Recently a bus load of SEWA members departed from Dandenong on a Saturday afternoon heading towards Mildura to spend the week-end. It was a very pleasant afternoon in summer. The coach was fully air conditioned and traveling was comfortable. Few kilometers passing Bendigo at Charlton a small but complete Township we took a break for the Captain of the coach to have a rest and for the rest of us to have a cuppa. The second leg of the journey commenced after a rest of about 45 minutes. All arrangements had been made to play CD music covering a wide range of pleasant melodies through out the journey drawing in the participation of the group as well so that no one knew that we have reached our destination in Mildura.
At about 9.30.p.m we booked in at the Apex River Beach Holiday Park . When it was announced that we are now entering our night abode every one looked with amusement since we could not believe our eyes with what we saw. We were traveling through a jungle with a few and far in between dim light posts finally leading to a well lit atmosphere of neatly planted living cottages by the side of the Murray river. We reported to the office which was opened and the owner of the Holiday Park Mr. Darly Beasy personally waiting to greet us. Darly led us to our cabins and ensured that every thing was in place for us. While every one was sorting out who stays where the food committee got into the kitchen and was preparing the Dinner. In less than twenty minutes the Dinner was ready. You will never believe steaming string hoppers, a pol sambol, kirihodi and fish ambul thiyal. What a surprise? This surely gave us an indication what to follow.
Every one retired to bed by 11.00.p.m.
Next morning we woke up to a chorus of Australian bush birds nestled among the tallest gums of the mighty Murray River . It was then we were able to have a look at the surroundings of the national park beauty and tranquility with a view of the paddle boats, pelicans and parrots from our cabins. We had breakfast painstakingly prepared by the food committee complete with traditional Sri Lankan and an Aussi combination of Kiribath with katta smbol, boiled Mungata and Kadala along with bread and seeni sambo and bacon and eggs and toast. It was really a heavy breakfast and every one was fit for the heavy program ahead for the day.
Our first visit of the day was to the Stanley Winery. Stanley wines are one of the lowest cost productions in Australia . Efficiently stemming from the state of the art technology, a 'must visit' for the avid wine taster we were told at the reception. . Thereafter a taste of all varieties of wine on display were served no questioned asked and free. There was a catch, after a few wines every one bought at least two bottles of wine each. Good business. We left the winery every one in high spirits. Our next stop was at the 'Orange World' Taste the Sunshine in every orange. One could see 30 different citrus and avocado varieties. Learn how to grow and care for them at home and how to select good fruit in the market. Yes, we achieved all that by joining a Train Tour which included Look out Tower, Nursery, Packing Displays and Tasting. Our next stop was at the Town Market. From vegetables to fruits, home made honey and jams, antiques to fancy crafts and a good variety of garments were all available. The group spend one hour at the market.
We were now tired and hungry. We had to look for a place for a picnic lunch. We were directed to the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens. With exotic and native plantings the gardens reflect the diversity of Sunraysia, and arid zone. Features include. A - Nature Trail with indigenous plants providing a wonderful heaven for birds and all facilities for a picnic lunch. There was no rush we had a relaxing lunch provided by the food committee and spend some time exploring the beautiful garden.
Finally we retired to our cabins every one joined hands to help the food committee to prepare the dinner. All done and after a shower and change all sat down in outdoor settings for a singsong and a chat. Special mention has to be made about Sarath who kept the crowd alive and entertained by his tease and anecdotes. Every one thoroughly enjoyed the secession and after dinner hit the bed for a well earned sleep.
It was Monday, the day we had to leave. We departed the holiday home by 10.00.a.m. Relaxed after a short but complete week end holiday we now commenced on a slow and steady homeward journey. There was no rush as we had the whole day ahead of us. We had two stops on the way one for lunch and the other for afternoon tea. We reached Dandenong by 7.00.p.m.
Thus concluded very successfully another of many trips organized by 'SEWA'
I wish to thank Tissa our President, Justin Secretary, Manel Social Secretary, Beryl and the food committee for a job well done. |