AUS trip 3-11-2011 to 3-22-2011 Day 5

I started the morning out with a walk down from Peter and Cheryl's house to Lake Macquarie (larger than Sydney Harbour for reference).  Got in a good walk, lots of steep hills over 15% grade so my back side is sore as I write this.    


Interesting to NOTES:  With the exchange rate between the US and AUS very close......Gas ranges from 1.35 to 1.49 per litre here or $5.1 to 5.63 per gallon.... nice reality check (they are also a net importer of petroleum).  2 litre of milk is 2.23.  Although AUS drive on the other side of the road, I also noticed they walk like they drive (when I was out for my walk that morning I kept walking into people).  They generally hold their utensils in the opposite hands as well. 


This day was winery tour day which was pretty impressive with 150 plus wineries all within an hour of each other.  Lots of boutique.  Lots of fun.  


Then in the evening I made the 'Toast to Rotary' at the incoming GSE team reception.  It was good to see our folks in top form as they made their first presentation.

150 + wineries all within an hours drive of each other.... Hunter Valley Region

My aide, driver, friend, and Rotarian PDG spouse Peter B-H.

Reg Drayton was a Rotarian and proprietor of one of the most well known Hunter Valley wine growing families.  He died in a plane crash 16 years ago.  His daughter, also a Rotarian runs the show now.

Case of Rotary and other memorabilia

Drayton Winery

Rotarian Robyn Drayton and DG TP

One of Robyn's labels (named after her son).  Read the quote about 'people.......'

HUGE lesson for some folks reading this.... The importance of labeling.  Once firestick (Pooles Rock wines, lower sister to Cockfighter's Ghost, which is just below Poole's Rock line of wines) changed labels mid year this year (going from what was on the right..... to what is on the left in silver)..... their sales DOUBLED...... labeling, presentation, what catches the eye for the market you are targeting..... Real world real time example.

Anything 'mega' commercial such as this winery group...... we didn't go near the drive way.

TP with Rebecca Rotary exchange student (who lives with Peter and PDG Cheryl B-H)

Rotarian Ginny Sharples, formerly of Preston Center Rotary where I used to be a member).  She now lives in Arizona in a district that may dissolve.  She has been with me on a trip I led in 2000-01.

Reception dinner for D5520 GSE

Reception dinner for D5520 GSE

Majorie Stephens, DG 2010-11 Don Stephens D9670, and DG D5520 TP

Our GSE team gave their first presentation... GREAT job guys....