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by **MHD** on Wed Dec 21, 2005 2:07 pm

What is the time limit for response to this?

I Loooooove the idea and would be keen to come but I really dont know how busy I will be around then... I will know better in mid Jan...

by **stubbsy** on Wed Dec 21, 2005 2:08 pm

MHD wrote:What is the time limit for response to this?

I Loooooove the idea and would be keen to come but I really dont know how busy I will be around then... I will know better in mid Jan...

Scott - currently full up (in fact over full - organising 16-20 people will be a challenge) - if you and Louise want to come I can put you on the wait list :wink:

by **MHD** on Wed Dec 21, 2005 2:28 pm

heheh... righto... we can always just come uninvited and photograph the photographers
"mutter mutter, its those bloody Collis' again!)

by **Nnnnsic** on Wed Dec 21, 2005 3:03 pm

I think I'm one of the ones tipping the balance. :lol:

by **Hlop** on Wed Dec 21, 2005 3:30 pm

stubbsy wrote:hlop - 1 (+2 possibles)

Hi Peter,

As previously corrected it's:
hlop - 2 (+1 possible)

Thanks a lot for organizing this!

by **stubbsy** on Wed Dec 21, 2005 4:07 pm

Mikhail - corrected
Leigh - you aren't tipping the balance, but I hope you'll be tipping a glass

by **birddog114** on Wed Dec 21, 2005 4:15 pm

stubbsy wrote:Mikhail - corrected
Leigh - you aren't tipping the balance, but I hope you'll be tipping a glass

Stubbsy,
Bad as you're! you're taking Leigh into alcoholic!!!!

by **Nnnnsic** on Wed Dec 21, 2005 5:26 pm

Birddog114 wrote:Stubbsy,
Bad as you're! you're taking Leigh into alcoholic!!!!

Psshht. I went to art school.

I learned there.

by **stubbsy** on Tue Dec 27, 2005 2:49 pm

Some more details for those attending:

Accommodation:
Leon has organised some shared accomodation at Bellevue Cottage at Drayton's winery for a 50% discount :shock:

. For Friday and Saturday night it will cost $200 total to be divided up by up to 7 people staying there. There are two double beds and 3 single beds. Leon will be taking one of the double beds so that leaves room for 1 more double and three singles - if you are interested get in quick since for 7 people that's less than $30 per head for TWO nights accomodation right in the winery region.

Dinner - Saturday night
I'm organising dinner on the Saturday night at Leaves and Fishes and would like to know who wants to come so I can book. The restaurant is fully licenced AND BYO. Cost for entrees is $9 - $18 & mains $25 - $30 so that will cost about $45 per head since we'll split the bill. There are two dinner menus for you to choose from - A limited standard one and a more expansive (and expensive) one. The standard one is hereand the other dinner menu here. NOTE: PDF links.

For accomodation at Bellevue cottage and to reserve a place for dinner please PM me now - first in gets in!.

THE SECOND DOUBLE BED IS TAKEN (Andrew & Vickie) so that leaves 3 singles.

by **stubbsy** on Tue Dec 27, 2005 4:26 pm

Some more items

Weather
This outing is happening regardless of weather, since much of it will be indoors (except for the harvest stuff, of course)

Itinerary
It will be an 8 am start on the Saturday morning when there is more harvest activity in the vineyards and it will be cooler. So you should either plan to stay overnight Friday or leave Sydney about 4:30 am Saturday morning)

We'll have a wine tasting at about 10:00 at the same location, then at 11:00 a guided tasting at Tyrrells winery and a winery tour. After that a late lunch at about 1:00 (yet to be organised - watch this space). Free time between lunch and dinner, but I'm planning and willing to take anyone interested around some more wineries before a break before dinner at around 7pm.

The following day is a later start at around 10:00 am when we will go to Hunter Valley Gardens - entry fee is $18 per head (or $14 for groups - not sure whether we are a group).

Please also advise me if you want to attend the gardens visit.

by **birddog114** on Tue Dec 27, 2005 4:52 pm

Tran & myself are in for Saturday 4/2, lunch + dinner.
No Hunter Valley Garden on Sunday for us, we will drive back to the Bay after dinner.

by **huynhie** on Tue Dec 27, 2005 7:07 pm

Looking forward to the weekend.

