It's a fiesta!

It is early August and that means it is time for the Scallop Fiesta in downtown Bridport. While some may be scared off by the mid Winter time slot, we are in the midst of scallop season and there is no better time to enjoy one of the best products of the region. For a town of around 1500 (many of whom are travelling north at this time of year), the Fiesta attracts a crowd of around 3000 so there is quite an influx. Last Sunday, the weather was an absolute delight and saw the crowds take to the Village Green to savour a range of local produce heavily featuring seafood and regional drinks - wine, beer and spirits all got a look in.

I will let you in on a bit of a secret, while it can be a touch on the cooler side overnight, being so close to the coast it is rare to get below zero. In fact mid-winter is actually one of the best times to visit the area. There is typically less wind around than the warmer months so if you get a good day with the sun shining, the lack of breeze means it is a perfect time to get outdoors and go for a walk, or sneak a round or two of golf in. If the weather does take a turn, the wineries are open and most pubs and clubs will have a fire going and a warm welcome.

In other news, we have welcomed some new life on the property. For the past few months we have had a pair of swans nesting on the dam and Sunday saw the debut of 4 new baby cygnets. On Monday morning they were out and about, swimming and wandering around the edges of the dam, but by late afternoon they were gone. Swans tend to leave their nests for good very soon after hatching, adopting a more nomadic lifestyle, with the help of their parents. It is a real blink and you'll miss it affair, but luckily we were around to witness and grab a few photos. We are already looking forward to welcoming them back around June next year.

As far as the build is concerned things continue to progress despite a bit more wet weather. We have frames going up on the main building and are all set to pour the slab for the shed in coming days. It is getting towards crunch time on a range of decisions, so it will be all systems go. More on that front next week...