Slept in since we had such a long day yesterday. Showered and reorganized my suitcase for the packing tonight. We leave tomorrow for Sydney but first we have another busy day. Had our usual breakfast of coffee and cornflakes with the added bonus of yoghurt. We then headed out with Alf (today is his day to ferry us around) to the Bonorong Wildlife Park. It was in a beautiful setting away from the city near a town called Brighton - a lovely ride on the way there. We met up with the rest of our group for a tour of this indigenous animal park. Our guide Greg, was a young Tasmania who introduced us to all the native animals. He had spent a year in high school in America - somewhere in Ohio - so he liked to talk to the Americans who visited. He was a well-spoken young man and you could tell he had a passion for his job. He showed us a white peacock, a wombat, an echidna and fed a couple of Tasmanian Devils. They are highly endangered now as they have some form of facial cancer that is decimating their numbers. They are small, rodent-like creatures but are solitary. They feed on carrion which is another detrement to them because they get hit and killed by cars along the roadside. They seemed pretty docile until he fed them and the two they had on display got into a fight over the chicken he was feeding them - boy, are they loud and they can look pretty ferocious. But they shy away from people in the wild and unless they find a cure for their devastating cancer, won't be with us much longer. He then brought out a koala bear, who when provoked made a pretty loud screeching sound also. I always think of them as slow,docile and silent but after hearing one of them defend his territory and seeing their sharp claws, I now have a second opinion. Although after the initial display, the bear settled in on the guide's hip and let everyone come in for a pet and a picture. They are very soft and cuddly - just plain cute as in all the pictures you see of them. When we'd finished with this, the guide told us we could walk out thru the rest of the park and feed the other animals. We went thru a gate on a hillside and lo and behold there were hundreds of kangaroos, wallebies, emus, ducks - all sorts of animals. The park is a wildlife rehabilitation and education center so a lot of these animals were found in places they shouldn't be or were injured. At any rate, they were very friendly and we spent the better part of two hours feeding, petting and playing with them. Then Alf encouraged us to wash up and head out for the next part of our adventure.
Alf drove thru this beautiful countryside to our next stop - historic Richmond. On the way, he passed by some beautiful farms and pointed out one in particular as being that of their very dear friends. We didn't have time to stop in - maybe on our next trip. It is a fascinating and beautiful country like nowhere else I've been on earth. I wish we could spend more time here but soon we arrived in Richmond where we purchased meat pies and drinks at a little place called The Bakery to take to the Coal River for a picnic. Once again the weather is cooperating with a beautiful blue sky and very nice temperatures - picture-perfect. After eating (and being accompanied by many, many ducks) we walked to the historical bridge built in 1823. It is the oldest bridge still in use in Australia. Very picturesque and I took many myself. We then toured the town on foot taking many photos of the beautiful old buildings. Very serene even though it's become quite trendy and touristy. Some parts of it reminded me of the French Quarter in the architecture and use of wrought iron. But mostly it had a lovely smalltown feel to it with lots of artists and craftsmen cottaes. We ended up at the historic Richmond Gaol built in 1806 and had more photo ops.
We headed back to Hobart for a rest and catching up before our ending dinner cruise on the Emma Lise tonight. And we'll have a farewell party after that. I tried to get the packing organized. It seems impossible. I'll just have to repack in the morning after showering and dressing. In the meantime, we got ready and headed to the docks for our cruise. We walked around for a few minutes efore going on the Emma Lise. Whilst waiting we met a lovely couple from Malta. They have been in Australia - he for 54 years and she for 30 years. It was his 60th birthday and their five children gave them money to come from Melbourne for a weeklong trip to Tasmania as a sort of second honeymoon and birthday present. They were very nice and certainly enjoying themselves. Again, a business card and a Red Stick pencil for them as I thoroughly enjoyed talking to them.
We found out that our group was to be the only one on this particular boat this night. They had us order from a pre-set menu before we boarded and Wil and I both ordered the sirloin steak with gravy, pinkeye (new) potatoes and salad. The boat was really crowded. Somehow, Wil and I got separated from Alf and Maggie and got jostled into the window seats of a table that seated 6 but 8 squeezed into. It was very uncomfortable but we just laughed our way thru it as the scenery was spectacular and the company delightful. We sat next to a couple who grew up together 50 years ago, went their separate ways and were reunited just two years ago at the funeral of her brother. Her name was Ann and his Steven and they seemed so happy and carefree that we just laughed our way thru dinner, drinks and dessert with them. The meal was wonderful and included a delicious chicken soup and for dessert, ice cream with meringue and your choice of several sauces. Just marvelous! They do like their meringues down there!
