The forecast of 40 degrees did not deter us from our scheduled ride along the Riesling Trail, a rail trail which wanders through the vineyards and farms of the Clare Valley. Sharon decided to join us and hired a bike. Departing at 9am, we rode all the way to Watervale, about 12 km, where we visited Annie’s Lane and Crabtree Winery’s. We all ordered the massive Watervale burger at the Pub, and enjoyed some air-conditioning to cool off. Somewhat refreshed we headed back along the trail, and at this point Sharon started to struggle with the surmounting heat (it reached 43 oC) and lack of fitness. It seemed a lot further on the way back for all of us.
Our saviours were the Jesuits of Sevenhills Winery, providing us with a cooling patch of grass, plenty of cold water, and an air-conditioned tasting room with refreshing wines. Why didn’t we just come here for the day! The winery is one of the oldest in Australia, starting in 1851 – after some tasting we explored their museum, wine cellar, church, and crypt. We rolled back to the caravan park about 4pm, with a welcome refreshing dip in the swimming pool.