Member's Portal
Stories & Articles
When the detour becomes the destination
PAWS
Near Port Macquarie, a simple charging stop became an invitation to rest, reflect, and rethink the boundaries set by habit and expectation.
My time-out to pause continues as I drive south, leaving the monks at the Crystal Castle near Mullumbimby. I continue my journey south along the east coast of Australia. As I headed toward Port Macquarie to charge the car at what I thought was my usual destination—a large service station with fast-food outlets—the car indicated I should turn left and hook back onto an old road parallel to the highway. I pictured a deserted area with no facilities. With some reluctance, I followed the car’s directions. I was surprised to be guided through gates into a clean car park with chargers, overlooking what I thought was a large field. Behind the chargers was a white building. I set the car to charge and went inside, where I found a fireplace, ample seating, and friendly staff. The building turned out to be Cassegrain Wines. The sun-drenched deck provided a beautiful place to sit, have a coffee, and try the crème brûlée. While I only sampled the coffee and crème brûlée, which were both excellent, the menu looked appealing. I’ll have to return for dinner, which, according to the menu, “includes Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan options” (Cassegrain Wines, n.d).
My time-out to pause continues as I drive south, leaving the monks at the Crystal Castle near Mullumbimby. I continue my journey south along the east coast of Australia. As I headed toward Port Macquarie to charge the car at what I thought was my usual destination—a large service station with fast-food outlets—the car indicated I should turn left and hook back onto an old road parallel to the highway. I pictured a deserted area with no facilities. With some reluctance, I followed the car’s directions. I was surprised to be guided through gates into a clean car park with chargers, overlooking what I thought was a large field. Behind the chargers was a white building. I set the car to charge and went inside, where I found a fireplace, ample seating, and friendly staff. The building turned out to be Cassegrain Wines. The sun-drenched deck provided a beautiful place to sit, have a coffee, and try the crème brûlée. While I only sampled the coffee and crème brûlée, which were both excellent, the menu looked appealing. I’ll have to return for dinner, which, according to the menu, “includes Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan options” (Cassegrain Wines, n.d).
To keep up to date with the latest articles, follow our magazine “The Eclectic Mix” on Substack