During dinner, we motored up the Derwent River for quite a way passing under the famous Hobart Bridge, which was rebuilt after a serious accident many years ago. The weather was becoming windy and cloudy but we had a most spectacular sunset and there were many sailboats out in a regatta of some sort. We passed by so closely to some of them you could see the deckhands working hard at whatever it is they do to keep those things going where they're supposed to. And it was quite choppy but we didn't feel it because of the type of boat we were on. We even saw a factory that makes amphibeous vehicles for the US Army - that was quite interesting. The whole trip was wonderful and the ride back down the river to our starting point was done in twilight with the twinkling lights of the city on the hill in the background and the bridge lights on. Quite mesmerizing.
We disembarked and went to Carol Edwards' host family's house for the farewell festivities. The house was perfect as it was set up on a hill with the living room overlooking the town below and one half level lower than the dining room where we all performed our little skits - so we were like on a stage. Of course, ours is always a Second Line this time complete with real violin music, masks and beads. We had a great time throwing all those heavy beads and thinking about what I can buy on the next stop to fill the empty space in the suitcase. They performed a "beauty pageant" - Ms. Tasmania complete with MC and many different contestants. It was knee-slapping funny and we all had a wonderful time. Darwin announced that he had just received word that the Friendship Force Baton Rouge had won the Humanitarian Award at the Friendship Force International conference in Ireland for our work after Hurricane Katrina. What wonderful news and well-deserved, if I do say so myself!
We said some tearful farewells and will meet at the airport at 8:45 a.m. I can't believe this week is already over. We met some wonderful new friends, had some exciting new experiences and experienced an absolutely gorgeous new land. I hope I can come back someday.
Next stop Sydney!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Up very early to get ready for our day trip to Port Arthur. We arrived at the Botanical Gardens before 8 a.m. to meet the coach and driver. It's a beautiful day - 60 degrees and sunny with few if any clouds in the sky. Most of our hosts have a "free" day: there are only a few who plan on this long ride. I suppose it's like us when we take people into New Orleans - some of us have done it so much we'd rather not. I'm one of the ones who's afraid I'll miss something if I don't go along. At any rate, our coach and driver arrive and we say our goodbyes to Alf and loaded up. The driver is a jolly fellow, probably in his mid 40's with gray hair and twinkling blue eyes. He is very knowledgeable about the area and gives us quite a bit of information on the long drive to Port Arthur. Some of it is hard to hear as some of our ambassadors would rather talk among themselves than listen - one of my many pet peeves! The scenery is spectacular as the road winds along thru the hills with the water of the Tasmin Sea in view most of the time. It's a view pristine and unspoiled - just spectacular. There's no easy way to get from Hobart to Port Arthur on the ground but the drive is worth the time as you'll not find more spectacular roads to traverse. And the water is a beautiful blue with white sandy beaches interspersed here and there. Not a soul in sight and not even very many dwellings. I think we only went thru a couple of small towns. I guess there's just not that many people on this island.
Port Arthur was a penal colony for British subjects as the jails (gaols) became overcrowded in London in the early 1800's. They sent soldiers to guard the prisoners. They brought their families along. They had whole regiments here from the foot soldiers on up to the upper brass and commandants. They used the prisoners for quarry and timber laborers. Harsh conditions prevailed and many died - both prisoners and guards. Convicts as young as 7 or 8 were sent here if no guardians could be found to take them in. Crimes ranged from pickpocketing and stealing to adultery and murder. Eventually some prison reformers convinced the officials to start another colony on a neighboring island for juveniles only - hence the beginning of the juvenile detention center. The juveniles worked during the day and did schooling in the evening so this became the first mandatory school system in the world. Our guide during this part of the tour was named Tim. He was a retired school teacher who works here now giving informative speeches and answering questions about the history of the place. We stood in a large grassy field with a full view of most of the buildings while he told us a little about the main ones before setting us off on our own to explore.
When we arrived and before getting off the bus, we were each given an admission ticket and a playing card. Mine was the Jack of Spades. The idea was as you entered the museum, you found your card on a little door. When you opened the door, there was a drawing and short story of a prisoner sent here to Port Arthur. You searched out "your" prisoner and followed his career thru-out the museum. A very interesting concept. "My" prisoner happened to be Young Jack, a 13 year old boy caught stealing a gentleman's handkerchief in London. Since no guardian could be found for him, he was sent to Port Arthur to serve out his sentence. I was able to follow him for a few years as he was housed in with the adult prisoners and was some sort of cook's helper. But over time, they lost track of him and I don't know if he survived to adulthood. The museum chronicled the lives of 52 different prisoners - some old, some young, some worse than others, some who made it thru and became productive citizens, some who died trying. Our host, Maggie, said she was a direct descendant of one of these prisoners, seven generations back.
