A Travelling Sprout

A Sprout Gets Swanky at Spicers Peak Lodge
By Shelley Banks

It was one of those places we’d talked about going to for years but never got around to it. Deciding not to put it off any longer or before it got any more expensive, we booked our two-night, wedding anniversary getaway at Spicers Peak Lodge, two hours west of Brisbane and two hours east of Stanthorpe. The drive out was uneventful, although we did get held up by the roadworks at Cunningham’s Gap (everywhere we go in Queensland lately has roadworks).

Having reached the turn-off, we started climbing. The road to the lodge is 12 kilometres long, half bitumen, half dirt, winding and steep. But navigating the twists and turns was worth it for the spectacular view when we arrived. It felt like we were on top of the world, the lodge the only human addition on the top of the mountain. Although, it is situated in the middle of a working cattle property, so an occasional cow did make an appearance.

I knew it was going to be swanky the minute we pulled up when someone came running out to valet park our car. Unfortunately, we’d taken my husband’s work ute, one that I refer to as the ‘tradie truck’. We’d done this based on advice from Spicers that the dirt road up the mountain was unsuitable for low-profile cars, which mine is. It had only taken a minute for the valet parker to come running back to us with a question. The ‘tradie truck’ is a manual and the numbers are worn off the gear stick. Not wanting to put it in fifth rather than reverse was the reason for the question.

While our car was valet-parked, we were ushered inside towards the main fireplace near the bar. Two glasses of French champagne appeared, which we sipped while the concierge went through all the details of our stay, including showing us the menus for the four-course chef’s tasting dinners. This was so they could change the menu for us if there was something we didn’t like. All food and drinks are included at Peak Lodge and it’s safe to say we took good advantage of that.

We were then shown through to the dining room, featuring another fireplace as well as expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Even though it was earlier than the official check-in time, lunch on the first day is still included in the package. We thoroughly enjoyed the tasting platter, and accompanying Rose, that was placed in front of us. A platter featuring cheeses, meats, salads, breads, dips and on a separate platter, fruit and chocolate brownies.

After we’d finished eating, we were shown to our room. And what a room it was. A fireplace, a bathroom with a glass ceiling so you could gaze at the stars while lazing in the bath, an outdoor terrace that led to the immaculate lawn and provided views of the surrounding areas and a fully stocked mini bar that was included (and restocked each day).

It was tempting to sit and look at the view but first, it was time to explore the lodge. Being winter on top of a mountain, it was great that you could get to every part of the lodge without venturing outdoors. The guest rooms are in two wings that extend on either side of the central shared area, where the dining room and main fireplace are found, and above those, on the second floor, are the pool table and library.

Dinner wasn’t for a couple of hours, so we took advantage of the pool table and then lounged around outside and chatted with the other guests who were sitting around the fire pit, while in the background, a group of thirty-somethings dared each other to jump into the infinity pool. Which they did, swimwear revealed under the layers they’d been wearing to protect them from the cold.

That night, we had the first of the chef’s tasting menus which included crab, yabby, wagyu beef and vanilla tart with pomegranate ice cream. All courses came with matching wine and sorbet was provided as a palate cleanser. By the time dinner was over, we were so full that all we could do was roll over to the bar area and sit by the fire.

The next morning it was back to the dining room for more food. Looking for the smallest dish on the menu, I settled for avocado on sourdough. The bread was baked in-house that morning and the avocado was topped with feta that had been whipped to the consistency of cream.

Needing to do something other than eat, we joined the morning guided walk which went to the southern end of the property, with the guide pointing out all the places of interest and the spots to find the best views.

Following the enjoyable morning walk, it was time for, surprise, surprise, more food. Lunch was three courses and while I enjoyed the arancini, salmon, broccolini with parmesan, and the petit fours, I left half of every course on the plate. I didn’t like wasting the expertly prepared cuisine, but it was just too much.

After the excessive amount of food, we decided that another walk was required, this time to the northern end of the property. Just like the morning walk, there were amazing views wherever we looked. We could even see the Brisbane CBD, 100 kilometres away.

To finish off the afternoon we sat by one of the outdoor fire pits and chatted with some of the other guests until it was time to change for dinner. Another tasting menu with matching wines, this one featuring a main called sovereign lamb which was delicious, like everything else we’d eaten since we arrived. By the time dinner was over, we were full again. Luckily, we only had one day to go, or our clothes would no longer fit.

Last day and more food. Breakfast was corn fritters that were the size of pancakes, necessitating one last walk. Then it was back to the room to pack. As we left the room, I took one more look at the spa bath with the glass ceiling above and wondered if we could do that at home.

Checking out, I said goodbye to one of the staff members we’d gotten to know who told us the story of how she and her husband got married in Scotland 37 years ago and found out 20 years later that the marriage wasn’t considered legal in Australia.

