The Journey

It started out easily enough with relaxing conversation until Carissa decided that a game of “Who Knows What” or Trivia was needed. This became quite a competition between the back row of seats (Ben, Bev and Jenny) and the middle row (Phil, Gavin and Michael). Things were quite even for a time with the back row having the advantage – and her name was Bev.

 

We continued these games for the next 2 ½ hours until we ended up in Forbes for morning tea, it was 11.30am by this time and everyone was getting a bit hungry. Phil for the smoke stop. As can be seen in this photo, Ben does love his cakes!

The next leg of the journey was much of a guessing game, with only two people knowing our destination, we all had a go at guessing – from Dubbo, Canberra, Orange to a one horse town – Phil was the eventual winner with Orange. Lunch was at La Colline Vineyard Restaurant in Orange and it had beautiful views, great food and music and some great wines as well.

Shoot to Kill

Next stop and still unknown was the Laser Shooting Range where teams; (Team #1) Livio, Carissa, Phil, Gavin and (Team #2) Ben, Michael, Bev and Jenny pitted their wits against each other and had some target practice. With Phil and Gavin attempting to be the professionals, it was left to the younger ones, Ben and Michael who were the last 'guns' standing. Bev got some good shots in, Carissa did not care whether she lived or died and Livio who thought he had the best hiding spot got shot more times than any!

Lots of fun was had with everyone 'dying many times' and with some exceptional shooting from both teams.

The day was very hot and once again we all piled into the Tarago and continued on to our next stop. Prior to getting there a detour was required as a bush fire was threatening the road which we had to take. The local Police were very kind in directing us down an alternate route and we eventually made it to our next stop – albeit a little late!

 

Giddy-Up

Horse riding! Now here was something that one staff member said that they would never do, not even if you were to pay him! Here he is on his horse –

The only experienced rider was Carissa and she had a wonderful time trotting and cantering 'rings' around us all. We all eventually took to the trail ride (even Michael) some being led and others doing it under their own steam. Much to my surprise the instructors left me to it, with a couple of tips, and I made it round without mishap. One horse decided that he did not like the trail and decided to rare up – much to the rider’s dismay.

By this time it was getting very late and unbeknown to us we had quite a drive in front of us before we got to the next, and last, destination for the night.  We arrived in Canowindra, had a quick stop off at the gorgeous Falls Vineyard Retreat Guesthouse, and back into Canowindra for a lovely meal accompanied by some great music in beautiful surroundings of the local art gallery.

Ballooning

The next morning saw everyone awake at 5am and ready to go at 5.30 – we were going hot air ballooning!

We met with Graham and his crew and watched while they unloaded and blew the balloon up. We piled in, had a couple of happy snaps, and off we flew. The view was fantastic and it was peaceful. We saw lovely old homes, the odd rabbit and kangaroo and heard the barking of dogs.

It then came time to land, Graham had picked out where we were going to land but someone/something had other plans! We caught a very vicious down-draught which pushed us down very quickly and in line with a huge tree. Graham was doing his best to lift us up but alas – no such luck! Graham warned us we were going to 'brush' the tree which in actual fact (this is my description) we 'ploughed' through the middle of the tree, catching many leaves and branches – large and small!

Once through – we survived – Graham advised us we were going to have a quick/hard landing and to get into our landing positions.

You know the expression – falling like a lead balloon? Well we now know EXACTLY what that feels like!!

We came down fast. We came down hard. But not only that, once down we had not finished! We then tipped over! All still in our 'landing positions' except for one or two of the guys who decided to fall on Michael (smallest person)!

This is not the end! Once tipped over the basket then got dragged along a dusty paddock, frightening the sheep and the basket occupants too, I might add!! We were dragged for at least 100 metres with most everyone hanging on an looking like a crabs in a jar!

We stopped! Finally! It was so good to crawl out and make sure we were all ok. Lots of nervous laughter and chatter. The sheep appeared fine. As can be seen from the photos we all survived!

 

Following the lead balloon experience we were entertained with a delicious champagne breakfast which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Back to the Guesthouse to catch up on some sleep, a change of clothes and into the Tarago once again for the next leg of our trip.

 

Golf

We arrived in Cowra to enjoy a lovely morning tea and from there we ventured to the local Golf Club to play four holes of golf. It became apparent very quickly that there were definitely no seasoned golfers amongst our crew! I think the photos will speak for themselves.

A very late lunch was enjoyed by all and from there we headed home with very tired occupants but still managing to continue our Trivia questions with a few heated discussions in-between.

In summary, I'd say the highlights of the 2009 Veritech Staff Retreat were –

• Falling out of the sky

• Michael riding a horse

• Phil and Carissa's heated discussion regarding who came second in some swimming race - much googling with iPhones ended that!

• Jenny having 10 'kills' in the first round of the Laser Game – next closest was 4!!

 

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