Thanks for organising this Peter. :wink:

by **birddog114** on Mon Jan 02, 2006 8:37 am

Stubbsy,
Hope you're recovered from your party yesterday.
Any update on this photo trip? booking/ reservation of the restaurant?
How many people are in and out?
I may have a supplement plan on Sunday (5/2) around Nelson Bay for members who wish to visit the Bay before heading back to Sydney as discussed.

by **thaddeus** on Mon Jan 02, 2006 9:16 am

I see the Hunter Valley Gardens has a helipad, so I might take the chopper up on the Sunday. Here it is from the air:

If anyone is interested in coming along, please PM me. Cost sharing is likely to be $400 per person. We can fly up the coast to grab the morning light on the beaches, then land at one of the wineries or golf courses for brunch. After brunch, we can drop into the gardens for some photography, then take off and head south, dropping into a pub for afternoon tea before heading back into Sydney.

by **birddog114** on Mon Jan 02, 2006 9:56 am

Thaddeus,
If you're over the Bay on Sunday (5/2) then I may interested in doing some aerial photography and sharing the cost with you, I'm sure Mitedo and Matt.K will join us as well. Mitedos and Matt.Ks are staying with us after we returned from the dinner in the Hunter on Saturday night.

by **mitedo** on Mon Jan 02, 2006 10:03 am

Thaddeus as Thanh said i would be very interested in a aerial shoot & sharing the cost with you guys

by **thaddeus** on Mon Jan 02, 2006 3:01 pm

I have booked the helipad with Hunter Valley Vineyard. Apparently the main helipad is not available so we'll land at Harrigan's Irish Pub which neighbours the gardens. http://www.hvg.com.au/sitemap_map_enlarged.htm
I'm not sure whether it is possible to walk from the pub into the gardens the back way. If not, is some kind soul able to give us a lift into the gardens? I'll shout them lunch at the pub as a thankyou.

So far it is Heath Bennett and myself in the chopper. I have room for one more person, so if you want to come along, please PM me.

Birdy and mitedo, I don't know of any places to land at Nelson Bay. Is there a largish resort or restaurant nearby? If so, please let me know and I will give them a buzz.

by **birddog114** on Mon Jan 02, 2006 4:04 pm

thaddeus wrote: Birdy and mitedo, I don't know of any places to land at Nelson Bay. Is there a largish resort or restaurant nearby? If so, please let me know and I will give them a buzz.

thaddeus,
There's a private helipad next to Tomaree Sport Centre, about 5 minutes to my base and 5 minutes to Nelson Bay, which they frequently have couple Robins for tourist to fly around the area at the week end.

I'll get more info next week of the helipad and will pass it to you.

I'm only interested in flying around or over the Bay not to the Hunter Garden, February is "die down" month for all gardens + with this type of weather is not good ideal to visit the garden, September thru November is a good time with lot of flowers and other activities.

by **thaddeus** on Wed Jan 11, 2006 5:47 pm

Thanks Birddog, please let me know how you go.

There is one seat left for the flight up to the vineyards. If you'd like to join Heath and I, please PM me.

To see what it's like, check out pippin88's posts at http://www.dslrusers.net/viewtopic.php?t=13129 and http://www.dslrusers.net/viewtopic.php?p=156734

by **birddog114** on Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:31 pm

thaddeus wrote:Thanks Birddog, please let me know how you go.

There is one seat left for the flight up to the vineyards. If you'd like to join Heath and I, please PM me.

To see what it's like, check out pippin88's posts at http://www.dslrusers.net/viewtopic.php?t=13129 and http://www.dslrusers.net/viewtopic.php?p=156734

Thaddeus,
LZ at Nelson Bay, as mentioned is next to Tomaree Sport Oval (Centre), I'll forward their phone number to you soon.

Thanks for your offer.
I don't want to go back to the vineyard on Sunday, we have some other arrangements at Boat Harbour, Nelson Bay with Mitedo & Matt.K on Sunday morning before we head back to Sydney in the afternoon.

by **thaddeus** on Wed Jan 11, 2006 11:45 pm

Actually, I was inviting someone from Sydney!

