When the "Master" turns 70

Last weekend we travelled down to Camperdown , Western Districts, Victoria to help celebrate a legend's 70 Birthday ; John Crosby Goold. Many of his old mates including Sinclair Hill made the pilgrimage South and in typical Goold style we all dresseed up in either Hunt livery or morning suit.

John was recently inducted into the Carlton Football "Hall of Fame" along with his long term mentor and Coach, Ron Barrassi. Goold's football prowess is still talked about in sporting corridors down Victoria way. Was he mad or eccentric? Both most probably, BUT thats what makes him tick.

And when you straddle your 17 hh mount in full livery and knock back the stirrup cup at 7:30 am in preparation for a day out fox hunting with "Hunt Master" Goold and the Ellerslie pack of hounds, you will agree. There is something peculiarly special about this bloke; especially after entertaining 160 guests to a formal luncheon the day before.

We first met JG when he stayed at Belltrees back in the 1970's when he represented Victoria in the Gold Cup Polo Team. Happy 70 years Goold.

Winter chill but family keeps you warm.

How good is the chill of winter with the warmth of midday sun on your face, a fire, a picnic, grilled steak, some red wine, a new pup, family and friends, kids and a kite; and a back ground of mountains and running water?

Rain at last

90 mm of wonderful rain found its way to the Upper Hunter Valley in the past 3 days. Whilst others to our North (Kempsey/ Coffs Harbour measures in the 100's mm and Maitland to the South as well; we were extreemly happy to get under a shower at long last. Dams are now full and the rivers have run a banker ; Lake Glenbawn is over 90% full and there is a green tinge on the ground with, as yet, not many frosts much to record this winter. Lucky!!!