Hollywood, Basketball, Universal Studios and Rodeo Drive

March 16, 2017July 1, 2017 Ange BowmanLeave a comment

Hollywood and Universal Studios

The next few days we headed to Hollywood before heading back for three more nights at Disney in lieu visit to Las Vegas which we decided to put off until another trip.

We set off after an iHop breakfast of pancakes and bacon. It was decided we would call in at the Citadel Outlets on the way to our hotel in Hollywood.

Getting a reasonable hotel in Hollywood is no easy task, I alway recommend travellers stay up near universal and do day trips down to Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. The other alternative it to purchase and ticket on the Hop on Hop Off bus and it will allow you to visit all the areas without having to stay in the area.

Back to our visit to Citadel Shopping outlets, located on I5 they were about halfway between Disney and our Hotel in Hollywood. Ollie was a asleep within minutes of getting in the car so I was happy

The best way to do ‘The Outlets’

to park the car and let him sleep while the others shopped. As we didn’t was to be stuck in peak traffic we set off by 3pm to find our new home for the next 3 nights.

The traffic was heavy but not unreasonably so, my trusty navigators were on the job and we arrived at The Moment Hotel on Sunset Boulevard. A boutique hotel located along the world-famous Sunset Blvd, the Moment Hotel
Just a short five-minute walk to the famed Sunset Strip and Hollywood Walk of Fame we provide a unique one-of-a-kind Hollywood experience for guests traveling on vacation or for business. Features the chic flair of Hollywood, the modern style of LA, and the laid-back vibe of Southern California in one cutting-edge and minimalist package.

Stop number 2 of Hop on Hop Off Bus – Red Route is right across the road.

No1 Duck at it again!!!!!

After checking in we headed out to find some dinner near the Hollywood walk of Fame.

The boys were equally shocked, as I was on my first visit here, at how grubby this place was, not a sign of the glitz and glamour we all expect of Hollywood. Dinner was at the Hard Rock Cafe, nothing to write home about but that could have more to do with how tired everyone was. After a walk around the area we called it an early night.

Not a happy boy –
Loves his new mate

Everyone hoping Ollie would sleep without biting his tongue tonight. Sarah was running on Empty as Ollie has has some many bad nights biting his tongue in his sleep waking up screaming.

No such luck, he actually drew blood a few times in the night and his poor tongue was so sore. After a rough night we decided to hang in the hotel for the day to let Sarah catch up a bit and rest the kids up. Chris and Charlie headed across the road to Ralph’s (a supermarket) to pick up some food and drinks. Sarah, Ollie and Emily slept for most of the day.

In the evening we decided to head up to Universal for dinner at place that Charlie visited previously. The Saddle Ranch Chop House was excellent and just as Charlie remembered it, sure to become a favourite of ours.

It was decided that we would have another lazy start to the day tomorrow with a drive to Rodeo drive for lunch.

Another rough but a little better night for Ollie, so after a sleep in we drove down and parked at No 2 Rodeo Drive, can’t beat the the valet parking so worth it. We had lunch at The Cheesecake Factory it was just a short wait to get in and needed to back back in time for the boys to go to basketball game.

Basketball was a bust as the main player boys came to see sat that night much to their annoyance and that of basketball fans everywhere, boys paid top dollar for good seats only to not see the best players play.

Still a good game but not what they paid for.

Our day at Universal Studios.

It was decided that after a rest up everyone was ready to tackle Universal Studios, highly recommend this as a day out for the family. Future visits we will be sure to stay up near Universal most probably

at the Hilton so that we can make full use of all the facilities around the park. Many food options and shopping opportunities to explore.

We opted for the ‘Front of line’ one day pass, a little bit more expensive but so worth it especially on busy days. Ollie was in full flight after a couple of better night’s sleep and ready to visit all the characters.

Shrek was right there after we entered and Ollie and Emi held court with him for ages, they loved donkey sticking his head out as well.

We spent the day walking and walking, had lunch in the Moe’s bar it was good. They had the system worked out to keep the crowd moving. We landed a great table almost immediately which only enhanced our experience.

After lunch it was off to meet Homer and the simpson characters, the kids loved this and the characters loved the kids especially since they were wearing their hats again.

