tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47443713691409686052011-07-08T15:59:55.473+08:00Pics and short snippets about our fabulous guests at Oranje Tractor Wines (Albany, WA), otherwise known as WWOOFers!whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.comBlogger391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-65113673350581944682011-03-24T14:18:00.002+08:002011-04-11T11:05:06.063+08:00

Pam had been longing for some furniture to be made from some of our barrels, which would be otherwise destined to finish their lives as plant pots, after seeing examples in Italy in 2002. Then along came Jonathon...from France! Apart from being a fabulous cook, and wanna-be chef, Jonathon is extremely gifted with his hands in the wood department. Et Voila! Before we knew it, some beautiful

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-50454848932467270542011-03-22T16:49:00.003+08:002011-03-24T17:13:33.171+08:00

No prizes for guessing where Rudy & Roma hail from!

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-28564627270064562972011-03-20T14:23:00.001+08:002011-03-24T16:48:43.681+08:00

Amy and Oscar joined us from Hong Kong, sharing much humour with Kevin (from Manchester) and Jonathon (France). At one point we were perplexed as Amy asked if we wanted her to pick some "bottom scratchs" ! After picking ourselves up off the floor laughing, we worked out that she was refering to "button squash". :) Here they are with Jonathon and Kevin, celebrating Kevin's very successful,

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-61387888337309866402011-03-10T19:42:00.001+08:002011-03-24T19:46:38.139+08:00

Janine, from near Frankfurt, stayed for a short time, but made a great impression on us, and on Merlot. She got to practice dog-sitting skills on Merlot in preparation for her stay in the north-west of WA, where she will look after another Jack Russell Terrier.

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-72152668109049582862011-02-24T16:53:00.001+08:002011-03-24T17:06:04.044+08:00

Joelle, from Switzerland joined Helena (from Holland) at a relatively quiet time of the year, so they enjoyed summer days in the postager garden.

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-14133528905930874232011-01-18T19:34:00.001+08:002011-03-24T19:42:31.308+08:00

In the south of France, barbeques are often preceeded by an entre of snails. Mathieu and Marie treated us to Escargot, French BBQ style. After collecting them from the vineyard, Mathieu put them in a small bird cage and fed them a selection of herbs from the garden...thyme, rosemary. Then they fasted for 5 days before being seasoned and popped straight on the barbie. We at them with fresh

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-85286136853682518312011-01-16T16:55:00.000+08:002011-03-24T17:04:04.322+08:00

Merlot helps out in the garden too!

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-59999271256935471482010-11-27T16:56:00.001+08:002011-03-24T16:59:57.544+08:00

Phillip and Lilly fight over dinner.

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-41620036932028386782010-11-08T17:00:00.000+08:002011-03-24T17:02:20.465+08:00

Priscilla (right) and Joy brought culinary delights and knowledge to the table.

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-22077840374636214782010-10-24T17:07:00.000+08:002011-03-24T17:12:11.640+08:00

We celebrated the arrival of our first Korean woofer, Reiz, with Martina (from Germany).

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-39101927823180456422010-09-19T20:16:00.000+08:002010-09-19T20:16:57.699+08:00

Emmanuel Mollois, chef, joined us @ OT for lunch with 40 guests.  Much work went into this day behind the scenes by many a woofer, over many months.  From Helene and Sabine, who started the potager garden, to Carolina who served guests on the day, and many in between....all made a significant contribution. emmanuel mollois sprung lunch 2010

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-76290133556681957112010-04-23T19:08:00.002+08:002010-04-23T21:21:16.063+08:00

A Galician cyclone and a serene German lake is how one might describe Ruben & Christina. This very proud Spaniard was highly entertaining, and worked liked a Trojan with a V8 engine!

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-28576570124673713232010-04-23T19:05:00.003+08:002010-04-23T21:42:46.567+08:00

We were blessed with the presence of Andy & Colin, two fabulous Scots who joined us for a way-too-short time, but just at the right time. With a couple of outdoor movies to screen and a music event as part of the Perth International Arts Festival, their professional assistance ensured we all had a great time.

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-85759773223224398332010-04-23T18:55:00.006+08:002010-04-23T18:59:04.865+08:00

What a gorgeous girl, in all senses of the word. Delightful, helpful, generous and extremely forgiving of Merlot's mischevious penchant for her shoes. She'd find them hidden, buried and sometimes chewed. But, we think the pizza nights made up for that - Lauranne created some spectacular pizzas, but the custard, banana, macadamia & caramel was everyone's favourite.