Birddog, I've give the LZ people a call and see if they'll let me land there

by **birddog114** on Sat Jan 14, 2006 6:26 am

thaddeus wrote: Birddog, I've give the LZ people a call and see if they'll let me land there

If not, I'll build one for myself later :lol:

by **stubbsy** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:43 pm

OK. Leigh and I scouted this area last weekend and did some timings. Below is the proposed itinerary:

And this is a list of those who are coming:

birddog - 2
stubbsy - 1
hlop - 2 (+1 possibles)
sheepie - 1 (+2 possibles)
huynhie - 2
Geoff - 2
Matt K - 2
Gary - 2
nnnnsic - 1
mitedo - 3

I need final confirmation from each of you for the following:

Are you coming (if so how many places)
Are you attending the dinner (approximate cost $45 per head - see bottom of previous page for menus and other details)
There is still 1 single bed left at Bellevue cottage. You'll be sharing a room with Geoff and Bel who are also in single beds . If you want it - get in touch NOW Total cost is about $30 per head for Fri & Sat nights
Are you going to Hunter Valley Gardens on the Sunday (cost is probably $14 per head, depending on numbers).
A reminder to those who haven't booked accommodation - do it now. There is a Day On The Green concert that weekend so things will be filling up fast

If you are cancelling please advise sooner, rather than later, as there are others who'd like to come.

Russell and others coming up in the helicopter - are you going to the gardens?

And a reminder - While I'm organising this, I take no responsibility for any mishaps that may occur. It's up to you to be sensible especially when it comes to drinking. :wink:

Edit - 2 single beds taken at bellevue cottage, 1 left

by **wendellt** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:47 pm

Peter I would like to go to this
still reading through this thread to get more details, i can tell you now transport will be an issue for me

by **Geoff** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:50 pm

This looks absolutely sensational Peter. You've done a stella job organising this event!! We will be attending all activities!!

Check your PM re accomodation on Sat night

by **mitedo** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:52 pm

Hi Peter

Are you coming yes x 3

Are you attending the dinner yes x3

Are you going to Hunter Valley Gardens on the Sunday no

by **sheepie** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:06 pm

Yip - we'll be there, Sheepie plus Mrs Sheepie, no Little Sheepie

stubbsy wrote:[*]There are still 3 single beds (all in one room) free at Bellevue cottage. If you want one or all of these - get in touch NOW Total cost is about $30 per head for Fri & Sat nights

That's $30/head for both nights folks - not per night. You can't go wrong at that price!!!

We may also have a private tasting at Draytons as well - not sure when we can put that in the timetable though!

by **birddog114** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:18 pm

Peter,

Thanking you for organising this wonderful winery trip.

I & Tran will be there Saturday morning till 2:30PM.

What do you mean about Pinic lunch? BYO or what?

We won't be in the following:

1/Polkobin Mountain Look Out, we have been there so many times and the road driving up there is mixed in sealed and unsealed road, good for dry weather but not good for bad weather.
2/ The Look Out's platform is mostly with surrounded trees and very small opened platform., it used to be a camping ground for boy scout.

Dinner:
We are wondering what are we going to do between 2:30 - 7:00PM :idea:

And have to drive back to BH after dinner at around 9:30pm.

Wine tasting and sightseeing tour in both two wineries, are more than enough in a day and we maybe worn out by that time.

So we will go back to BH for the rest of the day and relaxing at my DRP.

Hunter Gardens:
Sorry, we are not in, we do something around Nelson Bay and heading back to Sydney by noon.

by **stubbsy** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:40 pm

Birdy

Picnic lunch will be organised by me and sourced locally - cost to be shared (salads, bread, cheese, cold meats etc). That's a LOT cheaper than buying lunch in the area and I'm trying to manage the damage to everyone's pocket. I figure saving on lunch makes the Saturday dinner and the Sunday HVG outing more affordable.

My intell is that Pokolbin Mountain Lookout is worth the visit. I'm dining with some locals Thursday night and will check with them. Regardless I'll have some place organised for us to take shots from above of the region in that time slot.

