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Mowbray Park Estate of Old England
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First golf session with Terry and his friend John after a quiet one-hour horseback ride around the estate. Both were very friendly and patient as I learned the basics. Golf suits me, I have the "feeling." With some technical advice from Terry Digger, I managed a par 3 in six strokes. Not bad! Funny French; we had a great time together! Over a "black" and "gold" beer, we talked business and geopolitics. Our two countries are so different; 20 million inhabitants in an area one and a half times the size of Europe, and 65 million in France.
But Terry loves wide open spaces and tranquility, even if, according to John, his local hospital can’t find nurses or that highway connecting Perth WA > Alice Spring NT > Sydney NSW they can’t seem to build due to insufficient taxes. Both are sharp and dynamic. Terry, 42 years old, has the style of a young baron, drives a top-of-the-line Land Rover, is single, and very likeable. A charmer of the ladies, he seems more interested in travel, being a good friend, and finding ways to take more time for himself. John works in finance, is open and interesting, has a sense of humor, and creates a good atmosphere. A father of seven children and husband to a beautiful wife named Lisa, he doesn’t take himself too seriously.
Mowbray Park is a large estate, a sort of abbey-style village with a very English design, built of brick and painted white. Fifteen people work here: housekeepers, gardeners, cooks, waitresses, a secretary, and guides or activity leaders.
Tonight, 60 Japanese students accompanied by their teachers are coming to stay for a few days at the estate. They will enjoy horseback riding and exchanges with a local school. "Japanese people are smart," Terry told me, "they don’t stay in their corner; they look to learn from others." The ties between Japan and Australia are real; the second language here is Japanese.
The cook is Dutch, has a big belly and a matching outfit, and is named Abraham. He speaks Dutch fluently but doesn’t seem eager to practice it. The few Flemish words from my childhood didn’t resonate much. A hearty breakfast is served in a small dining hall. The owner and his story are somewhat missing; he lives a few miles away.
The little horseback ride is far behind; let’s move on to the real "ride" with Terry and his girlfriend Jane, a very good rider from Boston who came here last June to work and fell under the charm of the boss. Talking about her region, New England (where I once exchanged with Doris Clark, owner of "Twin Oaks Inn," a B&B in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts), you can feel her nostalgia. She loves her town and its European-style streets.
Riding at full speed, her horse encourages mine, which had been waiting for a chance to stretch its legs. Thrilled but not too confident, I dove into the role of those legendary riders who crossed the U.S. to deliver mail. My last horseback ride was during my visit to Eugene Green, owner of "Green Acres Ranch" in Royse City, Texas. He had then given me my "license" and his blessing to ride one of his best horses.
I managed to keep up with Jane; my horse is spirited and eventually started galloping. Terry, more philosophical, followed us a few lengths behind. His "Outback" hat suits him well; he’s the true actor and Master of this estate.
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Hi Philippe,
I had an unforgettable experience, it was great to see you again. I loved staying at your place; the atmosphere is so pleasant. You were right; I could have stayed much longer. The mountains, villages, and people were simply incredible.
Enjoy your trip, and I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality.
Cheers! Terry Digger
Mowbray Park Farmstay Holiday, Terry Digger, Picton, NSW, Australia - Map 
Former resort hotel with a garden on the banks of the Allier River, L'Etoile Guesthouse is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent, between Lozère, Ardèche, and the Cévennes in the mountains of southern France. At the crossroads of the GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson Trail, GR®72, GR®700 Regordane Way (St Gilles), GR®470 Sources and Gorges of the Allier, GRP® Cévenol, Montagne Ardéchoise, Margeride, and many day loop hikes. Ideal for a relaxing and hiking stay.
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