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-10675475897555069782010-04-23T18:52:00.002+08:002010-04-23T18:55:40.913+08:00

Dominic was Merlot's favourite person to wake up - and not just first thing in the morning. Anytime he had the chance, Merlot would launch himself on the sleeping Dom - his bed was exactly Merlot-height as it was a mattress on the floor. But Dom didn't really mind either the dog or the bed, as he got to do lots of new things.

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-19355531645176510872010-04-23T18:42:00.001+08:002010-04-23T18:52:26.920+08:00

One of the rare few Austrians to wwoof with us, Elisabeth lived up to our experience...warm, kind and helpful people...and oh, so talented & creative, as this drawing demonstrates.

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-57637956208153949982010-04-23T18:40:00.002+08:002010-04-24T09:57:17.088+08:00

Benny & Katrien will remain in our memories for as long as we have Merlot....particularly because Katrien very patiently taught Merlot how to "shake hands".

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-54222327497513234772010-04-23T18:36:00.002+08:002010-04-23T18:40:00.359+08:00

OMG, it actually happenned! Our old mate Kompy (AKA Andrew) paid us an all-too-short visit, after we joined him for a not-very-peaceful NYE at Peaceful Bay (a beautiful, unspoilt & remote seaside holiday town nearby). Always ready to play and laugh, it was a special time...and our bellies are only just recovering from the laughter.

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-6700225862285201862010-04-23T18:34:00.001+08:002010-04-23T18:36:34.238+08:00

Stella joined us from HongKong and also stayed for Christmas. She loved Merlot, the wine and all our seasonal fruits, but I think she will miss Merlot the most.

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-33398309683052694412010-04-23T18:33:00.006+08:002010-04-23T18:34:48.776+08:00

Erika, Manje & Lisanne had their first woofing experience with us, and they had lots of fun...and an Ozzie Christmas too. Naturally, they enjoyed the beach and a beer - as well as the wine, of course!

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-20583039659669657232010-04-23T18:31:00.001+08:002010-04-23T18:32:52.629+08:00

Yes, another Dutchie...Maartje shared a few marketing tips with us, and generally helped out in the kitchen - her favourite place!

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-7195544515031528112010-04-23T18:28:00.003+08:002010-04-23T18:31:03.320+08:00

The gentle Anna, from the land of mountains & chocolate (or should that "&" be replaced with "of"), provided lots of interesting conversation and a SENSATIONAL chocolate mousse....

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-12733400930377088352010-04-23T18:12:00.002+08:002010-04-23T18:28:53.244+08:00

Virgin Wwoofers, Maxine & Randy took to the concept luck ducks to water! Hailing from Holland, they had much to share about one of our favorite subjects - cycling.

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-29145355585154834682009-10-20T21:31:00.002+08:002009-10-20T21:37:28.528+08:00

After a brief spell with no guests, two French girls - travelling separately - stayed with us for a week. It turns out they're both from just north of Paris.

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-39401988181571018492009-09-20T21:22:00.000+08:002009-10-20T21:28:12.358+08:00

Friday 18th September was The Big Day when Maggie Beer came to Oranje Tractor for lunch. Our new outdoor area was ready - just in time.

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-86216517212833671982009-09-02T21:08:00.000+08:002009-10-20T21:22:00.331+08:00

Maggie Beer, Australia's favourite cook, was our guest of honour at a literary lunch held as part of the City of Albany's "Sprung" Writers Festival in September. Forty lucky people dined on superb food created by Daniel Sharp of Sharp Infusion, based on recipes from Maggie's cookbooks using local, seasonal produce....some of which came from the Oranje Tractor garden - which all of our previous

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-63247304033211549112009-08-24T20:26:00.001+08:002009-10-20T21:07:01.231+08:00

We were very lucky to have Ulla woof with us at the same time as the Maggie Beer lunch in September. Not only did Ulla get to do a wide variety of tasks, from pruning, to sparkling wine making and gate-making, she was our photographer for the Big Day. Ulla's profession in Germany was/is a photographer. See the next post for some of her pix, and visit our picasa web album for a fab photo

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-40445863555913067412009-08-20T19:55:00.000+08:002009-10-20T20:26:01.107+08:00

Don Huffer, one of frequent woofers, joined us again in August to help us get prepared for "the big day" AKA the visit of Australia's favourite cook, Maggie Beer in September. Don toiled hard to create many things in the yard, including an enclosure complete with fences & gates for Merlot (and also to separate our home from the cellar door area). Here's one of the fences.We made sure he ate

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-71832642962191949432009-07-16T19:43:00.003+08:002009-07-16T20:01:19.754+08:00

