wistful walks

Posted on October 25, 2016 by kathy

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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Lugliano

Posted on June 18, 2016 by kathy

On a warm, sunny morning, while the boys were busy building guitars, I drove with two of the wives to a nearby village in Bagni di Lucca – Lugliano. Having learned how narrow the village streets can be, we opted to park at the church

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and discover the rest on foot. Lugliano dates back to 853 AD and as we had anticipated, the main road

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soon became narrow, cobbled streets

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full of wonderful surprises.

The village had a serenity, enhanced by the sunshine,

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the four legged residents were testament to the tranquility.

The views across the mountains

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and the valley below were spectacular.

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I couldn’t resist the intriguing doorways

as we returned to our starting point.

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The Chiesa di San Jacopo was magnificent when viewed from the village.

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The wildflowers were lovely

and the gardens had colourful blooms.

We wandered up the road in the other direction

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and discovered the village cemetery

with a striking view across the mountains.

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It was time to return to Benabbio for lunch, with one last view of the Chiesa di San Jacobo.

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Benabbio

Posted on June 4, 2016 by kathy

Benabbio is one of the mountain villages of Bagni di Lucca, dating back to 983AD. It was owned by the Lupari family and cousin Lupo swore to defend the Apennine Mountains against invaders. The drive to the village is narrow and winding with gorgeous views if you dare to look.

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Past the cemetery,

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the houses at the entrance to the village give a hint of the history awaiting.

The road leads to the small Piazza Santa Maria, with a grocery store,

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newsagent,

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parish church and ristorante. We enjoyed some memorable evenings at Il Cavallino Bianco.

8.Il Cavallino Bianco

There were some intriguing alleyways leading off the piazza.

The stone steps took us further up the hill,

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passing more rural properties

and the fabulous pizzeria, Acquolina in Bocca.

15.Acquolina in Bocca

Villa San Rocco was situated about halfway up the hill

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with much of the village to discover beyond.

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There was plenty of spring colour around, both wild and potted.

There were many walking paths through the surrounding hills

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with magnificent views of the stunning landscape

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and the village below.

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There were so many fragments of history to be seen on our wanderings.

Even the four-legged inhabitants look contented to be living in this wonderful village.

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There are too many amazing things about Benabbio to cover in one post, there will be more to come.

Wauchope

Posted on May 25, 2016 by kathy

There aren’t a lot of options for somewhere to stay overnight through the middle of the Northern Territory, we fortunately found an oasis in the desert. Not far from the Devils Marbles is the tiny settlement of Wauchope, 375km north of Alice Springs. The hotel opened in 1930 to serve the needs of the local miners and cattle workers.

1.Devils Marbles Hotel

The accommodation wasn’t five star luxury

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but it was clean, comfortable and cosy

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and I liked the sentiment found on the wall above the bed.

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The garden was immaculate

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with a couple of quirky features

and a great spot to relax with a beverage

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by the pool.

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The locals were very friendly

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and eager for a game of football.

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Adjacent to the dining room,

the winery offered a wide selection to choose from

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to accompany our sumptuous meals.

Before leaving the next morning, we had a closer look at the rusted wrecks garaged at the front of the hotel under the harsh desert sun.

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We were observed from on high by this magnificent creature.

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I hope he found a tasty morsel for breakfast.

pretty Poppy

Posted on October 21, 2015 by kathy

When we moved to Tasmania we made the decision, much as we love them, not to have a dog. Two months later, driving home from work on a cold winters night, I came across a scared, starving creature wandering the lonely country road. I picked her up and she curled up on the back seat of the car. Stopping at the neighbours to cadge some kibble, I brought her home. She was in a very sad state and had obviously been mistreated and dumped in the middle of nowhere with no identification.

We made a comfortable bed for her in the potting shed and next morning took her to the Dogs Home.

Within 24 hours, we had phoned to say if no-one claimed her, she had a home with us. A few days later, we adopted Poppy, a 9 month old Border Collie (we think she has bit of Springer Spaniel as well).

We soon learnt that stuffed toys were not the best choice of plaything.

Her abusive past meant she was quite hand shy and for the first couple of years would freeze when her back was touched. She still won’t wear a jacket, even in the pouring rain.