FRIDAY:

It had a been a pleasant trip to Maldon, taking our time, unlike previous Festivals.  We too were making our adjustments only going Friday night till Monday afternoon.  No rush, no trying to squash 5 days in.  The shorter time meant I did not have my enjoyment of the Festival disrupted, therefore diminished, by having to attend dialysis for half a day on the Friday and the Monday.

Donna and Og stopped for a fabulous natural food lunch at Cliffys in Daylesford [Photo: Og Bear]

It was about midway through the morning as we weaved our way toward Daylesford.  A surprise lunch with Donna at Cliffys Emporium.  All in our own time, most enjoyable.

I had another surprise for her as we took a side road at Yandoit.  The stone house, featured on Restoration Australia on the ABC as the Gervasoni Homestead.  I visited this house, with the then owner Vince's permission over 30 years ago.  It was derelict then, and quite dangerous.  But Dale and Marni bought it and have been amazingly bringing it back stone by stone.

Donna at the gates of the Gervasoni Homestead at Yandoit [Photo: Og Bear]

We arrived in Maldon to find that even the Festival office had moved.  But, we soon were reoriented and had our passes.
Next we settled into the Badges, and had a restful end to the afternoon.

Heather, from Faraway Eyes, was billeted with us at the Badges and arrived late afternoon too.

Tea with Jan and Edward was at the Kangaroo, a huge improvement with new owners who had taken over the hotel just before last year's Festival.

We headed to the Community Centre for the Festival opening.  This year it has become the main venue and badged the Guinness Bar.  The Festival committee has spent quite a bit of money improving the acoustics and putting down a new dance floor.

The Guinness Bar was at the Community Centre this year [Photo: Og Bear]

After the ceremony we listened with anticipation to Geoff Achison, and we were very impressed.  He was there by popular request, and played to a good crowd in the Hall. 
It was an acoustic show and one of the best I have seen with Geoff, with good stories and anecdotes.

Geoff Achison Opening the 42nd Maldon Folk Festival [Photo: Og Bear]

Kavisha Mazzella Opening the 42nd Maldon Folk Festival [Photo: Og Bear]

The atmosphere was alive and Kavisha Mazzella followed him.  She was amazing.  Her music and stories just hypnotized you too.
The food court was centred around the Guinness Bar with the music being piped out to it.  It felt cosy under the big shady tree with a sense of atmosphere.

Still, for a Friday night it was a bit quiet compared to Festivals of old.

Justin Bernasconi performing in the Maldon Hotel [Photo: Og Bear]

We finished up in the Maldon with Justin Bernasconi followed by Faraway Eyes.
Fatty's sons, Matty and Stevie, were there and it was good to catch up with them.

Hobo Grace performing in the Maldon Hotel [Photo: Og Bear]

The night finished with Hobo Grace who were probably the highlight of the night.
The music was great, but the atmosphere was a dud with the Maldon Hotel sound and lighting needing to be brought up to the standard of the rest of the Festival.

No staying up this time once back at the Badges, straight to bed.