The big day out... The 'Adventures of Claudia in Pyramidland' Tour Claudia  Mike

The weather was stunning - best day of the year - everyone was on time to catch the coach, and we were off up the highway for one of the best days fun we've had in years. After picking up some 'punters' from Papanui Road and then Northwood we arrived at Camshorn around 10.15am.  Manager Martin Tillard entertained us with his commentary on soil types, vintage variation, vine management, etc., before squeezing grapes for us to drink, trying all the Camshorn wines and looking over the plant. Martin was a very generous host and all had a great time at Camshorn. Their wines are stunning which is the reason we went there in the first place. Then it was back on the bus about noon and within 25 minutes we had arrived at Pyramid Valley to be greeted by the lovely Claudia. After unloading the carefully prepared Jonny Schwass lunch and linking up with Martin and Sarah of Canterbury Cheesemongers fame who brought all the cheeses and breads, we all treked to a hilltop overlooking the 'Angel Flower' vineyard and sat on the hill and listened to Mike espouse the PV story. When Mike Weersing speaks there is complete silence - even the birds stop tweeting to listen. We didn't spot a white rabbit, or even a brown one, but I can honestly say I did fall down a rabbit hole, albeit a slightly shallower version than the one in 'Alice.' Then it was time for the magnificent Jonny Schwass lunch. Jonny prepared platters of the most delicious food - then the tasting of PV wines. At around 4pm it was back on the coach. By Amberley half the bus asleep -testimony to a brisk walk up a steep hill with a few wine chasers - a good day had by all. Winner of the best hat of the day selected by Claudia was Beth Rooke (see below) and winner of total kilometeres travelled by the coach was Mavis Airey (we travelled 146kms). Mavis, please come and collect your prize of Camshorn Pinot Gris. See our photos below:

The Redoubtable Raconteur, Martin Tillard	From an under the hats view of the Waipara Valley
Warren & the Mad Hatter flank a couple of gorgeous Mt Cook Airline trolly dollies	Colin Needham with a fitted 'Survival Hat' kit which wasn't required in the end
Bill Martin with the ideal camouflage	Camshorn with Waipara Valley in the distance
Martin tells us all about Camshorn. He was great!	The Mad Hatter's grape juice party
Angel Flower Vineyard under bird netting protection	26 degrees and this how to build a thirst...
And just when I thought we were there.....	It was a pretty amazing view from up there
Mike makes his sermon on the mount with 'Angel Flower' single p/n vineyard a distinct shape in the background. The flock very attentive...	There are a number of similarities here. A sermon on the mount to his flock, and turning water (not grapes) into wine - a slightly trickier exercise
Claudia with friends Jo and Di	A large white rabbit that ascended from this rabbit hole was unfortunately struck by a bolt of lightning, or so the legend goes!
Jonny's lunch was a treat in itself	Marg Foster with yet another empty glass
Moira had the most colourful hat	Fierce competition in the hat comp
Beth wins 'Best Hat' with a 'Teapot Cosy Hat"	...and the sun started setting on a great day out