The boys and Sarah did most of the rides and Emi did the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride with them. Ollie and I found a shady spot outside and he just wandered around and amused everyone with his pluto hat.

We head to the lower level, a must do, only if the escalators are working, there is no way without them. It is a very steep descent but gives a great view over the city below. The kids said the best ride is down on this level called (to be added)

While Chris Sarah and Charlie were riding the bigger rides the kids and I spent time in the play area where Ollie had a nap before making friends with all the other kids and playing for ages. It was a great section, only one way out so Grandma parked herself here and rested while they played.

After more rides then it was ice cream and donuts time. While the big kids got in a few more rides before we called it a day. The boys were hoping to get to another game of basketball on the way back to Anaheim but we left the park a little too late. The gave it a miss as they were going to miss some of 1st quarter, of course it turned out to be a great game. We were all checkin at the Hilton to watch the last quarter and the boys hit the room service and Sarah and I decided we would make do with snacks from bard downstairs. Everyone crashed pretty early and waited to see how Ollie would go.

Room Service

Not good was the answer, CVS was the answer get got some gel to numb his tongue so he managed a full day’s sleep with grandma the next day…

Disney Day and Characters Galore

March 13, 2017July 1, 2017 Ange BowmanLeave a comment

After a day at the races yesterday, the boys and I appreciated that Sarah spent half the previous day getting our passes organised before having fun in the park with Emi (4) and Ollie (2).

We set off earlyish to beat the warm day that had been forecast.

Grandma coming down with a cold so decided to hang in until later in the day before taking the little ones home for a sleep and well earned rest arvo.

After hotdogs and ice-creams in Mickeys Toontown. Ollie and Emi made their favourite purchases of the whole trip – Donald and Pulto hats. We headed for the tea cups ride where Chris treated Sarah and Emi to the spinninest ride ever, of course his neck will be out for next few days. Hard tell his mates pick up an injury on the tea cups

The boys and Sarah stayed on at the park for the rest of the afternoon, evening and then head to ESPN bar in downtown Disney for a late dinner.

Loving the Dalmatian puppy that
comes out when the button is pressed
‘Again’ was all we heard for half an hour

Charmed all the park Photographers

Grandma and the kids had
well earned sleep and everyone felt better for it.

After late night snack of pancakes and coffee from iHop next door to the hotel we settled down for the night. Tomorrow it was early start with character breakfast in the park.

Our ‘No 1 Duck’

Our second trip to Disney
in 2 years -Lucky kids

Love my Pluto Hat

‘One more’

Waiting for the pup to appear…
for the 20th time today

Character Breakfast and Our No 1 Duck meets The No1 Duck

March 12, 2017July 1, 2017 Ange BowmanLeave a comment

Our no 1 Duck after Donald
showed her the stance
of all No 1 Ducks

Now where is that duck?

Ollie with Tigar getting the obligatory autograph

Up early this morning, needed to in the park and waiting by the restaurant where we were booked in for the character buffet breakfast. This is a must do for anyone with kids visiting the park.

The is best opportunity to see a lot of characters and enjoy a very substantial buffet breakfast.

It is advisable to spend as long as you can at your table and there are ample photo ops with the various character that visit each table.

We sat on the balcony which gave a go view of the park and only had to walk a short way to access the breakfast laid out inside.

Mmmm Bacon!!!

The characters visit every table which makes again a worth while exercise for all ages, even the boys enjoyed interacting with the character. Meeting Max (Pluto’s son) and eye-ore were highlights for the the kids.

They loved all the characters Emi was a little scared of XXXX for a bit then was okay when she got to know him. The hammed it up with everyone that came by, of course the characters loved Ollie and his high fives and big grins.

How much do we all love Disney?

Right let’s get the bubble happening

See I got it

One of the many Princesses

After the breakfast it time to hit the rides, Emi went on the Big Thunder ride with her mother, Chris and Charlie, so brave for a 4 year old.

Charlie and I headed home early with Ollie who needed a sleep and Sarah and Emily needed to get around plenty more characters.

We headed back over to the park so Emi could meet No1 Duck, she dressed up in character and Donald was blown away by her. People were asking her for her autographed as she headed around the park dressed as the duck. She loved being a little bit famous for awhile.