We toured the museums, church and commandant's garden before meeting with the group for lunch. We had a variety of sandwiches, fruit and tea. Michael, our driver, joined us at our table and was very entertaining in his telling of his life. "Never marry someone many years your junior" (I think he was getting over a bad divorce). "May your chooks all grow into emus and kick down your dunny door." (Chooks are chickens and dunny is the loo.) "Never get too friendly with the tourists" (He had just had a bad experience with a large Chinese woman who wanted to take him home with her - she literally picked him up off the ground when he refused her advances.) He was so entertaining I gave him a Baton Rouge pencil and a voodoo doll to ward off evil tourists.
We resumed our tour on a ferry ride to the Isle of the Dead where 1400 convicts, guards, and soldiers are buried. It's little more than perhaps an acre of land where they dumped these bodies. But given the times and the diseases, I don't suppose they had much choice.
Then on to Prier Island which was the juvenile detention center. There's not much left there but ruins and some good prison reform ideas. The boat headed on back to the mainland where the view of the prison was just spectacular. Those poor souls didn't have a clue what was in store for them.
We got back on the bus at 2:30 and left for our scenic ride back stopping at the Tasmin Bridge, Devil's Kitchen , Tasmin Arch , Doo Town, and the Tessellated Pavement. Click on the links for some interesting information and spectacular pictures. I also took a lot of pictures and hope I can link them up to this blog eventually.
We arrived back safe and sound at 5 and headed to Ken and Helen's where Bob and Gayle Duncan prepared gumbo for us. They live very far from Hobart out in the country in a lovely outlying area and a have a beautiful home with some gorgeous views and two small cabins for paying guests. Sort of like a B & B but not really. The guests just rent the cabins and are responsible for their own food, linens and such. We met their neighbors Graham and Rosa - a most delightful couple. I thought I recognized him as an actor or such as he was very personable and had a lot of great stories. Ken wasn't feeling very well - some sort of flu with a fever and cough - so he made himself scarce but alluded to the fact that Graham was pretty well off financially but was sort of a hippie. I don't really think he had a job so I don't know where his money comes from - maybe family money. I think they have some sheep but that certainly wouldn't pay for their lavish lifestyle and the home they live in.
At any rate, we had hor'deurves - fresh stuffed mushrooms and blackened chicken legs. Then Bob's gumbo (with the $25 a pound okra), salad, bread and butter plus Maggie brought my favorite - Pavlova for dessert. It was a great meal and even better company. But it was a long, long day and a long ride home. We saw another echidna on the way home along with some other forms of wildlife - deer, possum and small things that ran faster than I could determine what they were. I told you we were WAY out in the country. Helen and Graham both claimed to have kangaroos that ate their gardens but I never did see one of them in the wild. We were both tired and slept pretty well except for Wil's moaning - he's developed a sore throat and can't breathe when laying down. Maybe Alf will have some more magic medicine for him. He's given him something called Guana Cream - a topical cream to allieve arthritis pain. Wil put it on his knees and he says the pain goes away for the whole day. Alf went out and bought him two large tubes to take home with him while we were gone today. It's good stuff and not available in the USA!
Port Arthur was a penal colony for British subjects as the jails (gaols) became overcrowded in London in the early 1800's. They sent soldiers to guard the prisoners. They brought their families along. They had whole regiments here from the foot soldiers on up to the upper brass and commandants. They used the prisoners for quarry and timber laborers. Harsh conditions prevailed and many died - both prisoners and guards. Convicts as young as 7 or 8 were sent here if no guardians could be found to take them in. Crimes ranged from pickpocketing and stealing to adultery and murder. Eventually some prison reformers convinced the officials to start another colony on a neighboring island for juveniles only - hence the beginning of the juvenile detention center. The juveniles worked during the day and did schooling in the evening so this became the first mandatory school system in the world. Our guide during this part of the tour was named Tim. He was a retired school teacher who works here now giving informative speeches and answering questions about the history of the place. We stood in a large grassy field with a full view of most of the buildings while he told us a little about the main ones before setting us off on our own to explore.
When we arrived and before getting off the bus, we were each given an admission ticket and a playing card. Mine was the Jack of Spades. The idea was as you entered the museum, you found your card on a little door. When you opened the door, there was a drawing and short story of a prisoner sent here to Port Arthur. You searched out "your" prisoner and followed his career thru-out the museum. A very interesting concept. "My" prisoner happened to be Young Jack, a 13 year old boy caught stealing a gentleman's handkerchief in London. Since no guardian could be found for him, he was sent to Port Arthur to serve out his sentence. I was able to follow him for a few years as he was housed in with the adult prisoners and was some sort of cook's helper. But over time, they lost track of him and I don't know if he survived to adulthood. The museum chronicled the lives of 52 different prisoners - some old, some young, some worse than others, some who made it thru and became productive citizens, some who died trying. Our host, Maggie, said she was a direct descendant of one of these prisoners, seven generations back.
