Berry Wet Again...Mostly

Yup, grey skies and rain everywhere. Didn't matter where we went. This was Gerringong.

I will keep today's post brief because we really didn't do much...

Back to Berry to buy more sugary treats was the first order of the day. This was followed by a brief trip to Gerringong. It was then time to retreat back to the house for lunch and to watch the cricket. Of course, this was the time that the weather remembered that it was actually summer in Australia! The sun made a guest appearance but by then the troops were settled and no one would move...

Dinner was at The Hills at Gerringong. Simple good food with great views. It was at least a lovely finish to our time Shoalhaven Heads. Onwards and southwards tomorrow! With more rain predicted...

Our first stop. It was at least indoors

Some of our loot

The Hills

The boys happy to have their own corner

Everything looks better with blue skies!

Berry Wet

The skies remained heavily overcast, however the rain held off after breakfast. We forced ourselves out the door to squeeze in a short walk. The walking apps suggested that the walk would be brief but the paths continued beyond their description. We weren't sure what the tide was doing but figured we must be there at the right time because we were able to walk around the end of the river just short of its entrance into the sea. This temporary land bar between the mainland and Comerong Island was a breeding ground for all sorts of local sea birds. It wasn't quite a minefield because we weren't the ones in danger, but we were still careful about not stomping in the wrong spot.

Change of scenery from the beach

Yes. We did it. We got to the end of the 1km track.

Bird sanctuary

Bird prints

Google says this is searocket. We think it was one of the "locally foraged leaves" we ate for dinner at Bangalay the other day...

Right on cue, the rain started at around lunch time. We settled in for pies and sausage rolls at home, with an afternoon of boardgames with the cricket in the background. We attempted to browse Berry in the late afternoon but it was just too wet. Dinner was at the Hungry Monkey before we called it quits for the day.

Berry wet...

Lolly purchases

Happy boy

Happy parents. $10 burger night! Bargain when there's 11 of you!! Yeah!

Southern fried chicken

When one is bored one buys ridiculous alcohol

A more serious purchase, quality tequila!

Time for more boardgames

A Berry Good End

The weekend was filled with rain which meant that we just had to remain indoors. I guess more boardgames were in order. There was a brief moment of panic when we thought we lost Jonah. The adults were sure that we didn't see him leave the house. Then the Loks spotted a bit of brown sticking out from the red bean bag in front of the TV. And there the little tike was, so engrossed in the DVD that he didn't hear his name being yelled out repeatedly nor did he notice his mother running around the house like a headless chook.

What is that?!?!

Just Jonah...

The covered "outdoor" verandah turned out to be another huge blessing. The area was so large that the children could happily play without being cooped up indoors. The dress-up box was a big hit with the girls. We also found a cupboard full of toys!

Painting in beautiful surroudings


Jonah enjoying the verandah

Despite much fun and merriment, the games weekend, unfortunately had to come to an end. We were joined by our dear friends in Canada for the closing ceremony. And the results were a surprise to all. Tied in first place, were Ethel and Shirley, closely followed by Jason. I came a respectable fourth ahead of Malcolm. Sigh...it appears that we will just have to make another assault next year!

Shirley chose the laptop holder as her prize. We all had to donate a prize with a value of up to $10

The selection of prizes

Shirley's take on Callum's recipe, half made with Brioche and the other made with croissants. Mmmmm!

Ethel with her new shopping basket

Jason withh his multiple purpose device opener

Fishing rods for me!

Toblerone

More chocolates!

Pat the dog, screw on the lightbulb!

All-in-one remote anyone?

A manicure bag

Cable organizer

Japanes Sake cups


The cushion updated just before the presentation

Our winners for 2010!

Wrestling away the trophy from the reigning champion

One last photo!

A Berry Beautiful Start

Berry Gaming Convention 2010

The time has come. The Albanys are on a quest to claim the Meeple Cushion. We are ready. Let the games begin!

The Champion's Trophy

We left Sydney at 4pm just in time to beat the long weekend exodus. A decision was made to have dinner at Berry. We chanced upon a certain Dr Tong crossing the road! So we convened at the Berry Hotel. We were joined shortly by the Kohs and the Liews. It couldn't have happened more smoothly if we tried to organize it. Dinner was scrumptious and generous. Some good old country hospitality didn't go astray either!

The convoy proceeded to the cottage we hired for some serious gaming. Much to our delight, the owners seemed to have to sensed our needs and kindly built a separate gaming wing complete with a fireplace. The table was large and wide, and chairs were a plenty. The children were put to bed, so that important business could be attended to. Jason started studying rules for his new game. Malcolm was set the task of starting the fire. I am still unsure as to which "smart" person did the delegation. Mrs Tong commenced baking immediately. The wine bottle was opened, mood music was set, the Nespresso machine warmed up, the board games documented and the first box opened. Ethel had the honour of winning both games played, much to Jason's horror. The Albany assault will just have to start later. Besides we really wanted to lull the others into a false sense of security...

Free flowing wine

The Nespresso ready to go!

Jason slaving away

Over $4000 worth of board games...not including the ones left at home

Good music


A good hand...but not good enough to win!


Malcom's attempt

Belinda's success



Shirley's mini-cheescakes

We awoke to discover the cottage to be a real gem. The view from our room was just beautiful. The cottage is set on beautiful, expansive grounds and has some amazing facilities. It comes complete with a spa, playground, tennis court and bicycles. The children were delighted to be able to collect eggs for breakfast. Chasing the chickens also appeared to be fun.

A room with a view

Instructions for the weekend...Eat, sleep and game

The "backyard"

The "front yard"

The source of our 84g egg

Bicycles supplied by the owner

The playground

The children after collecting eggs

Breakfast was over and done with in a flash. Time is a ticking. The DVD was started and the first game of the day started. Malcolm started his assault by annihilating the field. We were then pleasantly surprised by a skype call from our gaming buddies all the way from London, Ontario. We are already missing Kwan's extremely complicated scoring system.

I shall have to go and start making my mark. My husband has just reminded me that I am not allowed to start my run too late. Duty calls.

The DVD doing its job

The first game of the day

The Yeohs on skype!