... to Taree in the Manning Valley

Our departure from the Samurai Beach Resort happened later than usual because check-out was at 11 am. That gave us time for a leisurely ‘brekki’, watching the news and weather forecast on the telly and packing our things. It was supposed to become a very hot day again, temps in the low thirties. Elsewhere in Australia bush fires were already raging with fire crews out and people evacuating their homes. Adelaide was baking in 44 degrees.

We had to cover the distance from Samurai to the town of Taree in the Manning Valley, about 150 km north, on the M1. Sigi had booked a B&B there the night before on the net at “Mescal’s at Pampoolah”, a house in the bush lands close to beaches, mountains, farmland and bush. Arriving at the B&B we were stunned about its secluded location and beautiful surroundings. Mescal’s (the first name of the owner) house was situated within 9 acres of bush, Eucalyptus and bamboo forest with 2 duck and fish ponds, resident wallabies, creeping jasmine, hibiscus and lilies. A true delight to see and walk through, it looked and felt like a serene park.

We were truly enchanted. Mescal turned out to be a lovely, down to earth, hands-on woman in her mid fifties who had a real Aussie sense of humour. Our room and all the amenities were first class, and we got spoiled with housekeeping service and a superb brekki à la carte, served on a terrace in the shady garden. Mescal told us all about what to see around here, where to go and stay, swim or not (!!), eat or not… We met her husband Rodney who took us to the pond for fish feeding and looking at the 3 or more resident turtles. He opened a bottle of champagne that we emptied together on the deck over the pond. We had a blast and felt right at home. There also was a warm saltwater pool in which we took a dip after our Thai dinner in Taree.

This B&B is a true find and a real treat. If anyone comes this way – go to Mescal and Rod Dever, 53 Malcoms Road, Pampoolah via Taree, NSW (www.mescals.com.au)