We toured the museums, church and commandant's garden before meeting with the group for lunch. We had a variety of sandwiches, fruit and tea. Michael, our driver, joined us at our table and was very entertaining in his telling of his life. "Never marry someone many years your junior" (I think he was getting over a bad divorce). "May your chooks all grow into emus and kick down your dunny door." (Chooks are chickens and dunny is the loo.) "Never get too friendly with the tourists" (He had just had a bad experience with a large Chinese woman who wanted to take him home with her - she literally picked him up off the ground when he refused her advances.) He was so entertaining I gave him a Baton Rouge pencil and a voodoo doll to ward off evil tourists.
We resumed our tour on a ferry ride to the Isle of the Dead where 1400 convicts, guards, and soldiers are buried. It's little more than perhaps an acre of land where they dumped these bodies. But given the times and the diseases, I don't suppose they had much choice.
Then on to Prier Island which was the juvenile detention center. There's not much left there but ruins and some good prison reform ideas. The boat headed on back to the mainland where the view of the prison was just spectacular. Those poor souls didn't have a clue what was in store for them.
We got back on the bus at 2:30 and left for our scenic ride back stopping at the Tasmin Bridge, Devil's Kitchen , Tasmin Arch , Doo Town, and the Tessellated Pavement. Click on the links for some interesting information and spectacular pictures. I also took a lot of pictures and hope I can link them up to this blog eventually.
We arrived back safe and sound at 5 and headed to Ken and Helen's where Bob and Gayle Duncan prepared gumbo for us. They live very far from Hobart out in the country in a lovely outlying area and a have a beautiful home with some gorgeous views and two small cabins for paying guests. Sort of like a B & B but not really. The guests just rent the cabins and are responsible for their own food, linens and such. We met their neighbors Graham and Rosa - a most delightful couple. I thought I recognized him as an actor or such as he was very personable and had a lot of great stories. Ken wasn't feeling very well - some sort of flu with a fever and cough - so he made himself scarce but alluded to the fact that Graham was pretty well off financially but was sort of a hippie. I don't really think he had a job so I don't know where his money comes from - maybe family money. I think they have some sheep but that certainly wouldn't pay for their lavish lifestyle and the home they live in.
At any rate, we had hor'deurves - fresh stuffed mushrooms and blackened chicken legs. Then Bob's gumbo (with the $25 a pound okra), salad, bread and butter plus Maggie brought my favorite - Pavlova for dessert. It was a great meal and even better company. But it was a long, long day and a long ride home. We saw another echidna on the way home along with some other forms of wildlife - deer, possum and small things that ran faster than I could determine what they were. I told you we were WAY out in the country. Helen and Graham both claimed to have kangaroos that ate their gardens but I never did see one of them in the wild. We were both tired and slept pretty well except for Wil's moaning - he's developed a sore throat and can't breathe when laying down. Maybe Alf will have some more magic medicine for him. He's given him something called Guana Cream - a topical cream to allieve arthritis pain. Wil put it on his knees and he says the pain goes away for the whole day. Alf went out and bought him two large tubes to take home with him while we were gone today. It's good stuff and not available in the USA!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
A little cloudy and overcast; 40 degrees. Up at 6:30 for a shower, breakfast of corn flakes, etc. Left around 8:15 with Maggie today to pick up Bob Carlos, half of our ambassadors from the Albuquerque club. His wife Barbara went with another couple as their hosts couldn't attend today's festivities and we had an extra seat in the car. Bob, who reminds us all of Mr. Rogers, is a retired rocket scientist - a bit on the absent-minded professor type - but constantly asking questions wherever and whenever. A little distracting but this morning in the car he is mute - possibly missing Barbara as she seems to keep him grounded and in order.
At any rate, our first stop is the Apple Museum where we were greeted by an American guy giving us the history of the Huon Valley Apple Orchards. Unfortunately I don't have his name but he reminded me of a young Jeff Goldblum, both in the way he looked and his humorous demeanor. He was most charming and entertaining telling us how he met his wife thru an accidental email he sent. Seems he left off a comma or period or something in the person's email address he was trying to get and the message came to this young lady in the Huon Valley. They started a correspondence on that mistake and 11 months later he came to visit her in Tasmania. Long story short, they married and lived happily ever after running the Apple Museum and Gift Shop and raising kids. He was a trip and very glad to have a bunch of Americans to give his schpiel to. Their gift shop was extremely well stocked, prices were very reasonable and we purchased several items. We also took a lot of pictures and I have most of his apple cutting demostration on tape. Bob had lots of questions for him and then when it was time to move on to the next location, we couldn't find him - he just disappeared. Maggie sent Wil and I to look for him and when we couldn't find him, we came back to the car and there he was. Weird.
