Of the many trips I’ve made down under, this would be the shortest. I boarded the plane to LA to catch the non-stop flight across to Oz on Tuesday evening. From LAX, it’s a straight shot across – 15 hours in all – crossing the international date line you lose a day and arrive in Australia on Thursday.

For those who dread long plane rides it can be an unpleasant journey. But, it should also be said that those who think money can’t buy you happiness have never paid for a Business Class ticket. Sitting down in Business class is like sitting in your favorite chair in the comfort of your own home. Among the amenities is a plug in for one’s laptop, so that you’re not at the mercy of your computer’s battery. After a proper meal and some work, I typically get about 8 hours of sleep and awake to work a bit more before landing.

This trip was to Adelaide for the Spine Society of Australia’s annual meeting where we had a paper accepted for presentation at the conference. Just as important, however, was the opportunity for Dr. Robert Gunzburg and I to get together and work together on our research, or, perhaps, just to enjoy time with our friend, Dr. David Hall who with his lovely wife Mardi, graciously hosted us in their home in Adelaide.

On Friday morning we attended the dedication of the new John O’Brien Book Collection at the Adelaide Center for Spinal Research where we have our annual research collaboration. Dr. O’Brien collected many rare orthopaedic textbooks over his distinguished career as a spine surgeon and generously donated his collection to the ACSR to be enjoyed by all members of the Australian Spine Society. Prof. Robert Fraser, deputy editor of the journal Spine, spoke about Dr. O’Brien’s prolific career and priceless books.

The conference began Friday afternoon and I was able to spend some time talking with Dr. Nikolai Bogduk, one of the world’s most published anatomists whom I attribute one of my favorite lines, “In God we trust, all others bring data.”

On Friday evening I attended a dinner at Penfold’s Magill Estate. At first glance of the Degustation Menu, we could tell it was going to be a good night as they were pouring among others, Penfold’s Grange, the most heralded wine in all of Australia.

Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant
DEGUSTATION MENU

2004 Seppelt Salinger Pinot Noir/Chardonnay

Citrus and Sugar Cured Ocean Trout with Grain Mustard, Caper Berry and Lime Dill Cream

2000 Penfolds Reserve Bin Aged Release Riesling

Timbale of Duck Confit with Spinach Mash Potato, Tea Smoked Duck Breast and Foie Gras Sauce

1998 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz

Grilled Terrarossa Beef Tenderloin with Parsnip Puree, Green Bean Provencal and 707 Reduction

1981 Penfolds Bin 95 Grange

Chefs Cheese Selection

1990 Penfolds Coonawarra Bin 128 Shiraz

Traditional Creme Caramel with Vanilla infused Apple Puree, Brandy Snap and Jasmine Tea Ice Cream

NV Penfolds Grandfather Port

We were back to the Conference on Saturday and Robert did a great job of presenting our research stemming from our annual trips each December to Adelaide to painstakingly collect data. For this presentation, we investigated the effect of a spinal implant on restricting spinal range of motion in cases of instability that was well received.

On Sunday, it was time to drive up to David and Mardi’s farm in the Eden Valley. Part of the world famous Barossa Valley wine region, the Eden Valley is well known for their tendency for a bit cooler climate and morning dew which produces fabulous Rieslings, Shiraz, and Cabernet. David and Mardi purchased the property which dates back to the 1840's when the region was first settled as a sheep farm continuing to present. The Hall's planted 80 acres of grapes on their 300 acres. The rolling hills are lined with Eucalyptus Gum trees and when you’re standing in the glory of it all you quickly realize why it got the name "Eden" Valley.

The Hall’s provide their fruit to several local wine wineries and reserve some of their best fruit for their own Eden Hall label. On the hour and a half ride up from Adelaide, we took time out
to visit some area wineries including Trevor Jones' Kellermeister, my late friend, Dr. Tony Keller's favorite, and a well-known cellar that produces award-winning wines.

Tasting in the Barossa - Me with Drs. David Hall, Deiter Grob, and Robert Gunzburg

But with the quality of David and Mardi’s wines in waiting, we couldn’t wait to get to their farm where David packed up a couple bottles of his current release Riesling and we headed off to the vineyard to drink some wine in the vineyard and watch the sunset.

There is a certain mystique about drinking wine with the vines that you can only be explained by experiencing it. As the sun sets on the South Australian sky, the moon rises. In this hemisphere you can see the Southern Cross as you stare up at the stars. You understand why Neil Young sang about its beauty.

Robert and I share a passion for cooking, so prior to departing for the farm, we stopped off at the market and picked up our supplies to make our evening meal. We started with a Bouillabaisse followed by a course of Confit of Duck, and last a Barbequed Leg of Lamb. We paired the duck with a Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinor Noir, 2004 Belle Soeurs from Beaux Freres. With the lamb we had 2005 Delille Cellars Chaleur Estate, a Bordeaux blend from Washington State, wines that I brought from my cellar for the occasion. Also with the lamb, we had David’s 2005 Eden Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. As you might imagine, we had a fabulous evening.

On Monday, David arranged for us to have a private tour and tasting at Henschke Cellars, a renowned Australian winery also in the Eden Valley. Sixth generation winemaker, Johann Henschke gave us a tour of the estate and we talked about our commonalities in Napa where Johann had recently done an internship. As usual, I left with a case of wine including their prized 'Hill of Grace' ('95 Vintage) which I bought to commemorate my year of graduation from Chiropractic College. The Hill of Grace vineyard dates back to the 1840's and is famous around the World for its small production Shiraz.

Back in Adelaide on Monday evening, it was time for one last dinner together prior to departing home. David booked us in at one of Adelaide’s finest restaurants, The Manse, where we had their Degustation wine menu paired with exclusive Australian wines. The evening was unforgettable.

The Manse, April 21, 2008
Degustation Menu

Amuse Bouche
Tartare of Ocean Trout, Capers, Leek, Beetroot and Vanilla
2004 Chandon ‘Z.D.’ Blanc de Blancs, Yarra Valley, Victoria

‘Bacon & Egg’ in Consumée
NV Seppelt DP116 Amontillado, Barrossa Valley, South Australia

Octopus Carpaccio
Flowers, Leek Glass Potato, Serrano Jamón
2007 Mountadam Riesling, Eden Valley, South Australia

Rabbit Terrine
Pine Nut Puree, Pickled Chanterelles, Licorice ‘Air’
2006 Yalumba ‘Virgilius’ Viognier, Eden Valley, South Australia

Blue Eye Trevalla
Celeriac, Peral Barley, Scallop Veloute, Cavolo Nero
2007 Rusden ‘Christian’ Chenin Blanc, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Hahndorf Venison
Pumpkin, Carmelised Shallots, Chocolate ‘Soil’
2004 Rusden ‘Boundaries’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley, South Australia
2004 Eden Hall Shiraz Viognier, Eden Valley, South Australia

Epoisses de Bourgogne
Almond Cake, Capers, Sour Cherry, Maple
2004 De Bortoli ‘Noble One’ Botrytis Semillon, Riverina, New South Wales

Pre Dessert
Vanilla Scented Yoghurt Bubble, Sweet Pumpkin Puree, & Seeds

Broken Baba
Blueberries, White Chocolate & Yoghurt Mousse, Mascarpone Ice Cream

As I said throughout the trip, “I’m not here for a long time, I’m just here for a good time.” It was easy to depart with the memories of good times with great friends our plan to return to do it all over again in December.