The Bed and Breakfast in Narrogin, called Bella's Place, was simply sensational. I have never, repeat, never slept on a more comfortable bed away from home. In fact, I was tempted to nick the aforementioned bed. Unfortunately, we didn't have the 4 wheel drive with us and as an added deterrent, I doubt we would have been able to lift the bed, let alone carry it. Obviously a cunning plan of the fabulous owners, Lizette and Faan. Next time we go I think we'll organise Lizette to provide us with dinner. I witnessed her catering going out the door on several occasions and would very much like to taste her culinary delights rather than having to leave for an evening meal.
We started the Trail at Just Jesse's Cafe in Narrogin for a late lunch. We checked out the NEXIS (Narrogin Exhibition Space) "Little Treasures of Motherhood" and booked Sunday lunch at the Polished Plate pop-up cafe, located in the Town Hall. Then we drove the short distance to Bella's Place, unpacked and went to bed for an afternoon kip!
We rose, astonished at the length of our nap - two hours - and decided to go to dinner at the Duke of York pub. The joint was rocking. The Duke of York was nicely decorated with tables in both the bar lounge or the dining room. The staff were attentive, the menu was not run of the mill and the prices were not over the top. And unlike some country pubs we had frequented in other towns, there wasn't a hint of stale beer or any other unpleasant smells.
We ordered - sweet and sour pork and salmon - and moved to the only free table in the rollicking dining room. A big party was celebrating a young woman's birthday, but there was no unruly behaviour. Just cheerful good humour. Once we'd eaten a delicious dinner, we retired back to the haven of Bella's Place.
We chatted intermittently with Lizette and Faan, whilst we caught up on our e-mails, Facebook and the blog.We sipped on a superb bottle of vino and showed off a slide show of our building and gallery. And then, surprise, surprise we went to bed.
We woke the next morning, cocooned in the bed with oh so luxurious bed linen. I showered, drying myself on the sumptuous, fluffy bath sheets, a far cry from some of the daggy towels we'd used in other establishments. Once I dressed, I made Michael his coffee and we discussed our plans for the day.
But all was not well in Michael's tummy. He was green and nauseated again. Was this still a continuation of the illness he'd suffered in Coolgardie? We weren't sure, so we dosed him up with medication and set out very carefully with me at Goldie's wheel.
We stopped at a number of great venues around Narrogin. Herald Street Hideaway boasted three fantastic artists. Mother and daughter, Sue and Yvette had an amazing range of art pieces ranging from pottery to paintings to mixed media to silk. Julie, creator of the grooviest bird feeders I'd ever seen, didn't believe she had any artistic aptitude...what a crock.
Sue Riley's Studio was in a hay bale building and featured her many watercolours, acrylics, oils and her forty-year-old sketch book. Up the road, Christine Davis' work was hung on every wall and fence of her house and in her studio. Her art included painting, mixed media, mirrors and woodwork with found metal objects. An art teacher, she had been producing different works at a phrenetic pace, whilst being in partnership with her husband in their framing business. More recently, she had added an infant grandson to their bulging household. I was in complete awe of her energy.
We were running late for our Mothers' Day lunch at the Professional Plate. How unusual! The place was a riot, in an uproar and the young Professional Platers were having difficulty keeping up with demand. Although my salmon penne was a little on the cool side, it was also delicious and I gave them an A for effort. Michael's ginger chicken salad was simple, light and tasty - just what his dodgy tummy could handle. The Platers were still running as fast as their legs could carry them when we left.
Michael decided he had enough stamina left for one more stop. After much deliberation, we drove to Downderry Wines, just out of town. What a happy choice. The wines were outstanding, the host, Rex, was urbane, generous and witty. Each of his wines were smooth, mouthy and full of fruit. I felt myself turning into a wine judge, tasting manna from heaven. In the end, we were compelled to buy a mixed box and the smoked cheese.
Back at Bella's Place, we went to bed for a sleep. Again. We woke up in time to open the bar. Dinner was toast with the wonderful smoked cheese, washed down by a glass or two of vino. After catching up with the online world, we were ready for our second night's slumber. Which we did.
We didn't wake until ten o'clock this morning. We hurriedly packed, breakfasted and departed. The weekend had passed all our expectations. We'd had a blast. Congratulations to the organisers and the funding bodies of the Dryandra Art, Food and Wine Trail for their efforts.
We arrived back at the House that Rocks, farewelled our darling Vanessa and made a spot of lunch.
Then we went for an afternoon sleep!
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