The next stop was the Mushroom Factory. This also was a most enlightening and interesting tour. They grow all kinds of mushrooms way out here in the country including shitake, coral, oyster and lots of unusual ones for the Oriental trade. They also produce button and brown mushrooms - those are the ones we're most familiar with. We divided up into two groups (Bob off with Barbara on the other one of course) and ours headed off with the foreman of the exotic mushroom farm. He was a bit apprehensive having to talk to all of us Yankees; he was a sturdy farm-stock fellow, very soft spoken. Once he got over his initial shyness and saw that we were really interested in what he had to say, he opened up some and really knew his business. Which, I'm supposing is why he's the foreman. I don't really remember what all he told us but I was fascinated by how the mushrooms are grown. They seed these small compressed blocks with mushrooms spores, keep them at a certain level of temperature and dampness until they "bloom". They they cut off the developed mushrooms, put the blocks back on the racks until they "bloom" again and start all over. They can do this multiple times before the blocks are no longer useful. Even then, they sterilize the blocks and use them over again as compost. He showed us some really unusual mushrooms - red, green, pink - all of them destined for the Orient. I asked what they tasted like and I think he was afraid to admit that he doesn't eat mushrooms. Which we all thought was really funny! He did say though that his wife was Oriental and she says they are delicious and uses them in a lot of her cooking. He just picks them out. Once again, I took a lot of pictures.
We then switched places with the other group and went with the Button Mushroom foreman - I should say forewoman - Jenna. She was delightful and most outgoing - a complete contrast with the other foreman. She told us all about how they grow the button mushrooms and the composting they employ to grow them in. We went thru that part of the facility and actually watched some of the "pickers" cutting the mushrooms off the blocks and packing them. They sure looked good. They are in big warehouse style buildings on scaffolding and so the pickers have to go up and down ladders all day for the ones on the top rows or bend over practically on their heads to get to the ones on the bottom. Very interesting. Jenna was interested in coming to visit America so I gave her one of my cards and told her to look us up if she wanted to see Louisiana.
Next stop was the Apple Carver Museum and Gardens. This place was sort of indescribable: sort of like a Tinkertown in Tasmania. This 85 year old man and his 84 year old wife have built these miniature towns in their backyard complete with people and sound effects. They've even made up stories about some of them and sell the stories on the side. They also have some full scale models of nursery rhymes and American Indians and native Tasmania people and various other things thru out their property. The place is open to the public for the cost of a donation and you can wander about as long as you like. When they found out we were from America, he invited us into their house to meet his wife who doesn't get around very well anymore. She mostly sits in the dining room which has a big picture window and overlooks quite a bit of the gardens so she can kind of keep an eye on things from there. The house was a pretty big rambling place with dolls of all sorts everywhere. She carves apple head dolls and also has a collection of those Dicken's wall heads. A delightful couple who truly seem to enjoy watching people enjoy their creations. Everyone - even the Tasmanians - was duly impressed.
We then went to Huonville for lunch at a place called Banjo's - a local deli-style franchise. Wil exchanged more money in the bank there while I purchased a lunch of sandwichs, meat pies and sausage rolls. Quite tasty and the baguettes were exceptional. We kept losing Bob as he was trying to find Barbara - not an easy feat even though this town wasn't very big. So he settled for lunch with us and then lo and behold he spotted her so he took off to have lunch with her. It seems their hosts had sent along a picnic for them and I guess he didn't want to buy lunch if he didn't have to.
We walked along the waterfront and saw the old gum tree carvings. The trees have passed their usefulness so they have been cut down and carved into some really unusual artwork. Quite nicely done and I have more photos to prove it.
Now we're off to the Hartz Mountain Winery. It's quite a ways on a windey road but we finally find it. The wine is good but a little expensive for those of us not big drinkers. However, they do have mead and we buy 3 tiny casks of it for the boys for Christmas. They seemed to really like it at Medieval Times in Orlando. The scenery would be beautiful here on the top of this mountain surrounded by vineyards if it weren't for the chill in the air and the clouds that are following us all day and dripping on us. Instead we have to settle for the various birds in residence: several peacocks and peahens and a talking cockatiel. I knew there must be some connection to the Hartz Mountain label of pet supplies here in the US but can't figure it out.