Uncle Chris giving me a seat for a bit

Loving Disney

Two weeks in LA – Disney, Races, Basketball and Universal Studios

March 11, 2017July 1, 2017 Ange BowmanLeave a comment

Boys (Chris and Charlie) decided they would fly to LA and watch some basketball games so Sarah without much encouragement decided to pack up Emi (4) and Olli (2) and surprise them with a trip to their favourite magical place. So thought I hitch my wagon and go with them all

We stayed in town the night before we flew out, stayed near the airport in the Holiday Inn Express located near the domestic airport. A good cheap option with lots of fast food outlets nearby and a shuttle (small charge) to the International airport.

Allow plenty of time for the shuttle they may run behind and don’t want arrive at airport short of time. We are always early anyway, who wants to be stressed and rushing on holidays right.

We flew American Airlines our we lucky to have spare seats on each of our rows. The flew seem to pass by fairly quickly and the kids slept for at least 6 hours which was great. Such good little travellers, got this while long haul flight down pat.

Landed early in the morning and were pleasantly surprised how easily we navigated through customs. This was probably quickest we have ever cleared customs in LA. It seemed like no time at all and were we on the car rental shuttle bus on the way to collect our wheels for the next 10 days.

Not a bookie in sight

Loaded up we headed for our hotel across from disney with the hope of early check in as we were hours early. No such luck so it was off to find food and somewhere to hang out until the rooms were ready. After awhile we headed back to wait in lobby (boys had a sleep in the car) the kids slept in foyer and the hotel to their credit got us checked in as soon as they could at 12noon which was 3 hours early and we were so grateful, it had been long day and night.

After a welcome nap everyone freshen up and we headed to downtown Disney for dinner at the rainforest cafe after a wander around we headed back to hotel to get early night ready to start our holiday.

Massive stands and heaps private boxes

We stayed at the Desert Inn which was suitable for our needs, clean even decor a little dated but best of all was the location. The location was fantastic right outside the parks and an easy walk to downtown Disney, surround with good food options such as Tony Roma’s Ihop (good for midnight pancakes and coffee to go)

Day two saw Sarah and kids heading to park for the day while boys and I headed to San Anita for the races. What luck three Group 1s programmed with some great fields on both grass and sand tracks?

It was about an hour drive with yours truly behind the wheel and the boys on navigation duties. We arrived in one piece and were immediately amazed by the sheer size of the carpark, if this was anything to go one we were in for a day and a half.

The boys soon got the placing a pet sorted, no bookie all machines and I mean rows and rows or them.

If we were prepared to stay late to collect we were surprise we would have be able to bet on the Wellington Boot.

It was such an amazing venue with great views of the track and it was amazing that you could get so close to the horses parading and the mounting yard was always teeming with people.
Not something you would see here in Australia these days. The beer was good the food was good and both commodities readily available around the venue.

Although not a huge crowd in attendance given there were three group ones on the card it would be amazing to see the stands overflowing as I am sure they do during the Breeders Cup or Derby day.

After a slow start on the punt the boys came home with a break
even day. We agreed it was a fantastic day out and could easily become a highlight of the trip

Boys decreed that all future trips to states must include a trip to San Anita or another race meeting.

We arrived back to hotel and headed to Tony Roma’s for a steak for dinner, Sarah and the little ones arrived home from the park after a long but successful day for them as well.

Tomorrow a family disney day.

Buenos Aires Iguazu Falls and flying home….and the trip in review

February 18, 2016July 1, 2017 Ange BowmanLeave a comment

Another day doing the rounds of of town, again the group split into smaller groups some of the girls decided to do Blue loop on the Hop on Hop off bus before meeting up with another group at the art museum. The blue route was interesting and gave us a chance to see the university, the amazing Río

Salado river which is as wide as a lake. The river is about 290 kilometres (180 mi) long, and it widens from about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) at its source to about 220 kilometres (140 mi) at its mouth. It forms part of the border between Argentina and Uruguay.

After lunch the boys arrived at the hotel and after bit re sorting of the rooms everyone settled in for the remainder of our time in this amazing city. The girls were keen to show the boys around a bit before everyone made their own arrangements for dinner.

