Caddo Lake

While staying with Michael’s brother and sister-in-law in Texas, we were taken to Caddo Lake, the largest freshwater lake in southern U.S.A. Half in Texas and half in Louisiana, the 26,800 acre lake was once home to the Caddo Indians. The land was bought by the Government in 1835 and within a year all were moved out.

There are a number of theories as to how the town of Uncertain, on the shore of Caddo Lake, got its name. We lunched at Uncertain General Store & Grill, their specialty being catfish, along with other tasty offerings.

1b.Uncertain

I chose the safety of a bowl of fries but Michael had no trouble tucking into a mug of refried beans.

1c.Uncertain

After lunch, we boarded the Graceful Ghost, a replica 1800s steamboat, for a leisurely paddle around the lake.

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The wood-burning paddlewheel steamboat hypnotised us with rhythmic harmonies as we skimmed along Big Cypress Bayou.

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The majestic cypress trees, draped in Spanish moss, were surreal and eerie.

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The egrets were magnificent

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and the occasional beaver nest broke the surface.

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This hitchhiker was enjoying the sunshine.

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The Tea Rooms could do with some renovation

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and if you don’t want to dine there, you can always catch your own.

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Our Caddo Lake experience was enchanting

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and the tempo of the Graceful Ghost inspired Michael to create a musical composition.

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This is where you can listen to “The Graceful Ghost” https://michaelcannon.bandcamp.com/track/the-graceful-ghost

remarkable river

I was going to start this post with the story of our amazing seaplane flight up the Gordon River from Strahan but, I’m sad to say, I’ve just found out Strahan Seaplanes have closed their doors due to family health issues. Hopefully, their situation will change and they will resume their wonderful service.

The other way to experience the river is the Gordon River Cruise. Departing Strahan early morning, the clouds were ominous as we crossed Macquarie Harbour, six times the size of Sydney Harbour.

1.macquarie harbour

The lifesaving apparatus was reassuring.

The reflections in the calm waters of the river were stunning, the wake of the boat hardly disturbing the surface.

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Looking back downstream, the remoteness was realised.

9.downstream110.downstream211.downstream312.downstream4Later in the morning, we disembarked at Heritage Landing and walked through part of the largest tract of temperate rainforest surviving on earth.

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The return journey started with a delicious lunch, sipping on a beverage as we enjoyed the wonderful scenery.

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The next destination was Sarah Island. A penal colony from 1822-1833, the ruins of some of the buildings still stand. The guided tours are apparently very entertaining, we opted to explore the island in our own way.

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The views from the island highlight the rugged isolation

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emphasised further as we meandered back to Strahan.

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If not for the efforts of conservationists and public opinion in the early 1980s, much of this area would be underwater if the Franklin Dam had eventuated.

 

Strahan serenity

Strahan is a small town located on the beautiful Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania’s west coast. Rich in convict history, it is the gateway to World Heritage Wilderness. It is one of those special places where you immediately feel relaxed with the gorgeous harbour and buildings oozing historic charm.

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A stroll up the hill to Strahan Village Hotel is rewarded with breathtaking views from the comfortable deck while enjoying a beverage.

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The wharf is a hive of activity, reminiscent of the former port town.

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Franklin Manor is the perfect place to stay. Built for the Harbour Master in 1896, the house and grounds are exquisite.

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Risby Cove is a fabulous setting for dinner.

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The food is delicious

and the views of the harbour at sunset are spectacular.

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The short walk back to Franklin Manor and the welcoming lights are a perfect end to the day.

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stunning Stanley

One of our favourite places in Tasmania is the small fishing village of Stanley on the northwest coast. Only an hours drive away, it is a must to show off to visitors. The iconic landmark, The Nut, becomes visible from the highway

1.nut from road

and as you get nearer, you can see the township snuggled in at the base. The Nut is an old volcanic plug, first named Circular Head when discovered in 1826.

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Highfield House is a fine example of a home from the Regency period. Built over three years from 1832 to 1835 it is set on a hillside with magnificent views across Stanley and Bass Strait. Visit historic-highfield.com.au

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The house has been beautifully restored and maintained.

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A wander through the house and grounds connects you with the fascinating history of the area.

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Convict labour was used at the estate and the remnants of the convict barracks can be found close by.

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The old post and rail fencing has so much character.

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A stroll along Godfrey’s Beach rewards with impressive scenery and a different perspective of The Nut.

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A walk around the flat top of The Nut is the best way to view Stanley and surrounds.

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There is a zig-zag walking path to the top but with a 143 metre climb, the chairlift ride up and walk down is an appealing option.

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The town is very quaint, the terraced streets and heritage buildings have changed little since the first Europeans arrived in 1826.

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Most of the buildings are now home to interesting shops, accommodation and cafés.

Spoilt for choice when it comes to meals, I don’t think you can do better than the Stanley Hotel.

If you are lucky, you will catch a rainbow at East Inlet on the way home.

37.east inlet

Last year, Hollywood came to Stanley for the filming of “The Light Between the Oceans”. The streets were filled with gravel and the town was transformed to 1926. The movie will be released next year…..and maybe Stanley will become famous.