As we went to pick up our bags to head to the car, another staff member came running over to get them because the point of the place is that everything is taken care of, and you don’t lift a finger. Which we didn’t (except to pick up cutlery).

Musings

What were the Odds?
By Shelley Banks

A recent conversation about the small rural town of Yetman brought back memories I’d long forgotten. If you haven’t heard of Yetman it’s located about 30 kilometres south of the Queensland border on the Macintyre River and has a population of approximately 207.

When I was there, over twenty years ago, the population was about the same. It’s not the sort of place that experiences population booms.

The plan had been to drive through Yetman and continue to our destination. But the weather had other ideas. It had been raining for a few days and the road out of town had water over it. Wanting to play it safe, the decision was made to stop for the night and let the water recede before continuing.

However, the rain became unrelenting overnight and the following morning, the road into town was cut as well. Looked like we’d be stuck there, wondering how to fill the time until we could get out.

And then I remembered I knew someone in the area. What were the odds? It was someone I used to work with, who’d married a man she’d met at a B&S Ball and moved to a property in Yetman. I called her and a few minutes later, we had an invite to stay.

For the next couple of days, the rain continued to fall, easing as each day passed, but not enough for the roads to reopen. And so, we stayed put. We played cards and board games, explored the property during gaps in the rain, played with their dogs and watched movies.

It wasn’t the trip we had planned, but I loved that the one place we got caught was somewhere I knew someone, allowing memories to be created that I still remember now.

Short Story

A Romantic Getaway
By Shelley Banks

Joel had everything planned down to the last detail—a romantic getaway, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Susie wouldn’t suspect a thing. If he were honest with himself, he’d admit he wasn’t the most romantic person. But this year, he would surprise Susie and make her day special.

 A country B&B, perfect for couples. That’s how it was described on the website. The accompanying photos supported that description.

He hadn’t told Susie where they were going; just that she needed to pack an overnight bag.

‘This is exciting,’ she proclaimed as they headed off. ‘I’m intrigued to see where we’re going.’

Joel grinned. ‘You’ll find out soon enough.’

On the way, they traversed winding mountain roads, bordered by thick green forests, rays of sunlight shining through the gaps in the trees. Everywhere they looked, the scenery was breathtaking.

They stopped in a small country town for a coffee and a stroll along the main street, which was dotted with quaint shops.

‘I’m glad we stopped,’ Susie said, ‘but I’m excited to get to our destination so let’s continue.’

Turning into the street where the B&B was located, Joel was feeling very pleased with himself, having organised what he was sure was going to be a great getaway.

On the left, the sign for the property appeared and Joel turned into the driveway. Ahead, he could see the accommodation. But it didn’t look like it did in the pictures.

The lack of stairs at the front was the first clue. The rusting furniture on the verandah was the second. Joel glanced at Susie, but her face gave nothing away.

They grabbed their bags and headed around the back, looking for the owner. Then a voice boomed out ‘Welcome’.

Coming towards them was a man who looked to be in his late sixties, a battered hat on his head. ‘Any trouble finding the place?’

Joel shook his head. He didn’t have any words at that point.

‘Follow me and I’ll show you around.’

Into the house they went, through the kitchen with the leaking tap, through the dining room with the rickety table and chairs, into the lounge room with the very noisy ceiling fan.

Joel held his breath. Susie was going to hate this. What had he done?

And then the man stopped and opened a door. In front of them was the most beautiful room they’d ever seen. Decorated like something straight from a magazine, with stunning views from the shaded verandah in front.

Susie was beaming as she talked to the owner about the candlelight dinner and picnic lunch down by the river that was included in their stay.

Joel started breathing again. Thank goodness, was all he could think. It was going to turn out all right after all.

Something Light

The Luck of the Tradie
By Shelley Banks

There are certain restaurants in Brisbane that you must book weeks in advance to get into. Over the years, we’ve been to several of them, having made the obligatory advance booking. But there was one time, several years ago, in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, that my now husband left the booking a bit late. As in, only two days before.

When he made the phone call to one of the hard to get into restaurants, the staff member who answered had to refrain from laughing when the question was asked regarding a table for two.

‘We’ve been booked out for five weeks’ was the response, said politely, but with a hint of incredulity. They did offer to put our names down on a waitlist though.

Not expecting a phone call, we came up with a plan B.

But then, on the morning of the 14^th of February, there was a phone call. Someone had just cancelled. Cancellations never happen at that late stage we were told and there was a table if we still wanted it.

Of course, was our response. That was lucky I thought. According to my other half, it wasn’t luck. He’d had it all under control the whole time.

Clearly, that wasn’t the case, rather I took it to be the luck of the tradie.

Books

If you like my short stories I’ve published ten books.