Friday, May 18, 2012

Country Getaway

As part of Liam's birthday present, I decided to arrange a weekend escape to the country to spend a little bit of quality time together.  Just the two of us, and Rocket dog!

We finished up work early on Friday, and headed off to the country town of Trawool.


Upon arriving, we were shown to our cute little cottage.  The property is just off the main highway and is home to two gorgeous little guest cottages, as well as the owner's residence and a restaurant/cafe.

The two guest cottages are situated side by side, surrounded by lovely gardens and an sprawling open yard that is perfect for the dog! And not far away is the cafe where the owner's spend most of their time and are always available should you need anything. 



We let them know roughly what time we expected to arrive, so by the time we got there the fire was roaring and the cottage was so lovely, warm and cosy!

Rocket found his spot by the warmth of the fire!  Liam, the self-professed "Master of the Fire" made sure that the fire kept roaring all weekend long, keeping the cottage the perfect warm place to stay in the cold weather. 



By the time we ran into town for supplies and take away for dinner it was getting cold and dark so it was a perfect place to settle for the night.  We ordered some Indian takeaway in town, and spent the evening cuddled up on the couch watching a fantastic Hawthorn victory.

I managed to get a fantastic deal and as a result breakfast was included both mornings of our stay. 


Nothing like a nice pot of tea and a delicious hot cooked breakfast to start your day off right!  Liam ordered a full breakfast, whilst I opted for an omelette with mushrooms, bacon and cheese.  YUM

After breakfast, we decided to go for a quick wander into one of the near by towns. 


We had a little jacket for Rocket to wear so he didn't feel too cold in the back of the ute.  I feel that it emasculated him somewhat, but have to admit that he did look kind of cute! The above photo makes it look like he is wearing a cape, and for some reason reminds me of Sherlock Holmes.  All he needs is a hat and a pipe! Anybody else agree, or am I just insane?

Speaking of insane, Liam looks slightly loopy in this photo! Aww, my boys <3


Wandering through town, it was bitterly cold and windy so we decided to head back to our cottage.  Rocket must have had enough, and promptly crashed out!


We left him there and made our back back to the cafe, where we sat out on the balcony and  feasted on a lovely cheese platter, which was also included in our package! It was divine, and I would have happily paid oodles for it.  Totally worth it!  We enjoyed a lovely bottle of moscato to accompany the cheese and basked in the sunshine which would intermittently break through the clouds. 

What a perfect way to spend the afternoon!


Not content with just a perfect afternoon though, I was determined to make it a double, and follow it up with the perfect evening too!

The big West Coast vs Essendon game was on and we planned to stay in by the fire again to watch another fantastic victory.  This time I was feeling a little more adventurous than just take away and wanted to prepare some warming winter comfort food to enjoy whilst we watched the football. 


I set to work in the "kitchen" whilst Liam prepared some baked potatoes using the coals.

Et voila, here is our cottage feast!


Potatoes baked on the coals topped with garlic butter, tasty cheese, coleslaw and copious amounts of sour cream! Accompanied by pork pepper and mustard sausages with caramelized onions. YUM

I'm not sure you can get any more perfect!


A tasty meal,  the company of my wonderful man and our cheeky pup, cuddled by the fire in front of the TV watching a victorious game of football! I was a very happy camper.


Day two started out with another pot of tea with breakfast! This time I chose bacon and eggs for my meal and an English Breakfast tea, whilst also stealing sips of Liam's pot of chai. 

After breakfast, we went for a wander around the property :



I love that garden and chair set! It's looks like it's been thereforever, and the area around it has become mossy and overgrown, but that only seems to add to the charm.  We met this curious Alpaca who came bounding over to say hello, but was very wary of the dog.  So cute!  I marvelled in the gorgeous colours of the area.  The grass was just so lush and green, whilst the leaves on the trees had turned the most stunning array of earthy Autumn shades. 

Rocket was very patient with me as I set him to work as my little model...


Unfortunately all good things come to an end, and after a fabulous weekend away it was time to head home! :( As you can see, Rocket did not want to leave.


Here he is, staring sadly at the ute while we packed everything up ready to go.  I can't blame him though... I did not want to leave either! It was such a nice relaxing weekend away. 

Liam is now looking up land an property in the country, as he has always wanted to move out that way and away from the big smoke!  He is now determined that after purchasing a little house in the suburbs, the next step is to buy a piece of land in the country as a holiday destination/investment piece.  Ever since we got back, he's been trying his best to convince me and show me properties for sale to win me over!

Well... I think I can safely say that he enjoyed his birthday trip...

Perhaps a little too much!

19 comments:

  1. Looks like you had a fantastic time! The food, oh my goodness. That sausage looks amazing.
    Rocket looks very distinguished in his jacket, and that little alpaca would have somehow found its way in my car on the way home. Too cute to leave behind!

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    1. Haha! Distinguished is a nice word for it :) I kept telling him that he looked like a peanut.

      Alpaca had a mate who kept her distance, and kept bleating at us every time he got too close! Very cute.

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  2. Looks amazing! And again with the food, note to self: do not check this blog until AFTER lunch!

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    1. Haha I know - I will have to re label this as a lifestyle/food blog!

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  3. That sounds like the most lovely weekend away. Doesn't get much better than lots of food, a crackling fire and a big bottle of Rekorderlig! BTW, I think Rocket looks very handsome in his jacket :)

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    1. Yes, it really was perfect!

      I'll pass on the compliment! I'm sure he will be very flattered :P

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  4. What a lovely weekend away you guys had!!! I don't think it could have been any more perfect!!!

    Rocket looks very handsome in his jacket, but my first thought was Sherlock Holmes in a cape haha :D

    xx

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  5. What a perfect weekend. In my list of features for my imagined dream house there is definitely an open fire, they just make the place so cosy!

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  6. Looks like a great weekend away by the fire! Your perfect afternoon sums up what mine would be too - the man, cheese platter and a bottle of moscato. Actually, I think i'll have a bottle tonight :P xx

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  7. Looks like such an amazing trip!!
    Rocket is beautiful!!! I love those pictures in front of the fire and in the garden!

    And the food looks delicious!!!

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  8. I love a good mini break and this one looks just delightful Cat. Glad you all had a great time,

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  9. This looks like such an amazing place! Perfect for a getaway. The cottage is just gorgeous =] And the foooooddd......mmmmmmmmmmm!!

    xo

    http://daydreamveronica.blogspot.com.au/

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  10. What an idyllic weekend! That cottage is adorable, and I love a country fireplace (reminds me of holidays as a kid where we'd stay in a cottage with a fireplace). That alpaca is hilarious, and Rocket is such a lucky dog to be taken on holiday with you guys... he looks so content infront of the fire!

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  11. OMG looks amazing! How did Rocket Dog travel?

    That alpaca should be called a poopaca (poodle cross).

    LOL

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  12. WOW that food look amazing. And how aorable is Rocket!!!
    Holidaying with your pets is the best!

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  13. Everything about this post - I LOVE LOVE LOVE!

    Food, the fire, the puppy! The colours
    Looks amazing!X

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  14. I think Rocket looks quite dapper in his jacket :) What an amazing weekend. I want to spend a weekend with a roaring fire. Awesome. That alpaca is far too cute for words.

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  15. *stamps feet* iii want that weekend!! ha!~!! country getaways are the best and OPEN FIRES boom... thanks!!! i love have a fire going all weekend, couch hangs and grazing on delicious food and wine... yes!! what a great girlfriend you are that looks the goods. xxx

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