10/07/2022
Hello to friends, acquaintances, past and future guests out there in 'holiday land'... just an update on how Finchley is faring during this super soggy and unpleasant year we call 2022!
RAINS: We are currently experiencing the second deluge that is topping up the already very soggy spaces around our home and B and Bs. Unfortunately, as the first, major deluge never had enough time to dry up beneath the surface, this second episode has made it even more squelchy underfoot, and I have had to warn recent guests to bring gumboots or at least waterproof footwear.
GUEST CANINES: Fortunately, we have 'baby gates' at the top of the steps to the main cottage verandah, which means that guests travelling with pets are able to monitor and control when their pets are able to access the main, larger garden space, and I have put a tub of water on the deck for washing muddy paws (the main problem when they go for a romp). Plenty of extra towels have been added for this purpose, and at time of writing, this has worked well.
OCCUPANCY: We have had less guests this year, partly due to my making the units available less than usual, due to weather conditions or our own personal needs re travel, 'a bit of time out', and trying to only book one unit or the other, and not both at the same time - for privacy reasons (unless for one larger group using both units).
AESTHETICS: While we are very fortunate in not having been flooded as such, it has certainly been a challenge, with our water tanks overflowing (such a rarity before this year!), and various 'rivulets' from the property behind us, running through our property in certain locations, down the gentle slope. We have lost some of our best established grevilleas that do not take kindly to having their roots sitting in wet, clayey soil for months on end... These have recently been replaced by more robust specimens, but it will take years for them to flourish and fill out those gaps again. Also, all our white picket fences and gates are turning green with all the constant damp. Eventually, when we have a long enough period forecast that everything can dry out for a while, they will be painted again.
HAPPY STUFF: Notwithstanding all of the above, we have welcomed many lovely guests and their pets this year, visiting for many reasons apart from the more obvious tourist attractions of this beautiful region. We often have guests stay who are attending weddings or parties in the region, participating in the Huski Triathlons, just want to chill out on the verandah and enjoy the tranquility our rural setting offers, or are travelling through on long overdue road trips to catch up with friends and relatives. All very welcome and I look forward to meeting many more still to come.
HAVE A HAPPY DAY, EVERYONE!
