pubcrawl

Pub Crawl on Horseback
Bullock Mountain Homestead, Glen Innes NSW
Wednesday and Thursday December 29 & 30, 1999

We arrived before the rest of the group and met with Steve, who was very friendly and invited us to have a walk around and see the area at leisure. So armed with camera and accompanied by Rommel, their dog, as our protector we set off. The area was magnificent as we wandered, Brian always keeping a watchful eye to alert me of animals in the area I may get to shoot. We did see roo tracks a few times but no roos to go with them. The stream and the hills surrounding were rocky and made the walking a bit difficult at times for me. I've not seen such stoney woodland area before, but after the balancing rock being in this area I wasn't surprised too much in the way of rock formations. I was just amazed that one land was blessed with such diversity.

The big blue sky and the scraggly brush working its way to a well formed woods that we would soon go charging thru on horses. I had so looked forward to this. Horses were always my favourite thing, whether as a gift of a toy or a toy to ride or to watch the actual animal or to sketch for an art class. It was this deep love that persuaded Brian to agree to a 2 hour ride.

After the arrival of the other guests we were given an opportunity to eat and relax in conversation before going out for our horse and saddle assignments. Although Brian had requested a retired kiddie ride horse they found a very calm laid back attitude horse for him, although I do believe he made a pact with the horse... don't throw me and I won't throw you sort of thing... Since it had been awhile since I had last rode I was in need of a gentle horse myself. Alison chose the horses to suit us and Steve had us try out the saddles.

Alison is answering questions for a guest from CA and below a happy Alaskan proudly wears a learners tag, in Australia cars that have a student driver are marked with an L to warn other drivers, even though he was one of the more experienced riders along. An Australian guest laughing at his antics is at the corner of the picture. We were a group mixed of Americans, Australians and Canadians that had a similar love for adventure by horseback coupled with the ability to laugh at themselves.

Here was my horse Southern Comfort. I was wearing my acubra so I didn't get a sun burn.

We had a wonderful 2 hour ride, nobody fell off so our main objective was achieved. We went up and down the mountain side and across open field. Steve would signal for a trot or canter and away we would go. Even Brian was able to canter with the guidance ofAlison at his side. It was really great the way they looked out for the novice riders. At the end of the ride horses had to be cared for, my horse and a few others were taking a second trip this enabled a few of us to clean up before dinner. After relaxing and drinking on the verranda we all settled in for the night, totally exhausted. Morning came early along with horse readiness chores. As Brian and I weren't going for the long haul of the ride we watched as they busied themselves. Steve was always looking and watching making certain all was well.

The morning light filtering thru the trees provided warmth for the dew moistened blankets

This is Jo she was the one in charge of the kitchen. I was amazed at how they were able to serve so many people a homestyle meal so efficiently. Exactly how many eggs does it take to satisfy this group? It was all very good too. One dish that was new to me that I particulary enjoyed was the pumpkin soup. If they ever develop a Pub Crawl Recipe Book... I want a copy! After breakfast was complete Brian and I left as they were getting things finalised and box lunches packed. I hoped the weather stayed nice for them but I saw storm clouds gathering and hoped it wasn't going to be close to their destination but it was in our night as we were headed for Hunter Valley and the hail storm followed by power outage.