Margaret River: Australia Day

You would think that Australia Day, whilst on a journey around Australia, would be a big deal. In fact, it kind of just crept up on us. But I guess, that's what happens when you're living surrounded by Italians, Irish, Pommies, Kiwis, Astonians, Germans and Tasmanians. Although, the anticipation for the day wasn't huge, the day itself was a cracker.

A group of us from the farm / camp ground spent the best part of the morning down at a swimming hole on Margaret River escaping the 40 degree heat. We lounged in the shade and those slightly more daring folk jumped into the river from a big overhanging tree.

The afternoon was spent back at the farm playing cricket, consuming the spread put on by the owners and as usual making new friends. The cricket game was great fun although the game had to be paused a few times to explain exactly what the game was to some of the backpackers. Here are a couple of shots of the arvo. I hope everyone who celebrated Australia day had as much fun as we did.

Ren's Vanilla Slice

It is well known that Ren is one of the world's finest cooks. But it is further known that no-one makes a better vanilla slice than Ren. So basically from the moment we heard she was coming to visit us in Margaret River, Rob has been wondering and hoping that she will be making her vanilla slice for us. Being Ren of course she whipped up enough for all eight of us (whilst nursing a 3 month old baby and chasing a 3 year old around - wonder woman). For those of you who would like to sample the joys of Ren's Vanilla Slice, here is the recipe.

Ingredients

2 sheets of puff pastry

12 egg yolks
250g caster sugar
80g cornflour
2 vanilla beans
1 litre milk

Preheat oven to 220C. Place the pastry squares on two lined baking trays then use a fork to prick the sheets all over. Bake for 10 minutes then carefully press the pastry with a clean tea towel to remove excess air. Reduce the oven to 200C then bake for a further 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Once they are cooked, press flat with the tea towel then allow to cool.

Line a 23cm square deep cake tin with two lengths of baking paper, so each side has an overhang of at least 5cm of paper (these will be used as "handles" when lifting out the finished slice).

Using a serrated knife, trim the pastry using the base of the tin as a guide. Carefully lower one sheet into the base of the tin.

For the custard 

Whisk yolks and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until thick and pale. Stir in the cornflour. Using a small knife, split the vanilla beans in half lengthways, then using the back of the knife gently scrape out the seeds. Place the beans, seeds and milk in a saucepan over a medium-high heat until just boiling.

Remove from heat and pour onto the egg and sugar mixture in a thin stream, stirring constantly. Strain back into saucepan and boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly and taking care not to scorch the bottom.

Pour the hot custard into the pastry-lined cake tin. Turn over the second pastry sheet so the flat side is up, place on top of the custard and carefully press down into place. Allow to cool.

To finish 

Lift the slice out of the cake tin using the overhanging baking-paper handles. Trim the sides with a serrated knife, then cut into slices.

Margaret River: The Mob Descends

After six months and three days on the road, most of which has been spent in near solitude, the mob descended on us. The mob being eight of our nearest and dearest friends; Jamie, Katie, Ange and Mandy and the exciting last minute additions of Ren, Fadi, Nadine and baby Tonino.

Not long after we left Sydney in July we received the exciting news that several of our friends had already got flights to Margaret River for early January. So we have had the prospect of this reunion to look forward to the whole time we've been on the road. 

As our Sydney and London based guests were not super keen (understatement) to join us in the camping lifestyle that we had become accustomed to, they organised an amazing house in Prevelly overlooking the beach. It was luxury living at its best, but to tell you the truth, the highlights for us weary travellers were some of the basics; the oven, the inner-spring mattress and not having to wear thongs in the shower.

Their arrival was met with kisses, hugs, a few tears and beaming smiles on both sides. We filled the week with a fabulous combination of relaxing, feasting on home made meals, wine tasting, meals out, beaches and fishing. But amongst all this was the ongoing and constant stream of chatter and catching up. The mob were truly here and we weren't sure if we or Margaret River would make it out alive. 

The week started as any good reunion should with a home cooked meal around a big table with local wine aplenty. We actually ended up sharing a home cooked meal at the house every night as we marvelled at each others cooking, salad preparation, wine pouring skills, well you get the drift, the back-patting and compliments flowed. We also treated ourselves to some delicious lunches out; one such lunch at Cullen winery extended long into the afternoon, with wine and cheese consumed whilst lying around on the grass and the kids mucking around in the vines (with the ever patient aunty Ange) and gobbling blackberries from the tree with aunty Katie.

