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The Eagle’s Nest Retreat

We pulled into the Eagle’s Nest on the very last day of February, 2007, at about 7 pm.  We arrived much later than anticipated, due to an extended stay in Latrobe, where we spent a little too much time looking for a platypus.  We had so hoped to spot one, and Latrobe was billed as the “World’s Capital of Platypus.”  It’s a charming place, and I’m sure there are many platypi hanging about, but all we managed to see was a lot of ducks.  So we were a little despondent when we arrived at the Eagle’s Nest.

All of that changed when we met Des and Michelle, who were there to greet us.  Des, the proud owner, introduced us to Michelle, our chef for the evening, and then took us on a short tour of the premises.  We understood immediately that this is Des’ pride and joy.  He told us that after forty-six years of dairy farming, he woke up one morning and announced to his wife that he had decided to become an entrepreneur.  The Eagle’s Nest was the fulfillment of his dream and he’s never looked back.  The place was much bigger than I expected, and quite luxurious, all of it designed by Des, down to the smallest detail.

Des left us after the tour, and we kicked off our shoes and settled down with a complimentary bottle of a delicious local wine, while we chatted with Michelle, who was busy preparing our dinner, baked lamb and chicken, fresh local vegetables, followed by one of her specialties, “Sticky Date Pudding.”  Michelle is quite a charmer.  She is the owner of a local restaurant and she regaled us with stories about the colorful characters who frequent the place, and also a story about how she first learned to make the dessert we were having that evening.  She proudly informed us that she and her husband have the first reservation for the opening of Eagle’s Nest II, where they plan to renew their wedding vows. 

Michelle was such a good entertainer that Alice thought she should have her own television show.  She said Michelle would be so much better than America’s Rachael Ray.  Dinner was marvelous and dessert lived up to all expectations.  Michelle left us and we sat around wondering what to do next, the big spa, the little spa or the outdoor spa?  The weather was so nice, it wasn’t much of a decision:  the beautiful little ivy-covered tub on the veranda. 

The night was warm and clear.  We had a splendid view of Mount Roland, and much to my delight, there was a herd of cows settled in very near us.  Having grown up in a small town, I know I should know about these things, but I didn’t grow up on a farm, and I had never seen cows at dusk, standing like statues in the field, only a stone’s throw away from us.  I was mesmerized!  I couldn’t take my eyes off them.  I’m sure Des, the ex-dairy farmer, would laugh at me, but it was the highlight of my evening.  We fell asleep that evening gazing at the starry sky through the skylight above.

We were up and having coffee and tea the next morning when Des arrived.  He was in the vanguard of a construction crew.  He’s building a small lake beside the house to catch the reflection of Mount Roland.  He’s also planning to build a wellness center nearby.  Des the dreamer dreams on, and we must move on.  I only hope we get the opportunity to re-visit this marvelous place in the not-too-distant future.  I can’t wait to see how things turn out.

Eagles Nest Retreat....Is for Lovers, the ultimate Lifestyle 24/7, at one with Nature.