Notes from the Neighbourhood

The view of Mt Roland from Glencoe Country Retreat…with a rare sprinkling of snow.  How nice to find a nice old farmhouse that’s not full of chintz and doillies. Remi and Ginette Bancal have created an elegant and comfortable stopover on the way to Cradle Mountain (or a nice drive from Launceston).  In the spring or summer, I’d love to sit out under the big old trees with a good book and a glass of rose or three. The added benefit is that if you ask nicely, Remi will cook you a fab dinner (cuisine bourgeoise style) with the bountiful ingredients from their garden and the local area. Think of a salad of grilled scallops and blood orange, a slow-cooked lamb dish and crepes with their own berries and home-made vanilla icecream to finish. Washed down with a bottle of local pinot (chosen by the somelier himself). After a good sleep, we started our trip back to Launceston with home-bottled pears and blueberries, brioche with luscious pear, cinnamon and vanilla preserves and a cup of expertly brewed coffee. Had to take some of those preserves with me. Not intending to share them with anyone but Self.

We stopped at Boat Harbour Beach on our way to Stanley and had a fine meal of fish & chips and lamb burger at Jolly Roger’s. This was the view (around the edge of the play gym). Nothing between us and Melbourne except a large expanse of very cold water!