We left the winery and proceeded down the mountain on another windey narrow road to the Grandvewe Cheesery for cheese tasting. Their cheese, yogurt and ice cream are all made from sheep milk. I didn't try any but Wil seemed to like it, I think. After the tasting we went to their milking room and watched them milk the sheep. As soon as the sheep are finished milking, they get down off the platform and seemingly go to the end of the line to be milked again. It was very strange and funny to watch. We each held a lamb and had photos taken and talked with the owners - an extremely friendly family who ran the place. I made friends with the big, wet dog who followed me around the farm begging for part of the cookie in my pocket. I finally gave in and fed it to him - big mistake - he's now my friend for life! I really think I could go back there anytime, and he would let me in.
We left then and on the way home, we got Bob to open up and talk. This after Maggie bet me I couldn't get him to say anything. It seems that he and Barbara have a highly functioning but autistic son back in New Mexico who lives in his own apartment but has a personal assistant help him with life. It sounds as if he Asperger's Syndrome. Actually I think that's Bob's problem also and once he started talking we couldn't get him to shut up. It was actually very interesting but he talked all the way back to town where we stopped at the grocery store for a few items. By this time it was pouring rain and Maggie suggested that I go in with her. I was fascinated and took a few pictures for comparison. The cute young checkout man thought I was crazy until he found out that I was an American - he thought we are all crazy! I ended up giving him a LA quarter and he went off duty laughing. I told him he would have a good story to tell his friends.
We came home after dropping Bob off, quiet once again, and had a lovely dinner of prawn salad, sweet and sour chicken, mashed potatoes and brocolli, beer and wine to drink. Lovely conversation also. Wil showed our pictures on the computer while we ate ice cream. Now Maggie's off to the casino down the road to play in a blackjack tournament. I don't know how she'll stay awake but that's not my problem. We wish her well and fall into bed!
At any rate, our first stop is the Apple Museum where we were greeted by an American guy giving us the history of the Huon Valley Apple Orchards. Unfortunately I don't have his name but he reminded me of a young Jeff Goldblum, both in the way he looked and his humorous demeanor. He was most charming and entertaining telling us how he met his wife thru an accidental email he sent. Seems he left off a comma or period or something in the person's email address he was trying to get and the message came to this young lady in the Huon Valley. They started a correspondence on that mistake and 11 months later he came to visit her in Tasmania. Long story short, they married and lived happily ever after running the Apple Museum and Gift Shop and raising kids. He was a trip and very glad to have a bunch of Americans to give his schpiel to. Their gift shop was extremely well stocked, prices were very reasonable and we purchased several items. We also took a lot of pictures and I have most of his apple cutting demostration on tape. Bob had lots of questions for him and then when it was time to move on to the next location, we couldn't find him - he just disappeared. Maggie sent Wil and I to look for him and when we couldn't find him, we came back to the car and there he was. Weird.
The next stop was the Mushroom Factory. This also was a most enlightening and interesting tour. They grow all kinds of mushrooms way out here in the country including shitake, coral, oyster and lots of unusual ones for the Oriental trade. They also produce button and brown mushrooms - those are the ones we're most familiar with. We divided up into two groups (Bob off with Barbara on the other one of course) and ours headed off with the foreman of the exotic mushroom farm. He was a bit apprehensive having to talk to all of us Yankees; he was a sturdy farm-stock fellow, very soft spoken. Once he got over his initial shyness and saw that we were really interested in what he had to say, he opened up some and really knew his business. Which, I'm supposing is why he's the foreman. I don't really remember what all he told us but I was fascinated by how the mushrooms are grown. They seed these small compressed blocks with mushrooms spores, keep them at a certain level of temperature and dampness until they "bloom". They they cut off the developed mushrooms, put the blocks back on the racks until they "bloom" again and start all over. They can do this multiple times before the blocks are no longer useful. Even then, they sterilize the blocks and use them over again as compost. He showed us some really unusual mushrooms - red, green, pink - all of them destined for the Orient. I asked what they tasted like and I think he was afraid to admit that he doesn't eat mushrooms. Which we all thought was really funny! He did say though that his wife was Oriental and she says they are delicious and uses them in a lot of her cooking. He just picks them out. Once again, I took a lot of pictures.
We then switched places with the other group and went with the Button Mushroom foreman - I should say forewoman - Jenna. She was delightful and most outgoing - a complete contrast with the other foreman. She told us all about how they grow the button mushrooms and the composting they employ to grow them in. We went thru that part of the facility and actually watched some of the "pickers" cutting the mushrooms off the blocks and packing them. They sure looked good. They are in big warehouse style buildings on scaffolding and so the pickers have to go up and down ladders all day for the ones on the top rows or bend over practically on their heads to get to the ones on the bottom. Very interesting. Jenna was interested in coming to visit America so I gave her one of my cards and told her to look us up if she wanted to see Louisiana.
