Once the members were settled in their seats the coach driver closed the door and the coach moved off to commence the journey to the main highlight of the day - gin tasting and lunch at
CAULDRON DISTILLERY, Tamborine Mountain
To enlarge any photo simply click on the photo
CAULDRON DISTILLERY, Tamborine Mountain
To enlarge any photo simply click on the photo
First stop - morning tea - was at the lush picnic ground at the base of the wall of Hinze Dam, where everybody enjoyed a hot cuppa and biscuit. Many members had said they hadn't been to Hinze Dam in years but showed a lot of interest in the size of the current dam wall and the volume of water going over the spillway.
After the cuppas had been drunk and the biscuits eaten, the members were keen to see the views from the top. So much so, some were willing to walk to the top.
The coach was driven up a very steep road to where the modern cafe is now situated.
From there the views were unbelievable. Walking paths abounded, with some people taking advantage of walking toward the top of the dam to see the torrent of water over the spillway. Others took advantage of having another cuppa enjoying the cool breeze.
A walkway leading from the rear of the cafe took one to a lookout where is was possible to see the expanse of Little Nerang Dam on the right and the larger Hinze Dam on the left.
A breeze blowing across the waters of the dams made the little lookout a delight to stand at and gaze across the waters to the views in the distance.
The coach was driven up a very steep road to where the modern cafe is now situated.
From there the views were unbelievable. Walking paths abounded, with some people taking advantage of walking toward the top of the dam to see the torrent of water over the spillway. Others took advantage of having another cuppa enjoying the cool breeze.
A walkway leading from the rear of the cafe took one to a lookout where is was possible to see the expanse of Little Nerang Dam on the right and the larger Hinze Dam on the left.
A breeze blowing across the waters of the dams made the little lookout a delight to stand at and gaze across the waters to the views in the distance.
Upon arrival at Cauldron Distillery members were seated for the gin tasting.
A paddle containing three tasting glasses was placed before every person. Each glass had a measure of different flavoured gin with appropriate fruit or leaves for that type of gin. Each of the different gins were fun, interesting and a taste sensation.
Bottles of tonic water or soda water were provided, to be added to the gins according to individual taste.
Chris of Cauldron Distillery is quite knowledgeable about the various types of gin, and easily held the members' attention.
A paddle containing three tasting glasses was placed before every person. Each glass had a measure of different flavoured gin with appropriate fruit or leaves for that type of gin. Each of the different gins were fun, interesting and a taste sensation.
Bottles of tonic water or soda water were provided, to be added to the gins according to individual taste.
Chris of Cauldron Distillery is quite knowledgeable about the various types of gin, and easily held the members' attention.
Thankfully it was cool where we were seated on such a hot and humid day and after a small problem that Cauldron had with the catering everything worked out to be OK for us.
Chris of Cauldron Distillery explained the change in menu from what had originally been planned.
On the day we were offered three types of paella - chicken paella made with fresh chickens, seafood paella made with fresh seafood and vegetarian paella with fresh vegetarians.
The change was acceptable by most of the members and the paella was quite delicious. The Paella Tent can be seen in the background.
Many opted to try all three types and most of the rest had a half-and-half. A few went back for seconds.
On the day we were offered three types of paella - chicken paella made with fresh chickens, seafood paella made with fresh seafood and vegetarian paella with fresh vegetarians.
The change was acceptable by most of the members and the paella was quite delicious. The Paella Tent can be seen in the background.
Many opted to try all three types and most of the rest had a half-and-half. A few went back for seconds.
On the way home, we stopped at Gallery Walk where some had ice creams.
Some went further afield to purchase homemade chocolates and/or fudge and other necessities of life.
All to help the local community after their hardship as a consequence of the recent tornado.
A well-fed water dragon entertained us as well.
Some went further afield to purchase homemade chocolates and/or fudge and other necessities of life.
All to help the local community after their hardship as a consequence of the recent tornado.
A well-fed water dragon entertained us as well.