Next morning it was of to Arundu saddle shop, coffee at Labiela under enormous fig tree and a visit to the extensive and somewhat creepy Recoleta Cemetery however this is not a normal cemetery.

It is a spectacular mausoleum filled with breathtaking sculptures, carvings and of course, Evita’s grave. It is well worth spending a morning at this FREE attraction.

Most couples did their own thing during the afternoon and came back together with group for dinner at nearby Barbarobar tapas restaurant, the food was good and of course true to form Colin produced novelty the now what has become expected novelty gags to the amusement of the whole group.

The following morning it was an early start for every as the group was splitting up most going to Iguazu falls and 5 going to Uruguay. The group that went Uruguay travel by ferry and visited Montivideo, walked a lot, attended a concert and had a great steak dinner by all accounts.

The two and half hour flight was uneventful and we landed in the tiny airport not falls and from our hotel. After a quick check in to our spectacular falls view rooms we headed off to our first viewing of these magnificent falls, it was a fair walk out to the devil’s throat but worth every step to see this wonder of the world.

The last part of our day was climbing down a godzillion steps to board a our boat ride under the falls. If we were climbing out the same way many of us had concluded we may just have stay down at rivers edge forever… Fortunately after an amazing ride under the falls where most of us got wet and the Elder’s got absolutely drenched it was a pleasant ride down river to leave the boat at place that meant an easier climb out, a few of us very relieved to collapse into out seat on back of trick for ride back to hotel. Everyone made own arrangements for dinner.

Those going to Brazilian side of the falls had to be down stairs early the next morning. The rest of us had a lovely lie in followed by a very leisurely breakfast while waiting to set off to airport to meet the others and fly back to Buenos Aires for our last night in town.

The final dinner was festive occasion with so much food and good wine flowing, we were last to leave the restaurant and it was a good thing that our flight home wasn’t until 2pm.

The group were all pleased to be heading home and gathered in the foyer for the last bus to the airport with loads of time to spare..

It was good of our guide Horta to bring his family along to meet us before helping us get to the airport.

The flight home were uneventful, with one last pisco sour at ‘The Last Pisco Sour’ bar in Santiago during our layover.

We arrived home mid morning and were all pleased that this time so did all our bags. after saying our goodbyes it was smoothly through customs and another successful MacWool tour was done and dusted.

The group were very travel weary but with a little time at home and on reflection everyone realise the number of amazing places and people that made up our what a wonderful trip this has been.

Trip in review…..for the travel crew:

Videos:
The videos from various parts of the trip.
Please make sure you are on wifi when viewing as they will use fair amount of data.

Each video is between 10 and 15 minutes. Please click here to order a dvd if you prefer.

1. Flying in, Santiago and Vino Casa del Bosque Chile
2. Punta Arenas, Wool Mill, Farm and Torres de Paine
3. Cruising on the Skorpios III
4. Border Crossing, Calafate, our last glacier and a farm visit
5. Río Gallegos, Puerto San Julián, more farms and hospitality
6. Puerto St Julian, El Coronel then on to Comodora
7. Comodoro Show Rivadavia, Chubut
8. Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Flying Home

Full dinner dance movie

Play all videos at once from here

Photos:
All the raw still photos – you can download those you would like to keep . If you would these on memory stick please click here to order.

Downloading these photos: Either download individual photos or download all option
email me on cabowman302@gmail.com if you need help with downloading

MacWool Tour Photos Part 1

MacWool Tour Photos Part 2

MacWool Tour Photos Part 3

Buenos Aires (girls) and Estancia Los Manantiales (boys)

February 17, 2016July 1, 2017 Ange BowmanLeave a comment

The girl’s day….

The girls first full day in Buenos Aires started with a breakfast in the hotel before various groups formed organically to head to all parts of this amazing city.

