This was our luxury accomodation for 5 nights on the Murray River, Echuca. We were lucky to be invited with 3 other couples to sample this fine vessel. Indulgence is the largest commercial houseboat in port. It has a full kitchen, 42" plasma TV, large loung room, 4 rooms with ensuites, spa and second kitchen on the upper deck. Every little attention to detail was made.*
This beautiful arrangement greeted us when we boarded the Indulgence. It is all artificial and cost AUD$1,000! (the owner told us so). There were also other lovely fresh arrangements on board too.*
This is the Thong Tree at the Port of Echuca. Not sure of the history - maybe the workers who find odd thongs, nail them to the tree.*
This is the wharf where boats tie up. Our friends from Echuca have seen the river right up to the top of the wharf (big floods back in 1992). At some point in time, it will rise that high again.*
This is the Emmylou - you can paddle up and down the river and enjoy a great meal aboard.*
Some of the local houseboats have funny names...*
...there was Slakaz also...*
... this is the Ivy-May - a dear little paddle steamer...*
...they come in all shapes and sizes, big and small...*
The drought is having a terrible effect on the river with lots of erosion - bare tree roots all the way along.*
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Eventually, these shacks will be forced to move back or they will end up in the river.*
I got some good sunsets...*
...such a peaceful time of day...*
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Boats go whizzing by all the time with skiers, knee boarders and kids on floaties.*
Now to the food - as you can see, we had oysters, prawns...*
...beautiful fresh crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) from our region and crisp Cape Jaffa Unwooded Chardonnay...*
...tasty salads...*
...did I mention crayfish, oysters and prawns...*
...another meal on the upper deck...*
...cheese platter and wine...*
...rack of lamb on mash with carrots and green beans and a redcurrant & orange glaze...*
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...lasagne and salad...*
When it was our turn to cook we had Wagyu fillet steak, salad of rocket, pear, parmesan and walnut with sweet mustard dressing and roast baby potoatoes...*
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There was a bread maker on board so I made bread rolls and a french stick...*
... I did a bit of this...*
... Angus did a bit of that ('another G&T, daahling?) ...*
... we watched boats and people all day long. Some of the boats are very expensive (one was estimated to be AUD$80,000) ...*
... fishing for trout with Mozzarella cheese as the bait...don't ask, it works!*
We had really warm weather so we swam a bit but you must be careful of the current - it can sweep you away. Hope you like my pics of a very beautiful place in Australia.
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Cheers - Joolz
Sounds like you both had a fun time on the river Joolz.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the great photos.
Looks like you all had a fantastic time. So now I understand what the photo in the previous post was all about. Tricky!!
ReplyDeleteAny chance you would still like Oopsey to visit she is needing to find somewhere out of England. Me thinks it must be getting to cold for her. No really Silver Sewer is looking for somewhere to send her. Let me know??
Caroline
This looks like a marvelous time! Luxury + Relaxation! You can't beat that equation! C
ReplyDeleteLuxury - now we're talking! You do take lovely photos Joolz. What camera do you use?
ReplyDeleteAhhh... what a wonderful time! I loved seeing all the photos, but the one that struck me the most, was the "oh so simple" one of your feet! Now THAT'S the life!
ReplyDeleteWe stay at some little cabins just out of town, but oh... a few days on a houseboat would be heavenly!
I second what Angie said... What camera do you use?
Hi Joolz link to you on my post today. Can you please contact Silver Sewer so you can exchange your address with her for getting Oopsey. Her blog is on my post today. Let me know how you go!!
ReplyDeleteCaroline
Fantastic! Everything!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, sounds like a blast. Here in AZ our weather is finally cooling down to very pleasant days & nights. I cam over from Tatersmama!
ReplyDelete