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There is life before death Matthew Michaelis
Death is sometimes nature’s way of telling you to slow down. There’s one certainty in life and that is we eventually leave it. So, a little life before death is in order and most of us are already waking up in the closest thing to heaven. I for one appreciate every day I breathe the fresh air of the Byron Shire. We have a diverse range of landscapes, both commercial and natural, to explore – let’s not leave it all to the visitors. Tourists come here in droves and it’s nice to know that this brilliant countryside is available all year round to its residents without fuss, froth or bubble.
Here’s a quick drive through some of it:
A Bex and a cup of tea Driving around the winding roads from Bangalow, you’ll pass through Bexhill. Their ‘claim to fame’ here is the open-air cathedral overlooking the Corndale valley. Originally all churches were in secret vales in green forests. The ‘cathedral’ has a lovely view so have a quick meditation or direct your interstate visitors to take some pics while you have a Bex and a lie down. Friday evenings at Bexhill Community Hall you can grab a superb wood-fire pizza made by the famous Il Caretto pizza man himself – Andrea. Starts at 5pm, goes till around 8pm.
Above: Panoramic Views. Left: Fresh scones at Clunes Cafe. Right: Handmade lampshades and bric-a-brac. Photos Matthew Michaelis
Clunes – a sign to Pleased to meet slow down you; meat to Worth stopping or at least slowing down for is Clunes. please you I’ve driven through many times, hit the top of the hill and the 50 sign, the foot goes on the brake, the mind is on the position of the speed camera, and suddenly I’m through the other side of town. For me the camera has been a block, but I recently slowed down to a stop and had a stretch, a coffee, a burger and a cake. I’m glad I did; while I was milking the locals for all the info, I found out that Norco (the milk co-op) started here – I was impressed.
The first places you’ll see on the verge coming into town in Clunes will be the nursery and the butcher shop. The butcher shop is a little over 100 years old, I was told (the exact quantity of years was hazy with those I spoke with). What’s important to note is that this small butcher supplies the ‘hatted’ local at Harvest with their meats. They supply some other good food outlets including the Eltham Pantry and the Eltham Hotel. A speciality of theirs is their smoked chicken and ham
prepared and smoked in house. Enquiries – 6629 1359.
Shacking up with an old romantic The Old Romantic Shack in Clunes is an eccentric business and has an owner who is straight out of an Agatha Christie novel. Ethereal and calm, Leonie Wilmoth handmakes fineries, the likes of lampshades, and displays them with gentle lighting in her shop brimming full of bric-abrac. Crockery and clothing sit comfortably with interesting restored furniture. If you are excited about collecting pieces, it’s likely you’ll find something to wet your whistle here – 39 Main Street, Clunes. Phone: 6629 1722. theoldromanticshack.com.
Hotel Brunswick Come check out the new Bruns summer menu which now includes: • Trio of Dips • Gourmet Cold Meat and Cheese Platter, and Vegetarian Tapas • Bruschetta • Pasta of the Day • Fish of the Day • Curry of the Day
PLUS ALL YOUR OLD FAVOURITES Hotel Brunswick supports Responsible Service of Alcohol
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6685 1236
The Byron Shire Echo September 23, 2014 21