Next stop was the Apple Carver Museum and Gardens. This place was sort of indescribable: sort of like a Tinkertown in Tasmania. This 85 year old man and his 84 year old wife have built these miniature towns in their backyard complete with people and sound effects. They've even made up stories about some of them and sell the stories on the side. They also have some full scale models of nursery rhymes and American Indians and native Tasmania people and various other things thru out their property. The place is open to the public for the cost of a donation and you can wander about as long as you like. When they found out we were from America, he invited us into their house to meet his wife who doesn't get around very well anymore. She mostly sits in the dining room which has a big picture window and overlooks quite a bit of the gardens so she can kind of keep an eye on things from there. The house was a pretty big rambling place with dolls of all sorts everywhere. She carves apple head dolls and also has a collection of those Dicken's wall heads. A delightful couple who truly seem to enjoy watching people enjoy their creations. Everyone - even the Tasmanians - was duly impressed.
We then went to Huonville for lunch at a place called Banjo's - a local deli-style franchise. Wil exchanged more money in the bank there while I purchased a lunch of sandwichs, meat pies and sausage rolls. Quite tasty and the baguettes were exceptional. We kept losing Bob as he was trying to find Barbara - not an easy feat even though this town wasn't very big. So he settled for lunch with us and then lo and behold he spotted her so he took off to have lunch with her. It seems their hosts had sent along a picnic for them and I guess he didn't want to buy lunch if he didn't have to.
We walked along the waterfront and saw the old gum tree carvings. The trees have passed their usefulness so they have been cut down and carved into some really unusual artwork. Quite nicely done and I have more photos to prove it.
Now we're off to the Hartz Mountain Winery. It's quite a ways on a windey road but we finally find it. The wine is good but a little expensive for those of us not big drinkers. However, they do have mead and we buy 3 tiny casks of it for the boys for Christmas. They seemed to really like it at Medieval Times in Orlando. The scenery would be beautiful here on the top of this mountain surrounded by vineyards if it weren't for the chill in the air and the clouds that are following us all day and dripping on us. Instead we have to settle for the various birds in residence: several peacocks and peahens and a talking cockatiel. I knew there must be some connection to the Hartz Mountain label of pet supplies here in the US but can't figure it out.
We left the winery and proceeded down the mountain on another windey narrow road to the Grandvewe Cheesery for cheese tasting. Their cheese, yogurt and ice cream are all made from sheep milk. I didn't try any but Wil seemed to like it, I think. After the tasting we went to their milking room and watched them milk the sheep. As soon as the sheep are finished milking, they get down off the platform and seemingly go to the end of the line to be milked again. It was very strange and funny to watch. We each held a lamb and had photos taken and talked with the owners - an extremely friendly family who ran the place. I made friends with the big, wet dog who followed me around the farm begging for part of the cookie in my pocket. I finally gave in and fed it to him - big mistake - he's now my friend for life! I really think I could go back there anytime, and he would let me in.
We left then and on the way home, we got Bob to open up and talk. This after Maggie bet me I couldn't get him to say anything. It seems that he and Barbara have a highly functioning but autistic son back in New Mexico who lives in his own apartment but has a personal assistant help him with life. It sounds as if he Asperger's Syndrome. Actually I think that's Bob's problem also and once he started talking we couldn't get him to shut up. It was actually very interesting but he talked all the way back to town where we stopped at the grocery store for a few items. By this time it was pouring rain and Maggie suggested that I go in with her. I was fascinated and took a few pictures for comparison. The cute young checkout man thought I was crazy until he found out that I was an American - he thought we are all crazy! I ended up giving him a LA quarter and he went off duty laughing. I told him he would have a good story to tell his friends.
We came home after dropping Bob off, quiet once again, and had a lovely dinner of prawn salad, sweet and sour chicken, mashed potatoes and brocolli, beer and wine to drink. Lovely conversation also. Wil showed our pictures on the computer while we ate ice cream. Now Maggie's off to the casino down the road to play in a blackjack tournament. I don't know how she'll stay awake but that's not my problem. We wish her well and fall into bed!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Monday, October 30, 2006
Another leisurely morning in Hobart, 40 degrees and cloudy, with more corn flakes and coffee for breakfast. I wrote all 20 postcards I bought at the market in one sitting. It was certainly a good idea for those pre-addressed labels. We were then off with Alf to petrol. He goes to a local gas station that looks like something out of my childhood (or a retro commercial) and they still pump it for you. Had a nice chat with the lad that works there. I think Alf may have taught him and his brothers also. It seems they are stunt drivers and pilots in their spare time. I gave him one of my homemade voodoo dolls to ward off the evil spirits. I'm not sure he knew what it was. Petrol cost $58.00 for Alf's little Toyota. It's something like $1.73 a liter - quite expensive.
