CYCLING CLIFTON

As throats were parched, we relaxed over a couple of cold beers and discussed the ride prior to heading to the Club Hotel (The Pink Pub) for dinner. The menu was varied and imaginative enough to satisfy all riders, the wine, although only a small selection, was of good quality and the 'crack' just flowed on. It's always a good sign when the group laughter outdoes the public bar and it indicates that everyone is relaxed and enjoying themselves.

Would I recommend the Pink Pub as a venue for a good meal? Without hesitation, we had good service and I didn't hear one complaint. They also offer good quality pub accommodation.

 

 

 

 

 We stayed at the Clifton Arms Hotel which have 5 independant cabins set behind the hotel. Each cabin has a double bed and a double bunk with ensuite. The hotel itself also has 5 bedrooms upstairs. Not exactly the Dorchester but certainly catered for our needs and once again I didn't hear any complaints. Mine host Chris Carey was most obliging in catering for our needs and making sure that everyone was comfortable.

The next morning we were up bright and early with some of our female riders taking in a history walk prior to breakfast. The troops were mustered at 7am and  headed to The Jam Factory for

breakfast. Once again everybody was happy and the pancakes, the largest I have seen, certainly drew some comments. .

The old town normally is a little more sedate then this but it was the beginning of Country Week and there was a carnival atmosphere in the air.

 

 

The gardens around Clifton always look nice in Spring. This particular photograph was taken behind the Cenotaph in King Street and was a colourful tribute to those that lost their lives for their country in times of war.

Approximately once a month a steam train travels from Warwick to Clifton and return and is a great way to catch up and reminisce with other people of the steam age or to take the children to give them a glance into the era of steam.

If you intend visiting this part of the Darling Downs don't forget to pack your esky and sample the meat from Gillies Meats at the top end of King Street. Every time we come to Clifton which is quite frequently, we take home meat from Gillies and the quality is only matched by the pleasant service afforded locals and visitors alike from this family operated butcher shop.

 

 





This beautifullly crafted old gypsy wagon was on display in King Street at the start of Country Week

and drew an admiring crowd who couldn't help but admire the craftmanship and paint work that was employed in reproducing such an impressive working model.

 

 

 





 

 Believe it or not, the above photograph was taken within the township of Clifton on the perimeter of the showground but, within this colourful carpet of grass can lurk something sinister and very deadly for the unwary.

 

 

 



The above photograph of an Eastern Brown snake was taken probably 50 metres from where the "carpet of colour" was taken. The Eastern Brown is considered  to be the second most venamous land based snake (Wikipedia).

This is the second of three posts on this Darling Down's ride..... so keep tuned.



Jimmy Bee