On Bastille Day (14 July) our fabulous Frenchies - Remy & Floriane - departed for the crystal clear waters of Esperance. Having spent a whole month with us, pruning and doing a host of other tasks, they felt they'd best move on to see the rest of this great State. Being a wwoof host is such a great learning experience - for us! We learnt some cool things about France and French etiquette, and of

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-63565835478527789332009-07-13T20:03:00.000+08:002009-07-16T20:29:40.634+08:00

Merlot, our new JR puppy, continues to delight us with his bright personality and good behaviour (well, most of the time!). He graduated from puppy pre-school this week, being able to 'sit', 'drop' 'stay' and 'come' on command. Merlot loves bones and balls, but barks like mad at the wheelbarrow and the shovel when they're in action. So far he's not too interested in chasing birds, cars or cows

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-39617766711561061592009-07-09T20:19:00.002+08:002009-07-16T20:34:15.072+08:00

Here's Remy & Floriane, from Clemant-Ferrard in central France, hard at work in the vineyard, doing the all-important task of pruning. They came to us looking for paid work, but we were able to convince them to stay with us and wwoof instead. This has been their first wwoofing experience, and probably not their last.

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-82017173465117811472009-07-09T18:08:00.002+08:002009-07-09T18:18:01.340+08:00

Life without a Jack Russell is a much quieter life....so quiet, in fact, that no time was spared in finding a replacement for our beloved Savvy. After searching near and far, Pam secretly located an almost identical JR all the way from Tamworth - the capital of country music in Australia. On a trip to Perth, she and her neice Becky (pictured) collected the little fellow from his Qantas flight

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-50903281792286486542009-07-09T17:55:00.002+08:002009-07-09T18:08:02.706+08:00

Not long after losing our beloved dog, the oranje tractor driver - AKA Barry Gomm (Murray's dad) also left us, for the great vineyard in the sky. His loss is immense, as not only did he furnish us with the latest jokes, and newspaper clippings of all things he thought relevant to us, but he also provided lots of advice and practical assistance around the farm. Gone, but not forgotten - his

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-64177253654453845612009-06-14T15:55:00.003+08:002009-06-14T16:06:21.450+08:00

After a short lesson in the art of pasta rolling, Karin (and then Saija) became the queen's of noodles! Karin was so keen she wants to buy a pasta machine when she's back home in Canada. We're sure Jeff won't be upset....

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-72655691407598482052009-06-14T15:48:00.005+08:002009-06-14T16:30:33.027+08:00

As a special treat, we took ourselves, Saija (a lovely Finnish woofer) and Jeff & Karin (the French-Canadians) who shared the previous week with us, to our favourite feeding hole - the Wild Duck. It's in Australian Gourmet Traveller Magazine's list of Top 100 restaurants in this wide, brown land and we're so very glad that it's here in Albany. It was Jeff & Karin's last night with us, which was

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-46991843244271413762009-06-14T15:30:00.004+08:002009-06-14T15:47:31.831+08:00

Last week turned out to be a blast (from the past!)....and what great timing. Just as we were about to start feeling really sorry for ourselves, with the loss of the devil-dog savvi, and with Murray's dad's hospitalisation, we were blessed with the return of Jean-Francois Roy (otherwise known as Jeff from Canada) and Nichol ("it wasn't me") from Germany. Jeff had just finished a 2500km (that's

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-62976272748866875792009-06-14T15:23:00.004+08:002009-07-16T20:39:13.668+08:00

Barely a year after our crazy, lovable pup - Savvi - came into our lives, we lost her to one of the main perils of country life - a tiger snake. We're very sad about this, and have put together a pictoral memory of her on flickr - just make sure you watch the short video! Click on the title above and it will take you straight to the flickr link!

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-11351658902723711682009-05-20T13:45:00.004+08:002009-06-14T16:27:01.559+08:00

With our brand new pizza oven installed, Sven & Jenni and Ben & Leah ably assisted Muzz (the undisputed pizza king at Oranje Tractor) to create a gastronomic "Monday Pizza Nite" - which has been our custom for the last 5 years!

whammo & muzzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02971405965190702738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744371369140968605.post-39243239977032677272009-05-20T13:11:00.001+08:002009-05-20T13:43:54.908+08:00

After nearly 8 years of being WWOOF hosts, we here at Oranje Tractor Wines, are finally doing what we ought to have done years ago....creating this blog. We feel so privileged to have hosted so many fabulous people, from all parts of the globe that we wanted to highlight and share some of the experiences we've enjoyed. We remember and value all of our Woofers, thanks to our most treasured

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