languorous lizards

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A couple of years ago we adopted a pair of blotched bluetongue lizards. They had belonged to a friend who could no longer keep them and they had lived for the past four years in a glass vivarium. Their names were Fraggles and Spindleshanks and they were best friends.

1.Fraggles & Spindleshanks

We couldn’t bear to see them so confined so Michael constructed a lizard paradise. With plenty of leaf litter, rocks, plants and a hollow log for wintering in.

2.Fraggles & Spindleshanks

They would often lie together in the sunny spots.

3.Fraggles & Spindleshanks

Sadly, Fraggles passed away a few months later but Spindleshanks soldiered on without her companion.

4.Spindleshanks

I say ‘her’ because we had been told they were both female.

5.Spindleshanks

Not long after Fraggles’ passing, another blotched bluetongue appeared on our back verandah, looking very sorry for itself and covered in ticks. Michael removed the ticks and it seemed to be used to being handled. We kept it safe in the enclosure with Spindleshanks until it recovered.

6.Leonard

They bonded straight away. He was very inquisitive and certainly not afraid of the human presence.

7.Leonard

The longer, sunny days aided his recovery and all was happy in lizard land.

We didn’t realize quite how happy until five months later.

13.baby

Blotched bluetongues can have up to fifteen young.

14.baby

We were somewhat relieved to find just two.

We couldn’t bear to release them to become a meal for a kookaburra or tiger snake, they now reside at Wing’s Wildlife Park. http://wingswildlifepark.com.au

Welsh Hawking Centre

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Birds of prey have always held a fascination for Michael. When we realised the Welsh Hawking Centre was not far from Penarth, it was immediately added to our list. Once October arrives in Britain, the tourist attractions slow down and the tourists disappear. We were the only visitors and were treated to the experience of watching the training of two falcons. One was put through the paces

1.falcon

while the other waited patiently on the sidelines.

2.falcon

After a few passes with the lure, there is a reward.

3.falcon

You can’t help but admire these beautiful creatures.

After more training with the lure,

7.falcon

we met some other residents

8.eagle9.kite11.barn owl

13.chook14.horse15.rabbit

Returning to Penarth we dined for a second time at The Railway. The meals were amazing – for £2.99, how could we resist?

16.The Railway

Kata Tjuta

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Kata Tjuta, meaning ‘many heads’ in Anangu language, is otherwise known as The Olgas, a group of 36 domed rock formations 25km east of Uluru.

The tallest peak, Mt Olga, is 198m higher than Uluru and was named in 1872 in honour of Queen Olga of Württemberg, the daughter of Tsar Nicholas I.

2.Kata Tjuta

We set out early and spent the morning exploring the magic of Kata Tjuta.

3.Kata Tjuta

The first part of the Valley of the Winds walk was quite easy along a gravel track

4.Valley of the Winds walk

with some stunning scenery.

5.walk

8.Kata Tjuta

Karu Lookout gave a hint of the extent of this spectacular rock formation.

9.Karu lookout

We continued on past incredible escarpments

10.escarpment

and rock faces.

The path became narrow and rugged

13.path

as it meandered within the domes,

over trickling creek beds.

16.creek

In places, the trail all but disappeared and we had to scramble up the steep slopes.

The rock domes are the remains of erosion that began over 500 million years ago and extend six kilometres into the ground.

The track improved a little

22.track

just before we reached the gap in the rocks that is Karingana Lookout.

24.Karingana Lookout

From there, the path descended very steeply to the bottom of the valley to complete a circuit walk. We opted to retrace our steps instead, our feet sighing with relief as we drove away, with fabulous memories of Kata Tjuta.

25.Kata Tjuta

Benabbio skies

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Our days at Villa San Rocco culminated with bevvies on the balcony in the late afternoon. Not only was it an exceptional way to end the day, it presented the opportunity to witness nature at her artistic best, presenting a different image each day. The suns rays illuminated the mountains through an overcast sky.

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The fiery orange glow promised a perfect spring day to come.

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Sure enough, the following day was glorious.

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Clouds mingled with mountains creating a new horizon.

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The colours explode in fabulous firecracker fashion.

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Heavy cloud concealed the setting sun

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but later, after dinner in the village, a rose glow revealed itself.

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There was an eerie intensity this day, almost as though spells were being cast over the mountains.

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Our last sunset was truly spectacular, the changes subtle as we sipped and reminisced the past two weeks

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and contemplated the adventures that lay ahead.

final

Wild Island Tastes

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Tasmania is renowned for its clean water, fresh air and rich soil. This, of course, means quality fresh produce in abundance. Now, imagine those unique flavours of fruit, honey and lavender and add…chocolate. This week, I was fortunate to witness the launch of a fabulous new Tasmanian product, Wild Island Tastes Chocolate Bark.

1.table

Mingling for a while with the benefit of wine and cheese,

the Mayor then introduced the creators of this fine concoction. Anna and Joan have been firm friends for thirty years and have worked hard together to realise their dream. They shared with us their journey from inception to induction of their wonderful handmade chocolate bark.

4.Anna & Joan

I shall acquaint you with these taste sensations. Tarkine Treasures

5.Tarkine Treasures1

is a treasure trove of Tasmanian flavours, plump freeze-dried raspberries, natural leatherwood honey-roasted almonds nestled in the finest dark chocolate with a crunch of exotic cacao nibs.

6.Tarkine Treasures2

Summer Love

7.Summer Love1

delivers delicious Tasmanian freeze-dried strawberries on a bed of the finest white chocolate, sprinkled with Tasmanian lavender flowers, exotic coconut flakes and white chia seeds.

8.Summer Love2

Shipwrecked is my favourite.

9.Shipwrecked1

Shards of premium milk chocolate and delicate white chocolate swirls enhance the flavours of Tasmanian freeze-dried blueberries, earthy pepitas, crunchy caramel and Tasmanian sea salt.

10.Shipwrecked2

It is impossible to describe the fusion of flavours, a mouthwatering and memorable taste experience.

11.Taste

I should mention the very talented graphic designer who, when presented with the name Wild Island Tastes, created the identity, encompassing logo design, packaging and promotional material – my husband, Michael Cannon.

12.blackboard

I hope you have the chance to experience Wild Island Tastes Chocolate Bark for yourself.

https://www.facebook.com/wildislandtastes/