There was a group who decided on the Hop on Hop off bus to make their way to the Aranda saddlery, four floors of leather goods clothing and jewellery. Some purchases were made but other decided to wait until we could bring the boys back the next day. Another group jumped in a taxi and headed for Palermo SoHo which is recognised shopping area with shopping on their mind to kick off their day. Palermo SoHo is vibrant area of the bohemian sub-barrio Palermo Viejo sits between the streets Santa Fé, Coronel Diaz, Córdoba and Juan B. Justo. This is one of the trendier parts of Palermo (along with Palermo Hollywood) and a favorite haunt of backpackers, hipsters and designers. It is home to lazy, tree-lined cobblestone streets where new businesses continue to spring up in the old Spanish-style houses and converted warehouses.

Most of us met for coffee at the historical Cafe La Biela, it started operation more than 150 years ago

in what is now the magnificent Recoleta neighborhood, just a few houses (no mansions or palaces), the convent belonging to the monks Recoletos and a beautiful Church. In years gone by this was the waterhole of professional drivers, fans of car races, gentlemen, actors and politicians. We sat at the tables were beneath the biggest Moreton Bay fig (Ficus macrophylla) I have ever seen. The plague showed date of 1791 but the tree is said to be around 150 years old and if this is case this tree has seen a lot.

Then a third group, after coffee catch up set off walked all over the city but saw much and enjoyed getting to know this place.

Our group continued on the bus loop until later in the afternoon stopping off at the pink palace and the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral which was an amazing building in itself, such a feeling of sanctuary when you step inside away from the hustle, bustle and protesters across the street. Photos don’t do it justice but it sure was time well spent wandering around inside

before finding the most interesting Spanish Museum, but the biggest find of all was the restaurant in the gardens out the back serving the coldest Gin and tonic’s and a magnificat cheese board. This was just perfect, we rested our(my) tired legs.

Our recovery complete it was decided that we grab a taxi and head to La Bomba de Tiempo a rave that Comodoro Show judge’s wife gave us the heads up about.

Flying along in a taxi to parts unknown in the city there was some doubt if we were doing the right thing but in for a penny in for a pound. When we arrived in a back street with a queue down the street we decided to see how long it took for the line to move and decide if we would stay.

Well the line moved very quickly and in no time at all we were inside an old warehouse with open roof and wall to wall people, we pushed and burrowed our way to the middle of the throng, looking slightly out of place (this was aged related factor) but those around us were fun loving and we felt very safe at all times.

A little about the group – La Bomba de Tiempo is a percussion ensemble that practises improvisation with signs. Every show is unique and unrepeatable because its music is generated live on stage through the dialogue between musicians and director, who leads the improvisation using a code of more than 70 signs made with the hands.

Every performance becomes a magical time when percussionists on stage interact with the audience while this one brings its energy, dancing and listening. It all creates a true ritual of rhythm and percussion. Click here for more information http://www.labombadetiempo.com/en

The beer was sold in litre plastic cups but the line was 50 minutes long to buy one, we borrowed a prop from a Canadian guy near us for photography purposes, we didn’t have our water as it was confiscated at the bag check on the way in, water taken but i did have 6 inch carving knife in bottom of my bag which was over looked. A fact I didn’t realise until we inside and well under the spell of the rhythm.

For these three ‘not as young as we used to be girls’ this will go down as one of our most memorable times in South America. No we were not the oldest attendees we saw another lady who was oder than us getting right into the dancing in true South American style, she had coerced her daughter into bringing her and she was loving every minute of it..

We staggered tiredly home around 11pm smelling distinctly of strange smelling smoke, opening smoked by everyone at the venue.

A full day for everyone with lots shopping, good food and laughter. Tomorrow we wait for the boys to fly in with a few more outings circuit on the blue bus followed by visit to art museum.

The boy’s day….

Mid morning boys climbed back their bus and headed to
Estancia Los Manantiales for lunch and afternoon hosted by Ruben Alonso (Manager Estancia Los Manantiales)

Ruben and the stud master had put together a very good presentation next rams and commercial rams for everyone to pore over and compare with their own sheep.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day and rolled back on the bus after much food and beverages. The sharing of ideas and new friendships were the order of the day. Tonight was the last night with Michael and Charlotte Blake as they were headed back to the family farm.

The boys decided to take them out to a farewell dinner so another late night ensured but

The boys were very appreciative of the welcome and efforts Ruben and the staff went to to host them for the day and will remember the day for a long time.