We visited numerous wineries and although the memory of some of them became blurred into one, I am sure all present would agree that the 'appointment only' visit to Moss Wood was certainly the highlight. We were treated to tasting in the cellar (some straight from the barrel), a tour around the grounds, cellar and storeroom and of course the delightful company of Erika, whose good looks and charm had the boys undivided attention for the whole morning (and probably contributed to the high level of sales she got out of the group too).

The boys bravely faced the ocean to hunt for our supper. Well in reality they went on a deep sea fishing charter with a fully catered breakfast and lunch. But for Jamie, who often gets seasick, the bravery part was real at least. The trip was a great success, with enough fish caught to feed 8 adults and the kids for two nights. The fish was tasty too, we scored a HUGE Western Australian Dhu Fish (14kg), a couple of 'Black Arses' (maybe Red Snappers), a Queen Snapper and a Nannygai.

In true Margaret River style the weather was completely unpredictable all week with rain, wind and peeking sunshine. Unfortunately, that week we didn't get to experience much of the beautiful summer weather that Margs is famous for. But the day before everyone had to depart, the weather was absolutely perfect. Lighting up the white sandy beaches and turquoise water for all to see. We spent a lazy day on the beach and at the beachside cafe. It was the perfect way to top off a great week and we couldn't have asked for a better farewell for the mob.

So it is quiet around Margaret River once more, but it seems so much more quiet and empty than it did before their arrival. I guess that's the bitter sweetness of having those we love to come and visit us; we have to say good bye all over again.

Christmas Day

It was the night before Christmas when all through the farm not a creature was stirring… well except for the 2,000 sheep, goats, chickens, birds, lizards, even the pigeons were making a racket. So well there was quite a lots of stirring going on, but none so much as the stirring coming from young Jarvis Malin's bed. Earlier in the evening we had put out a beer and some nuts for Santa and a carrot and water for the reindeers. We had decorated the peppermint tree next to the camper with hand painted gum nuts, shells from the beach and other bits and bobs so Santa would know where to come. Everything was set, except now of course Jarvis was way too excited to sleep.

But sleep did come eventually as it always does and so did Christmas morning. Santa had visited the camper, all the goodies left out for him and his reindeer had been devoured and we got to see that look of wonder on Jarvis' face, that is reserved only for kids on Christmas morning. Santa had left a stocking full of all Jarvis' favourite fruit, which Jarvis got stuck into straight away and magically a pile of presents had appeared under the Christmas tree.

With no delay he pounced on the presents. But before we opened the presents from Grandma and Co. we made sure she and Granddad, Auntie Jess and Uncle Scotty joined us on Skype to see Jarvis open his pressies. We also had a Skype session with the Malins in Deni. It was so nice to see so many of our family, even if it was across miles of digital connections.

Presents were of course accompanied by (and followed by) panettone, coffees, hot milo and crepes, which we shared around with some of our neighbouring campers.

We had intended to go to the beach, but it was a bit windy and the likelihood of dragging Jarvis away from his new presents was not all that good. So Rob and Jarvis settled into some serious LEGO construction and Em got into her new book.

Much to Jarvis' delight we made some sushi for lunch. As usual Jarvis kept stealing the ingredients before they actually made it into the rolls. But we still managed to make far too much Sushi and with full bellies decided we needed to do some more resting in preparation for the big Christmas dinner.

The owners of the farm that we are camped on, put on a lamb roast every month or so for all the campers and had planned an especially big feast for Christmas. All the campers also made a dish each and the resulting meal was absolutely fantastic. We all ate by the fire and were entertained by fire dancers, musicians aplenty and the kids ran about with sparkers. We've met some lovely people during our stay here and most of them, like us are hanging around for a few months and are trying not to think too much about the menial work they are doing for below award rates. But knowing we are all in it together and having so many interesting people here from all over the world make the whole experience very enjoyable. The fabulous Christmas dinner was a great way to solidify the friendships and welcome the newcomers.

We took a very sleepy boy back to bed way after his bedtime, all of us smelling like campfire, with full bellies, trailing empty bottles of local wine and happy with the knowledge that this is likely to be a Christmas not soon forgotten.

We hope all of our friends and family had an equally special day. Merry Christmas, happy holidays and all the rest. All our love Emma, Rob and Jarvis xxx