Category Archives: Australia

wistful walks

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Poppy is usually accompanied on her walks by Michael but he has fallen victim to a nasty virus and so, Poppy has been taking me instead. We have been exploring the different paths and finding all sorts of interesting things. The morning mist as we start the River Walk is breathtaking

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and the forest is serene.

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Despite the lingering cold and wet, the spring flowers are trying their best.

I haven’t been along Spooky Path for a while. Soon after we moved here, I was walking this path with Poppy and was unnerved by the thumping sounds around me. Memories of the movie, ‘Predator’, whipped my nerves into a frenzy along with my imagination. Hence, Spooky Path was named. Where the path becomes swallowed by scrub, the valley drops out of sight to the Blythe River below and the ridge opposite seems so close.

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Poppy found some special newcomers in the forest.

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They grew very quickly and soon flew the nest.

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Down in the rainforest, the water is tumbling along in the stream

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and the manferns are lush with new growth.

On a damp morning

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we walked Pat’s Path, named for my sister who first discovered the path when she came for a holiday soon after we moved here.

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The views of the rainforest are stunning from this higher ground.

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After a while, the path disappears into the trees and we have to retrace our steps.

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You never know who you might meet on the way back home.

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Of course, Poppy is always ready to do one more path.

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Desert Park

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The last day of our Northern Territory holiday had arrived and we made the most of it at Alice Springs Desert Park. The ridge of Alhekulyele (Mt. Gillen) is a stunning backdrop to the 3,000 acre park.

We arrived in time for the Nature Theatre show to be entertained with demonstrations of free-flying birds of prey.

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The bush stone-curlew stole my heart again.

The park has three re-created desert habitats to explore: Sand Country, Woodland and Desert Rivers. The Woodland habitat includes enclosures for dingoes

and kangaroos.

It was a bit early for the wildflowers but they were lending some bursts of colour.

The Desert Rivers habitat was full of life, from the magnificent perenties enjoying the sun,

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to the black cockatoos posing majestically in the trees.

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The waterholes were popular

while some preferred dry land.

We had the opportunity to learn more about the wedge-tailed eagle

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and he very kindly posed for a photo.

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The reptile house was home to some cute lizards

and snakes.

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The tawny frogmouth looked very regal.

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Our day at the Desert Park was amazing

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and we left with some very special memories.

Makers’ Workshop

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Makers’ Workshop opened in Burnie in 2009 as a place to honour the history, makers, innovators and artists of northwest Tasmania. The building, although criticized by some, won the Tasmanian Architectural Award in May 2010.

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It is a marvellous place to wander and absorb the myriad resident artists and their creations. From hats and jewellery

to glassware

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and hand-painted silk scarves.

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There is an area set out to watch the artisans at work.

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The fantastic retail space showcases the work beautifully and makes it very hard to resist a purchase.

After all that hard spending, you can relax in the café with something delicious

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or take in the latest exhibition in the gallery.

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Both offer a panoramic view of West Beach, moody on an overcast day.

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The diverse produce of the northwest coast is proudly promoted, our world famous cheeses are irresistible.

We can learn about the local potato and poppy farming

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and see the exquisite workmanship of talented luthier, Maria Perez-Pulido.

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You can try your hand at making paper under the guidance of experienced paper makers. Many different fibres are used, including roo poo and wombat poo, apple pulp, lavender and rainforest leaves.

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The beautiful folios, journals, cards and paper products can be purchased.

There are numerous large papier mâché characters in various poses, created by artists Pam Thorne and Ruth Rees between 1996 and 2007.

This magnificent garment was made by Pam, patiently twisting sewing pattern paper into lengths of ‘yarn’ to then carefully knit a gorgeous jacket.

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The northwest coast of Tasmania has so much to offer. If you are passing, do drop in.

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Alice Springs

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We didn’t spend much time in Alice Springs, just one night on the way to Uluru and two nights at the end of the holiday before returning home. Alice Springs is nearly equidistant from Darwin and Adelaide, about 1500km in each direction. At the top of Anzac Hill,

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is a memorial to the soldiers killed in World War I.

There’s not a lot to see in Alice Springs but the panoramic view of the town and surrounding ranges was quite spectacular.

Known as Mparntwe to its original inhabitants, the Arrernte, Alice Springs was named in 1872 after the wife of Sir Charles Todd, the former Postmaster General of South Australia. The Todd River, which is dry for most of the year, was named after Sir Charles.

The prominent ridge to the west is Mt Gillen, a popular destination for hikers.

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I had never seen Sturt’s Desert Pea in the wild and there they were, masses of them growing on the median strips around town. Absolutely stunning.

We had excellent accommodation, choosing to stay on the edge of town at the Quest Apartments.

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The end of the holiday was nigh, only one more day left.

twelve months

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It is just over a year since the creation of cannonhill chronicles. I have had so much enjoyment sharing our lives and re-living our experiences and it never ceases to amaze me how many corners of the world this simple little blog reaches. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by, you are my inspiration.

One of my early posts introduced you to my spring garden. After a long, cold, wet winter, I had forgotten how beautiful and renewing spring can be. The days are warming, the sun is shining and the evenings are longer. The daffodils are in decline

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but there’s no stopping the lilies

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and irises.

The crocuses are appearing in places new

as are the clivea

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and Queens tears.

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The orchids haven’t disappointed this year.

The bees are enjoying the diosma

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and the waratah is in full bloom.

The first rhododendron has flowered

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and nearby was my greatest surprise. The previous owners had planted a camellia in a very narrow bed against a shed wall. Rather than risk transplanting, I espaliered it a few years ago. Although it has thrived, it has never blossomed….until now.

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Just the one so far but it is perfect.