fascinating fungi

Posted on November 18, 2015 by kathy

I love the variety and intricacy of fungi. Sadly, my fungi identification skills are severely lacking, so I won’t even try…..

captivating canyon

Posted on November 10, 2015 by kathy

Leven Canyon is another favourite of ours to show off to visitors, an hours drive through some very picturesque countryside. An easy ten minute walk along a shady track

brings you to Cruikshanks Lookout, rewarding you with spectacular views of the Loongana Range and beyond.

275m below, the Leven River flows through the limestone cliffs on its way to Bass Strait.

Black Bluff, at 1340m, is usually the first peak in the area to have a covering of snow in winter and the remnants linger well into spring.

You can take the leisurely walk back to the car park or, for the more energetic, the circuitous Forest Stairs Track. 697 steps descend through magnificent rainforest.

Looking back, Cruikshanks is barely visible against the sky,

while looking down gives a closer view of the river

and the rock formations created by the turbulent water.

The track eventually leads back to the serene picnic grounds and car park.

I think this message carved in stone sums up Leven Canyon perfectly.

Spring splendour

Posted on November 4, 2015 by kathy

Spring is marching on and the bulbs are just a memory. Despite the driest and warmest October on record, there are many new faces in the garden. The crocuses (or croci) pop up in surprising places

The California poppies and Oriental poppies feel free to wander

The fairy irises are scattered around the garden and flower though spring and summer

The rhododendron orbs add splashes of colour

The Geraldton Wax and Banksia do a great job of disguising the rainwater tank

I’m pleased to say the snowball tree has survived a severe pruning

After much searching, I managed to identify the Pieris (lily of the valley shrub)

The yellow Waratah is a late bloomer

as is the port wine Magnolia

A cosy nest has served it’s purpose

There are a few annuals I haven’t been able to identify

We are hoping for a fine crop of berries this year – the Sylvanberry blossoms are promising

Our very handsome North Wind Man keeps a protective eye on his domain

stunning Stanley

Posted on November 2, 2015 by kathy

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

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.

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

The house has been beautifully restored and maintained.

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

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

The old post and rail fencing has so much character.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

spectacular skies

Posted on October 30, 2015 by kathy

Our diverse weather patterns here in northwest Tassie bring some amazing cloud formations. Storm clouds on the horizon hold the promise of rain (much needed at the moment).