Come share your Marwood experience together whilst winter packages are available. Pay for two, stay three, on a room only basis and stretch your budget further. Check “availability and rates” for different length of stays. We all deserve some precious moments
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