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.

1.Caddo Lake1a.Graceful Ghost

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.

17.Caddo Lake

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

Monarto Zoo

Monarto Zoo is the largest open-range zoo in the world, set on 1,500 hectares about half an hours drive from our former home in the Adelaide Hills. I heard about a package called “Working with Wildlife” which involved spending a day with the keepers behind the scenes. I decided I would surprise Michael in October for his birthday. Little did I know, he had the same idea for me and beat me to it in March. The obvious thing to do was go together. We had an early start and after meeting the team, breakfast for the lemurs was the first job.

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The rhino baby was adorable

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and loved a groin scratch while mum tucked into some tasty greens.

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We got up close with the meerkats

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and tempted them with some delicious mice.

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A cheetah breeding program at Monarto has been very successful. These four were the first surviving litter in Australia in 15 years.

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There was a lure set up to give them exercise and hone their hunting instincts.

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The real thing soon followed and they shared somewhat reluctantly.

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This lion waited patiently for his meal

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while the lioness paced outside.

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We were then driven around the park in a 4 WD to admire some of the other residents. There were various antelope and deer.

This handsome bison was a bit embarrassed.

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The Mongolian Wild Horses happily shared their space

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with the zebra.

Each Cape Hunting Dog has unique markings and rather large round ears.

The highlight of the day was feeding the giraffes. We were instructed to keep the trailer between us and them

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but no-one told the giraffes!

 

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There is a gorgeous homestead ruin overlooking the savannah but I am unable to find any history on the building.

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If you are in Adelaide, a trip to Monarto Zoo is a great way to spend the day.

http://www.monartozoo.com.au

picturesque Penguin

Penguin is a quaint seaside town, a scenic 15 minute drive from our house. It was first settled in 1861 and named for the little penguin rookeries along the coast. The Big Penguin was born in 1975 to commemorate the centenary of the naming of the town. There always seems to be a seagull on its head!

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The rubbish bins around town represent cement penguins and this handsome fella stands outside the Tourist Information Centre.

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The main road hugs the panoramic Penguin Beach

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and lunch at 52 Main was a must when visiting the town.

7.52 Main

A glass of wine, magnificent views and excellent food. The lamb sliders were amazing.

8.52 Main sliders

Sadly, 52 Main closed its doors a few months ago, they are greatly missed. The Uniting Church is an impressive Federation Gothic building, opened in 1903.

9.Uniting church

At the western end of town in the lovely bay of Johnson’s Beach.

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When my sister was here on holiday, we spent some time wandering the shore marvelling at the myriad colours in the rocks.

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No-one told these guys a “shag on a rock” was supposed to be on his own

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but this limpet had the right idea.

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Some of the flotsam was quite delicate

and the sand patterns left by the ebb & flow of the tide were fascinating.

You can see where the worms and seagulls have been.

We returned to Johnson’s Beach later in the holiday

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and the rock formations mesmerised us yet again.

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I think this is one of the most beautiful photos I have ever seen, stunning in its simplicity.

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Unfortunately, I can’t take credit for this one, it is my sister’s masterpiece.

magical mountain

Cradle Mountain on a perfect spring day is very different from the winter experience. The looming mountain lends a stunning backdrop for Dove Lake.

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Weindorfer’s boathouse rests peacefully at the water’s edge.

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I never tire of the scenery as we walk the Dove Lake Track

and Lake Lilla exudes its usual tranquility.

8.Lake Lilla

The cheeky currawongs are always hopeful for a bite to eat.

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The best way to see more of the spectacular landscape, without expending too much energy, is by helicopter.

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Dove Lake and Lake Lilla appear much more expansive from the air.

11.Dove Lake, Lake Lilla & Wombat Pool

Crater Lake, despite its name and appearance, is not a volcanic crater but was formed during previous ice ages.

13.Crater Lake

Barn Bluff is visible from most areas of the National Park.

14.Barn Bluff

With ideal flying conditions we were treated to a close-up view of Fury Gorge.

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Mount Ossa is the highest peak in Tasmania, composed entirely of Jurassic dolerite.

19.Mt Ossa

The visual feast continued

as we made our way to Lake Windermere and the cluster of Cradle Mountain huts on the Overland Track.

23.Windemere

Cradle Mountain from the southern side bears no resemblance to the iconic image we all know.

24.Cradle Mtn

The road and walking track lead to Dove Lake, a companionable distance between them.

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Until next time, the mountain will be waiting in all its majesty.

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winter wonderland

Cradle Mountain is stunning any time of year but winter brings an enchanting wonderland. A couple of years ago, we treated ourselves to a three day spa package at Cradle Mountain Lodge. It didn’t snow for us but there had been heavy falls the week before. On the way, we stopped at Cradle View Lookout to take in the expansive vista across the valley to snow covered mountains.

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Our cabin at The Lodge was welcoming

2.lodge13.lodge2and we watched the changing colours on the mountain as the sun settled for the night.

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The frozen lake formed abstract mosaic patterns.

Icy Dove Lake is shadowed by the mystical mountain, enshrouded in cloud.

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Lake Lilla is serene,

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the walking path too perilous to navigate.

22.Lake Lilla path

King Billy Walk winds its way through ancient forest

23.King Billy Walk

and joins the Speeler Track, opening up to scenic button grass plains

and spectacular mountain views.

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Cradle Valley Walk goes all the way to Dove Lake.

We stopped for lunch at Snake Hill and caught the shuttle bus back to The Lodge where we had a date for a massage.

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The Waldheim Spa has an enticing menu of treatments or you can opt to enjoy The Sanctuary. The hot tub is suspended above nature and the cool plunge pool is invigorating.

Waldheim Walk passes through diverse landscapes

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and the historic Waldheim Chalet offers insight into the founding father of Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. Built in 1912, it remains a memorial to Gustav Weindorfer and his wife, Kate.

The Waterfalls Walk is an easy track to Knyvet Falls

47.waterfalls (Knyvet)

and Pencil Pine Falls.

48.waterfalls (Pencil Pine)

I talked Michael into a body scrub and Vichy Shower for our final treatment at the spa. I found it very relaxing but he had some concerns about the durability of the paper G-strings we had been given to wear!

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I think another winter weekend at The Lodge is looming…..

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