Harvey and I went past seventh heaven today – and straight to ninth, at our favourite vineyard.
We discovered the vines we’ve been admiring across the Tamar River belong to Ninth Island Vineyard – makers of our favourite pinot noir. We were so excited driving up the vine-lined road to the winery, the kids sensed it and started saying, “Yay!” without really knowing why.
After spending last Saturday exploring our extended back yard along the East Tamar Highway, we started this morning at the flooding Cataract Gorge, just outside Launceston, and had fun making the suspension bridge wobble. Noah and Ethan shared their sandwich crusts with a friendly peacock and Noah started exploring the natural environment, picking up five pine cones and a purple-tinged leaf.
With a sleeping bub in the back we headed up the West Tamar Highway, through Laguna with a quick stop for lunch and then another stop at Ninth Island. Our trip north ended at Greens Beach, where we watched the waves breaking from Bass Strait and picked up shells (including one whole clam shell) and saw a starfish on the empty beach. Not far back down the West Tamar Highway, we crossed the river via the impressive Batman Bridge and headed home.
I write this post as I sip my pinot and enjoy King Island double brie. Life is good.