Sorry bit short on detail, I haven’t had a chance to get Sharpy to provide more information. This will be added here later…

Second day Show (for the boys) Off to Buenos Aires (for the girls)

February 6, 2016July 1, 2017 Ange BowmanLeave a comment

One of the main features of the tour, we headed to the Showgrounds to eagerly see the judging of the

Merino Ram classes, and to browse the goods for sale amongst the stalls at the Comodoro Show. Not much different to the Nyngan Ag Expo, except for the lack of english speakers, the day was fascinating.

Western Australian Merino Stud breeder Collyn Garnett was the judge, and many had fun placing their preferred rams before the judge announced the winners.

Argentinians are an emotional lot, and it was a common sight throughout the day to see men embrace and kissing each other with great cheers as the announcement of first place for each class was made.

The Merino show classes are somewhat different to that in Australia. Classes were divided into best fleece, best head, and best whatever else without really judging the whole animal until the Grand Champion.

Some were repeat ribbon winners, others were gracious and congratulated the winners with gusto. First place ribbons are yellow, second a mixture of blue and yellow. Speaking to the judge after the day had finished, he did say that conformation was paramount when placing the rams in each class.

Others in the group started browsing through the stalls, trying on the classic Argentinian beret, leather goods, gaucho slippers (a canvas shoe with woven straw soles), gaucho knives (which are worn with the scabbard stuck into the back of the belt) and horse geargear.

Some walked away with lassos and sheep counters made from rawhide, whilst Frank and Henry sported the Boinas/beret.

Apart from the fact that they were giants amongst the more slightly built Argentinians, and couldn’t speak a word of Spanish, they nearly blended in with the crowd (or so they thought).

Lunch time saw a few of the group wander over to the standard Argentinian BBQ of cordello over coals (lamb), chorizo, corn and empanadas washed down with beer.

So much better than a Dagwood Dog, when you buy a serving of cordello you need to ensure there are about 4 to eat it with you – a ‘single serve’ is actually a whole shoulder dressed with the Argentinian sauce Chimichurri.

Some locals started a latino guitar duel, to which Kerrie, Henry and Col thought they’d join in. The musicians saw them coming and ensured they couldn’t leave without buying their ‘must have’ CD.

As evening progressed some members of the group returned to the Hotel Austral, whilst others joined the drinks with he Merino breeders and their families.

Struggling to speak Spanish or english, most were able to meet more sheep farmers and learn further about the market and the environment the expansive Estancias operate in. Wool brokers are rare in Argentina, as most wool is sold direct to buyers at the discretion of each Estancia’s management.

Girls head for Buenos Aires tomorrow while men return for another day at show ground for sale and presentation of prizes

Comodoro Show – Day one

February 5, 2016July 1, 2017 Ange BowmanLeave a comment

One of the main features of the tour, we headed to the Showgrounds to eagerly see the judging of the

Western Australian Merino Stud breeder Collyn Garnett was the judge, and many had fun placing their preferred rams before the judge announced the winners.

Argentinians are an emotional lot, and it was a common sight throughout the day to see men embrace and kissing each other with great cheers as the announcement of first place for each class was made.

Some walked away with lassos and sheep counters made from rawhide, whilst Frank and Henry sported the Boinas/beret.

Apart from the fact that they were giants amongst the more slightly built Argentinians, and couldn’t speak a word of Spanish, they nearly blended in with the crowd (or so they thought).

Lunch time saw a few of the group wander over to the standard Argentinian BBQ of cordello over coals (lamb), chorizo, corn and empanadas washed down with beer.

As evening progressed some members of the group returned to the Hotel Austral, whilst others joined the drinks with he Merino breeders and their families.

Girls head for Buenos Aires tomorrow while men return for another day at show ground for sale and presentation of prizes

Estancia Coronel and arriving in Comodoro, Patagonian province of Chubut

February 5, 2016October 22, 2018 Ange BowmanLeave a comment

It was with some dread that the group squeezed back into the minibuses on day 14, but not before walking down the main street of Puerto St Julian to clamber aboard a replica of the ‘Victoria’, which was Mendoza’s ship that navigated the Argentinian coastline, including the Magellan Straits.

