Wintering over down under

[Freefallguy]

Something that I’d like to throw out to the FOH…

I’m a late 40-something corporate officer and self-proclaimed Habanosphile(it’s been 9 hours since my last smoke).

I live on the East Coast (mid-Atlantic) of the US, and will have the opportunity in about five years to winter over down under (I hate the chill of winter).

I was seriously considering the North Isle of New Zealand… but after hearing Mr. Gargett likes to dump on kiwis(NOT literally I hope!)… I was wondering if maybe Brissy or Bundaberg might be better alternatives?

I think it may be somewhat cheaper in NZ, but not so sure… the only pre-req’s are a sea view, good fishing and a half hours drive to an established drop zone!

Thoughts?

[El Presidente]

Dear Freefallguy (I have always wanted to do an Anne Landers)

New Zealand is a beautiful country but alas full of Kiwi's. Albeit they have exported the worst of them here to Australia (we have 5.1% unemployment ;-) ) A trip to New Zealand should be no more than an appertife to the smorgasboard which is Australia.

Summer here is beach and coast time. Diving on the Barrier reef, long lazy afternoons fishing off an isolated beach (with Ken, I,PJ and Matt), great wine and seafood dinners. I woud base myself on the Gold Coast or Northern New South Wales. Any further north and it will be uncomfortably hot at that time of year.

You will also be able to avail yourself to our FOH dinners and impromptu club loooooooooong lunches.

Don't wait 5 years!

[Ben]

»impromptu club loooooooooong lunches.

Ah the old liquid lunch eh Rob.

I've got one scheduled for today actually, with a hot blonde for company no less :-D

[El Presidente]

Pictures....I want pictures ;-)

[Freefallguy]

Ah, thanks for your insightful wisdom EP… in considering the beauty of NZ, I did not consider that it was full of kiwis… but it sounds as if you’ve picked up the buggered lot there in Oz!

You make FOH dinners and loooong lunches most tempting, and I like the idea of casting about with some established fishing reprobates, but have envisioned myself drifting into my autumn years regally ensconced in an Adirondack easy chair, Habanos in one hand and a nice glass of wine in the other as I watch the sun slip beneath the Western coastline… and a sunset over the water in Brissy seems most difficult!

But, as I consider my options… any names of rural areas I should be checking for property?

Many thanks!

[El Presidente]

To buy property looking toward slowing down in one's life, check out anywhere in Northern New South Wales along the beach and hinterland coastal district. Otherwise the mid Queensland coast along the Whitsunday's.

Oueensland....beautifull one day...perfect the next :-D

[Ken Gargett]

yes, great place, new zealand, but... that said, i'm off there thursday but for a good cause - to drink vast quantities of really good pinot. mum hails from bundaberg (so i avoid it like the plague) but southeast qld or northern nsw is pretty special. what sort of fishing are you after?

[Freefallguy]

» northern nsw is pretty special. what sort of fishing are you after?

Thanks for the input Ken… I only considered Bundaberg because I knew some peeps there… did NOT consider that north is South and vicey versa there! Don’t want to be roasting either.

I like most fishing, but thoroughly enjoy surf casting. Finding that one big fish outta the whole wide ocean, and knowing that on that particular day I was just a bit smarter than he was, we’ll its most satisfying. Plus, you can’t beat Sashimi on the beach! (Now, if I could just remember her phone number!):-D

I’ll take our Pres’ suggestion and start looking in eastern Oz.

BTW, how DO I get a job like yours down there… jetting off to NZ for wine tastings, holidays in Cuba, loooong lunches with FOHers and casting about the Czar’s humidor for the occasional free stogie… now that, THAT’s le joie de vie!;-)

[Ken Gargett]

job like mine? be prepared to devote yourself selflessly to your mates' wellbeing, accept that no woman is ever going to even cast a glance your way, understand that your bank manager will welcome lepers clutching coins before you get in the door, have lived a pure and chaste existence in all your past lives....

need i say more?

[Freefallguy]

» job like mine? be prepared to devote yourself selflessly to your mates'

» wellbeing, accept that no woman is ever going to even cast a glance your

Hmmm... I dunno Ken, seems I remember a pic from the State of Origin dinner where you were fairly beaming as you embraced the brunette beverage bunny!;-)

It may be a tough life, but someone must step up and you do it all so well Ken!

[Ken Gargett]

pictures can be so deceiving but i do my best.