Pony rides in the spring time

I haven't been bragging in my blog yet, but I've sort of spend this summer (northern hemisphere summer) with famous people. Like one Jess B. who happened to finish has fabulous, and even controversial, PhD during my stay here. I also saw her present today, and I am just awed. All the work she's put into her (and Monash team's) research on non-celiac gluten sensitivity! Finishing her PhD has called for several celebration dinners, but I thought since she's into wine, horses and especially my splendid company :P we should do a wine tour in Mornington Peninsula - horseback riding! Luckily we got some excellent company to join us (thanks, Tahlia and Rosie) and must say, even short road trips can turn into something memorable in the right company. :)

Jess and Tahlia in matching outfits. The egg helmet my favourite.

Road trip wasn't all smooth sailing, though. Firstly, I forgot the key after having though about for three days prior "must not forget the key". This meant turning back in peak hour and added probably at least two hours to the trip. You can imagine I felt like a winner. Luckily the girls were super understanding , and we ended up having dinner at the exotic travel destination Camberwell (approx. 5 km from my house).

Rosie's first time riding is about to begin. She's a natural talent we, and she, say(s).

Next bumpy ride was the one leading to the stables the next morning. This time Dr J (that bright mind!) forgot her runners and since it's not a good idea to ride in thongs (aka flipflops as they are known in Europe), we turned back. Then we were traveling 20 k/h behind a septic tank lorry. Lovely.

Approaching first water... ummm... winehole.

Eventually we made it to the stables and got appointed to our horses. I got Penny (one of my favourite names!), Jess got Sparky (sounded fierce - right on rider!), Rosie, our first-timer, rode on Patch and Tahlia rode on Dancer. Had a slight My Little Pony fllash back with these names from my childhood... Although Big Dan is hardly a pink pony's name... Neither is Johanthan. :D Penny wants to be in the lead so I got to stare at Big Dan's mighty ummm... backside for quite some time during that day.

Our skillful tasting attracted local paparazzis.

My delight was great when I heard they had a photographer coming that day to take pictures for the company website. I had the most stylish outfit (again) and no make up and very severe case of helmet head (no pun intended). This is why I should pay more attention to the state I leave the house. We were laughing at Miss Someone for fixing her hair with a straightening iron that morning, and by the afternoon, I was drop-dead jealous of her for doing that!

This gracious couple had just got up after a mud slide. Show offs. 

In Mornington skateboard is used for grape harvesting.

Penny's gotta green tooth for spring grass.

To Jess' disappointment Sparky really didn't live up to his name. 

The gang is off to the next wine stop.

I AM trying to roll the barrel the right way. It says there clearly.

Egg head and Penny. She looked a lot bigger from where I was sitting. Riding, must try again soon!

After two vineyards, loads of muddy paths (luckily I wasn't getting my hooves muddy), beautiful scenery and serious upper body sunbathing, we were in need of a delicious and filling lunch. Pizza and rosé were truly called for. A wildberry sorbet from a strawberry farm was a perfect finish for the meal.

Most of the evening was spend sunbathing in the balcony, talking, gossiping, enjoying refreshments (in moderation, of course - quality over quantity!). Since we knew from our morning walk that the beach is fabulous, we headed there for the sunset and walked along the beach to the town for evening snacks. Oh, the blissful warm breeze, darkening night and smell of sea! Doesn't get better than that!

You can count on me for finding the cheekiest drinks in Australia.

Sunset at one of the balcony of our humble accommodation. ;)

Relaxing.

The colours not the accuracy.

The second day of our road trip was spent in Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs, which were exactly that; pools of very, very warm water. Of course my perception is influenced by the fact that the outside temperature was 27-30 degrees, so those pools felt like I was being cooked alive. And no, the cool pools were not cool enough. Alas (reading Lolita, influenced clearly by the eloquent language), it still was enjoyable and relaxing. Hopefully the minerals did magic to my skin, I'm really not good at judging the glow of my skin. :P I'd recommend the springs for a winter time activity and if ever going back there, would enjoy the spa treatments while making it all the way there. Popped into the cafe and saw the spa people in their thick robes coming from the treatments smelling heavenly... Next time. ;)

"Good morning!"

Enjoying lunch with Dr J and Miss Rosie after hot springs. 

Once again... good times! Great company makes great days. Once that I'll reminisce with melancholy come next week and Finnish autumn wetness and darkness. Luckily looking forward to ski season so much that will endure it I'm sure. And spring always eventually comes.