In mid-October, I arrived back in Sydney and some great mates joined me for a few celebratory drinks. Here we are at the Scary Canary. We based ourselves here and then had a super-touristy long weekend in Sydney that included a monorail ride, a trip to Manly on the ferry, shoe shopping and delicious cocktails.
Back in Cowra, I found that Puss was doing very well!
Jo Apthorpe celebrated her 30th in style; We took a wine tour in the Hunter Valley.
The last winery that we visited on our tour was the Hope Estate. I'm pictured here with Ange in the Great Cask Hall. I knew that it felt familiar for some reason... This winery used to be the Rothbury Estate Hunter Valley!
I was east again, a journey which I has become quite a habit, this time to run in a Sri Chinmoy race with Finch, Aly and Mixy. Even with a race on the next day, I felt that a few vinos, the night before at a fancy dress party, couldn't do too much harm. Paula (the artiste, of course) paints my portrait while I wait. It was really impressive!
I bounced back pretty well. (My pre-race breakfast is chocolate and orange juice.) I ran 10 mi in the Sri Chinmoy race in 1h 25min and 6 sec.
In November, the Pinkerton men headed to Tathra for a week on the coast. Les peacefully paddles his kayak on Wallagoot Lake (shown below) while I prepare to dive in try to overturn his vessel.
Marko dons the smugglers and had a blast at Hobart Beach with Les.
Our last day had gorgeous weather. So, Les and I did some snorkelling in Kianinny Bay, just south and down the hill from the Tathra Pub.
Jen presented Les with a puppy, Howard. (Les named his after John Howard, our former prime minister.) The puppy is very friendly and has doubled in size since this photo was taken. He's still a real sook, though, and terrified of Puss.
On New Year's Eve, I joined Phill, Amanda and Goofy at a toga party in Coogee. It was a huge night and fun! I caught both rounds of fireworks - and remember them!
I caught up with Finch and Aly just after New Years and just prior to another blast on the moto' over the mountains and back to Cowra.
