On The Road Again to Bluesfest

Like a two bob watch or a politicians' promise, Bluesfest and it's gym buddy Easter has again arrived irregularly.  Five days of fun, feasting and music await.

Our trek north from the nations'capital has proved yet again that the journey is as vital and enjoyable as Bluesfest itself.  We committed early in our planning to drive the 1000 plus kilometres instead of flying, but chose an internal route rather than that stressful beast ~ the Pacific Highway.  Departing Canberra late morning, we travelled to Cowra where we lunched on sambos washed down with a cuppa ~ "Where's the fruit cake?".  On to school-exiting Bathurst and our destination Mudgee.  As more road works temporarily blocked our way, we turned right into historic Sofala, Australia's oldest surviving gold-rush town.  "Great, there's a pub, I'm parched", any excuse will do.  "A glass of your finest Chardonnay and a schooner of Toohey's Old, Thanks."

Ben, mine host at the Gungegong Valley Motel, suggested I top up with cheap fuel as Easter was approaching and it's boon companion price-gouging was awakening.  Seeking sage culinary advice I approached old school friend Paul Marshall, an expert on Mudgee's hospitality.  "Whatever you do, don't drink and drive ~ the cops are deadly".  Despite Paul's faint disapproval, we walked into central Mudgee and dined at The Court House Hotel opposite the cop shop.  My never-ending search for a pepper sauce that rivals Kim's remains, however it wasn't bad with the rare inclusion of green peppercorns gracing the gravy boat of sauce.  We complimented our hostess Amanda on the meal and the robust local Shiraz she suggested and found that she and Kim shared North Shore roots having both grown up in Pymble.

A leisurely jaunt back to our motel was enlivened by the undulating streetscape and the various architectural stylings.  Good vibes and good night!.