Shame you can't make it to the dinner - I'm not looking forward to driving back to Newcastle afterwards and you have a little further to go, but I'm a sucker for a good time and great company :wink:

by **Nnnnsic** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:52 pm

wendellt wrote:Peter I would like to go to this
still reading through this thread to get more details, i can tell you now transport will be an issue for me

Wendell, as far as I am aware, the Hunter Valley trip has been booked out for some time now.

Peter will confirm this for me, I think.

by **stubbsy** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:54 pm

Yes it is. So I've got Wendell on the wait list behind Scott & Louise

by **birddog114** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:59 pm

stubbsy wrote:Birdy

Picnic lunch will be organised by me and sourced locally - cost to be shared (salads, bread, cheese, cold meats etc). That's a LOT cheaper than buying lunch in the area and I'm trying to manage the damage to everyone's pocket. I figure saving on lunch makes the Saturday dinner and the Sunday HVG outing more affordable.

My intell is that Pokolbin Mountain Lookout is worth the visit. I'm dining with some locals Thursday night and will check with them. Regardless I'll have some place organised for us to take shots from above of the region in that time slot.

For lunch:
I prefer to leave it to each member (open) as though each one may have difference taste and choice or they may not eat anything or they may bring their own.

We are going there for our enjoyment and don't ask or expect anyone has to spending his/ her time in preparation food for lunch.
Spending 20 or 30 bucks for lunch there ain't bad at all.
So many cheap eat restaurant around the region, or MacDonald and KFC at Cessnock.

Shame you can't make it to the dinner - I'm not looking forward to driving back to Newcastle afterwards and you have a little further to go, but I'm a sucker for a good time and great company

As like yourself, we are similar as the locales and often gone thru that way, wine tasting and touring as mentioned are more than enough in the early hours.

What time do you think the dinner will be finished? 9:00 or 9:30pm?
Arrive at BH 1.1/2 hrs after, and I can't drink all the good drop of reds. :twisted:

Hey! I can't enjoy good foods with soda only, sorry! not my style. :wink:

Driving back to BH at 2:30 is a joy and opportunity to sit on the beach with a cold beers and fresh oysters + local prawns, waiting for a dinner at a Thai Restaurant nearby.

You'll enjoy for sure!!!!!!!

by **stubbsy** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 3:03 pm

Birddog114 wrote:As like yourself, we are similar as the locales and often gone thru that way, wine tasting and touring as mentioned are more than enough in the early hours.

What time do you think the dinner will be finished? 9:00 or 9:30pm?
Arrive at BH 1.1/2 hrs after, and I can't drink all the good drop of reds.
Hey! I can't enjoy good foods with soda only, sorry! not my style.

Driving back to BH at 2:30 is a joy and opportunity to sit on the beach with a cold beers and fresh oysters + local prawns, waiting for a dinner at a Thai Restaurant nearby.

You'll enjoy for sure!!!!!!!

No problems Birdy, I understand your logic. The only part of the local wines I'll enjoy is the taste all day since, as you know, I spit rather than swallow when doing tastings. Dinner gives me a chance to have a glass or three :lol:

by **wendellt** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:11 pm

Nnnnsic wrote:
wendellt wrote:Peter I would like to go to this
still reading through this thread to get more details, i can tell you now transport will be an issue for me

Wendell, as far as I am aware, the Hunter Valley trip has been booked out for some time now.

Peter will confirm this for me, I think.

oh o.k Ijust happened to stumble upon this thread today
if someone pulls out last minute i would be interested.

by **stubbsy** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:15 pm

See what happens when you don't keep up with things Wendell :wink:

by **huynhie** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 5:58 pm

Greetings Peter.

First off, thanks for orgainsing this meet. I am sure every one attending will have a great time.