The fleet of four Spanish ships were the first to circumnavigate the world, and tells a fascinating story of superstition, loyalties and mutiny. Worth exploring below decks, with replicas of Spanish seamen, canons and even a cow for fresh milk.

A short trip down the road took us to Estancia Coronel, which was previously held by the Blake family and where Michael Blake’s father had grown up.

Now owned by the Italian textile family company Benetton, the manager of the Estancia, Leopoldo Henin, welcomed us in full Argentinian Estancia dress, looking very distinguished.

A tour of the grounds and buildings together with a 12 stand woolshed was highlighted by hearing the personal story of Leopoldo entwined with the Blake family.

Leopoldo first became a rookie gaucho under Mr Blake senior as an 18 year old fresh from Buenos Aires on Estancia Cormo near Rio Gallegos. Leopoldo holds the Blake family with high regard for providing him with the opportunity to work his way up through the gaucho ranks to eventually become a Manager of expansive Estancias.

Michael certainly had a tear in his eye hearing Leopoldo describe Mr Blake senior and the opportunity the Blake family provided to him.

Estancia Coronel was over 700,000 acres with a 40,000 merino ewe base and 1000 rams. Significantly effected by a volcanic eruption a number of years ago, causing inches of ash to cover the landscape, and a recent dry period of lower annual rainfall, the carrying capacity of the Estancia has declined from 120,000 head to 50,000. The landscape was hilly, including snow covered peaks in winter, and featured seven woolsheds across the Estancia.

Lamb marking was about to begin, and Leopoldo employs extra gauchos to start the 40 days of lamb marking each 7000ha paddock with two teams. Each team musters their nominated paddock, male lambs are drafted off and trucked direct to abattoirs with the only treatment an ear mark as they walk up the race into the truck. The ewe lambs remain to be docked.

Lambing in the harsh environment has challenges with lamb weaning percentages ranging from 80% down to 14%, pending the season but more recently from the predatory effects of Pumas and competition for feed from guanacos.

On the good side, there is minimal internal parasite issues and definitely no blowfly would be game enough to survive in the harsh conditions. Ewe mouths are checked each year as the abrasive nature of the grasses, and no doubt the fine volcanic ash, does lead to wear and tear on the teeth. Input costs are very low, but 14% lambing percentages would have to be a challenge to overcome.

The soils were consistently chalky grey clay, and inherently fertile (no doubt from the volcanic ash). The only paddock management was checking water points (wind mills mostly) and the odd fence line. Solar water systems had been tried in Patagonia, but the short day length for most of the year did restrict the effectiveness of solar.

Existing wells were being converted with submersible pumps, however technology hadn’t really enabled an easy adaption with such narrow bore holes. Mustering was all on horseback via gauchos, and all hombres. The gaucho world does not embrace women. With 140 km expanding from one boundary to the other, the horses must have good walking ability and no doubt are as tough and strong as the gauchos who ride them.

Leopoldo showed us a map of the expansive Estancia and politely fielded many questions whilst Michael interpreted. The discussion was a tad on the serious side until one member of the group inadvertently made an interesting sound leaving everyone in hysterics. Body language has no barrier between people of different nations.

Back on the crammed bus to what we thought would be a morning tea stop down the road, a few hours later and around 3pm we stopped for a service station feed of empanadas. Just like the Aussie meat pie, there were lamb or ham/cheese empanadas in a heated cabinet for self serve.

Most of us were weak at the knees from the deferred morning tea becoming the typical Argentinian lunch of mid afternoon.

The final leg of driving across the Patagonian landscape saw us take a quick stop on the shores of the Atlantic to frolic with Sea Lions snoozing on the pebble beach.

Don and Henry had to dip their toes into the Atlantic to claim they had dipped in both the Pacific and the Atlantic whilst on tour.

From the sea lions on to Comodora we drove through suburbs, past mountains of rubbish tips, protesters burning rubber tyres and families frolicking on the pebbly beaches.

Dinner was welcome tonight

Such a contrast of third and first worlds as our very patient bus drivers drove to the Austral Hotel in downtown Comodoro.

