Day 9 - Foodies

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Around Beechworth 9km

Today we were proper tourists, Kerstin even wore a bum bag!  We kicked off with a walking history tour of Beechworth, I'm happy to report that we lowered the average age of the tour group quite significantly.  This is such an excellent way to take in history, no dry facts, just great story telling from a local history buff, all while surrounded by the buildings and places that saw these events happen.  My highlight was standing under the one tree that survived the Beechworth gold rush.  A massive crone of an Apple Box, standing for at least 400yrs.



Then, true indulgence, our first coffee shop coffee so far.  I'm totally impressed we made it more than a week.  The indulgences kept on coming with a trip to Billson's, est 1865, makers of some very fine traditional cordials.  Another tasting was obviously had, with flavours such as mint julep, heritage cola, portello and a warm spiced apple.  For me, I couldn't go past the Raspberry Vinegar.   So, so good!  And when served with a lunch that included (finally) a really good sourdough, Kerstin and I were on a good eating roll.  And well revived enough to tackle the museum.


Which had the greatest Australian story of a bet between mates that I have ever heard.  It's Anzac Day 1935, and two blokes make a bet with another mate for £20 that one will push the other in a wheelbarrow from Beechworth to the top of Mount Buffalo in less than 8 days.  The story catches on and 2000 people see them off from Beechworth, they are encouraged throughout their journey by school kids, foresters, and multiple ladies afternoon teas.  The snow starts falling as they approach Mt Buffalo, and they make it to the summit with 1hr to spare.  They and their wheelbarrow 'the Pride of Beechworth' are a front page sensation.  The £20 cheque is written out, and with total class is never cashed!  A Sporting Wager

As true ladies of leisure we then returned to the pool, for dipping and reading.  And could close the evening with a BBQ and a bottle of local Rose.  Thanks to Dad for teaching me how to BBQ and to Kerstin for being able to choose a good bottle of wine.  Dinner was only enhanced by conversation with the other campers, including an ED nurse from  Melbourne and an adorable older couple who have been on the road for 10 months, and think they could just keep going.  However, not all campers are perfect.  I will leave you to contemplate the name a slogan on this van???  

If you can't read that slogan it says "I am so sorry that I'm too close to you..."  And the personalised number plate simply says HANDS.
Location: Beechworth VIC 3747, Australia

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