Now here are the answers to your questions

1. Are you coming (yes for myself and Vicky) *see below
2. Are you attending the dinner (yes, the menu list looks great BTW)
3. There is still 1 single bed left at Bellevue cottage (we've got the double bed, but if the right person takes a single be then I'll be happy jump over and share :shock:

)
4. Are you going to Hunter Valley Gardens on the Sunday (yes if everybody is still going. We will leave for Sydney after lunch)
5. A reminder to those who haven't booked accommodation (done)

*on Saturday Vicky and I shall be attending until lunchtime. We will be heading over to Nelson Bay for lunch but will meet back with everybody at dinnertime.

by **stubbsy** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 7:53 pm

Thanks Andrew

by **birddog114** on Wed Jan 18, 2006 4:49 pm

Breakfast on the 4/2/06.

Can we select a meeting point at Hunter Valley Wine Country Visitor Information Centre (off Debeyers Rd), it has a restaurant there for breakfast and coffee also at 7:00am?

by **Poon** on Wed Jan 18, 2006 5:37 pm

Hi,
I am jealous of your guy will be going to Hunter Valley Wine Region.
I went there last August but in winter time.

I am sure that you will take good photos there this time.
Hope to join you there.
:lol:

-----
Regards
Poon

by **huynhie** on Wed Jan 18, 2006 5:38 pm

Poon wrote:Hi,
I am jealous of your guy will be going to Hunter Valley Wine Region.
I went there last August but in winter time.
I am sure that you will take good photos there this time.
Hope to join you there.
-----
Regards
Poon

I think we are all looking forward to it

Next time you back over here I'm sure they will organise it for you

by **Poon** on Wed Jan 18, 2006 5:57 pm

Appreciate very much Andrew.
I saw the great shots of Hunter Valley Garden by Peter
and really a dream place.
---------------
Regards
Poon

by **birddog114** on Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:08 pm

Poon,
There are more photogenic places than the Hunter Gardens, if you have more time in Sydney, Australia.
2 or 3 days are not enough time to explore 1 region as Port Stephens.
If you come here by next summer, I'll take you off shore, we will go to Broughton Island and some many other places which you never seen before.

by **huynhie** on Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:10 pm

Poon I really liked the Nelson Bay/Boat harbour area.

One day I shall have enough strenght to overcome my lens lust and be able to save enough to become Birddogs neighbour :wink:

by **birddog114** on Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:14 pm

huynhie wrote:Poon I really liked the Nelson Bay/Boat harbour area.

One day I shall have enough strenght to overcome my lens lust and be able to save enough to become Birddogs neighbour

There're two fresh brand new houses next to mine are for sale :wink:

You'll see them on the 4/02 when you drive back to BH for lunch.

by **huynhie** on Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:16 pm

I know Tran told me that there was only one left. ATM I want to pay just a bit more off the current house before I get serious.

by **birddog114** on Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:19 pm

huynhie wrote:I know Tran told me that there was only one left. ATM I want to pay just a bit more off the current house before I get serious.

Well, grab it now, it's the right time with the housing market, otherwise you'll regret! :lol:

by **huynhie** on Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:25 pm

Birddog114 wrote:
huynhie wrote:I know Tran told me that there was only one left. ATM I want to pay just a bit more off the current house before I get serious.

Well, grab it now, it's the right time with the housing market, otherwise you'll regret!

I can understand you egging me on to buy a lens worth a thousand or so dollars, but a house is too much my bank manager will just laugh at me

by **Hlop** on Thu Jan 19, 2006 11:38 am

Peter,

I finally cleared out all the issues!

1. Are you coming (YES, 2 of us - me and Lara)
2. Are you attending the dinner (No

Sorry

)
3. We are going just for 1 day
4. Are you going to Hunter Valley Gardens on the Sunday (No

)
5. A reminder to those who haven't booked accommodation - do it now. (Don't need one

)

by **stubbsy** on Fri Jan 27, 2006 10:31 am

Below is an updated itinerary.

You'll see I'm suggesting breakfast on the Sunday at Magnum cafe which is at Peterson's Champagne House and for lunch Potters Tavern. Potters Tavern is a micro brewery and has reasonably priced lunches. You can also buy a paddle of beer should you wish to sample a few of their different brews.

Edit: Final Itinerary added 2 Feb

by **huynhie** on Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:36 am

To the guys (sheepie +geoff) staying at bellevue cottage, we will be there Friday night about 7-8pm. So I guess I'll meet up with you guys at the cottage?

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Hunter Wine weekend 4/5 Feb