Gregory and Lilliana Aldridge’s Farm (Estancia) and Dinner with Sociedad Rural De Rio Gallegos

January 31, 2016July 1, 2017 Ange BowmanLeave a comment

After grabbing our boxed(bagged) lunches it was on the bus and away heading south from El

Calafate. Taking in the last of the scenic Lake views, we paused on the side of the road to take in the valley where the Blake family had previously owned an Estancia. It appears that Mr Blake senior had a mind for taking on country with productive river flats.

We did ask about opportunity for irrigation, but the Patagonian summers are too short to enable any crop or pasture growth, as we were about to see further when we visited Gregory and Lilliana’s Estancia a few hundred kilometres south near Rio Gallegos.

On arrival we were met with aroma of BBQing lamb. immediately we were invited to eat with the family and gauchos. The lamb steak on bread rolls were very nice. I think this could have been the first really fresh bread of the trip.

Lamb steak in a roll and several midday wines, this is the life… After lunch it was off to the woolshed to view fleeces Gregory and his sons had prepared for us to look over.

They had gone to so much trouble to show us their fleeces and penned sheep for the boys and girls in the group to pore over. This was the first opportunity for the group to really get their hands on wool and appraise the breeding program. Into the woolshed where there was a line of ram fleeces from over the past three years, showing the wool improvement that Gregory is striving for.

A Corriedale base, the wool was around 22 micron, bright in colour with heavy weight. The ram lambs were run through the race for all to inspect, and of the group delighted in being hands on checking impressive wools and body condition.

Some the girls and Henry were pleased to be able to have a look at the garden and especially the potato house used to store potatoes and onions all year around. Gregory’s family do not live on the Estancia, as it is common for families to live in the nearest town and to travel daily out to the Estancia. Nevertheless, the homestead was steeped in history, having being a flat packed kit home shipped out from England in the late 1800s. Never thought Ikea was around in the 1800s.

After what is now the regulation presentation of MacWool caps we wearily crawled aboard the bus for the run into town, taking an hour to travel and an hour at the checkpoint. Apparently all the paperwork wasn’t quite in order, but The Argentinian police finally let us through to Hotel Patagonia.

A few of our group headed out to the slaughterhouse, which is owned by 40 lamb producers from around the district as a co-op. Slaughtering had finished at 3pm and the plant completely washed down before arrival, but there was still plenty to see. The killing floor was spotless, and the General Manager of the plant gave a demonstration of the line. Not much automation, but certainly a very modern plant that exports 90% of its product largely to SE Asia. In line with the short Patagonian summer, male lambs are trucked directly to the slaughterhouse from Estancias.

The lambs are not sorted prior to slaughter, with all weights going through the line. It is only at the end of the line that the carcase weight is assessed and then chilled/frozen by weight range. The killing sheet categorises each mob in 2kg weight increments, going down as far as a 4-6 kg carcase weight.

The remainder of the group boarded our two small mini buses and headed to the Rio Gallegos Showgrounds. What a night.

Our group were hosted for dinner by the president and Committee of the Sociedad Rural De Rio Gallegos (equivalent to the local branch of NSW Farmers). The evening started with questions and lots of discussion around the differences and similarities in growing wool and sheep meat in Australia versus Patagonia.

The Argentinian farmers face many challenges, not just season and prices. They have encroaching predators in foxes and Pumas, and as the local guanaco (South American alpacas) population spreads there is competition for pasture. Pumas and guanacos are protected, creating challenges for lamb production. Argentinian government policy on export taxes has also had an impact on agricultural operations.

The exchange of ideas and practices lead to much discussion over another expertly prepared and delicious BBQ. After dinner the fun began and new friendships formed. As the wine flowed the language barrier slipped away and the serious partying began. The laughter got louder and hand gestures became even more expressive. At one point an RM boot was produced and Sharpy said no to filling it with red wine ‘ONLY champagne from the boot’, he said.

Within minutes a bottle of champers appeared from thin air along with straws, and we all sank to a new low for some (old habits for others) and passed the boot around. It was amazing how much we had in common with these people and we really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know everyone better. Language was no barrier when it came to partying.

The first bus headed for home around pumpkin o’clock with the second bus not too far behind. Thank goodness for a 9:45am departure the next day.