On to the News Agent to buy stamps and mail postcards. It cost $1Australian each. And I'll need to buy more in Sydney and New Zealand. But I love going into these little stores. They sell a wide variety of items in such a small space - newspapers, stamps, food items, souvenirs. They're quaint little places and full of information also.
We got lost on the way to the first venue but happened to pass by Errol Flynn's old high school. Alf is a verible encyclopedia of information. Also passed by the Cadbury chocolate factory but we won't be visiting - darn! (I think it's one of these places they try to avoid - too much of a tourist thing - everyone goes there!) We finally found the Aurora House - a rehab school and work station for disabled people. They run a tea room and catering service and sell all sorts of crafts. It was an amazing eyeopener. They made me cry and I gave them ten Red Stick pencils and a "threads of friendship" spool (this perhaps to copy and sell in their shop). They were very appreciative. The woman who started the place was our guide and hostess. She has two developmentally disabled adult children and realized there wasn't much for them after their formal public schooling which ends for most of them around the age of 18. So she started this Aurora House where they can come and make crafts or learn to cook or wait tables in their tea room. She has won many prestigious awards for her work including the Queen's highest honor. She was very nice. After touring the "factory" (where I was in 7th Heaven with all the crafting going on) we walked down the street to their Tea Room housed in an old historic church. The waiters were all dressed in white shirts and black pants and seemed a little nervous but anxious to please. They seated us and we took over the whole restaurant. They brought out mugs of soup, then sandwiches and quiche followed by tea and scones. It was very good and all made by the "clients" with the help of a few teachers. I purchased some notecards and traditional Tasmanian cookies to help support their efforts. We came away from this place with a full stomach and a full heart!
When we left there, Alf took us to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Quite a place - very large. It's spring here so lots of flowers are in bloom and everything was so green and beautiful. They have many "habitats" including a cactus shed, a fern room, a Japanese garden and an Antarctic Garden (which was freezing cold!!!) to name a few. We enjoyed walking around as the weather was quite pleasant. One of Maggie and Alf's daughters worked here for many years and subsequently was married in these gardens. It must have been beautiful!
We came home for a short rest and then the changing of the clothes to attend a reception and welcome with the Lord Mayor of Hobart, Rob Valentine. He is a quite affable fellow, average in height, weight and appearance but with a winning smile and personality. Alf says he only appears in public dressed all in black and it was certainly so this evening as he was wearing black pants, shirt, jacket and tie. He didn't look evil though, just smartly appointed. They say he does appear frequently in his "official" garb which would include black robes and a white wig. I guess since we were Americans, he didn't have to wear that. The reception was very well done. He greeted each of us individually upon arrival and then his staff started serving drinks - beer, wine, liquor or orange juice. I had an Australian beer with the Lord Mayor for Mark. The hor deurves started then - sushi, prawn crepes, spring rolls, quiche and several other items. He spoke and welcomed us to their wonderful city. Carole Corkern, our exchange director, presented hime with a proclamation from our own Mayor/President Kip Holden, a key to the city of Baton Rouge, a RedStick pencil and pins from both Baton Rouge and Louisiana along with an official Louisiana Mud Painting. He then introduced some of the Aldermen in attendance who had doubled as waiters and waitresses, much to our surprise. We all chatted, eating and drinking some more and then someone asked to see the Grand Ballroom. We went up the elegant marble staircase under the largest crystal chandelier I've seen so far, passed some fantastic and historical artwork and into the GRAND BALLROOM! It was a huge room, almost like a gym, with large floor to ceiling windows and a beautiful wooden floor. Several chandeliers lit the interior. It had a raised stage at one end and a large pipe organ there. It reminded me, on a much larger scale of course, of the ballrooms most of the old plantations had with elaborate artwork, windows and chandeliers. Very nice and somewhat ornate.
When the reception was over, several couple went across the street to Muire's Seafood for fish and chips. It was very good also. Wil and I had the "blue eye tarrina", a fish Maggie recommended. Someone said it supposedly was only discovered about 12 years ago, deep in the ocean. It was very good. We had wonderful ice cream for dessert and then home - me to the bathroom and Wil to watch TV. I've still got the runs - Gess that's better than the other way around.
And oh yeah, Maggie didn't go on our adventure today and while we were gone, she did all our laundry. Here's some catch up things while I have the time and energy: Their house is located on a steep incline and everytime we go to and from somewhere, the car bottom would scrape on the curb. It never happens when it's just the two of them but you put us fat Americans in there and oh, my! Wil and I have to exit the car at the head of the driveway and walk the rest of the way home. I've only seen one fat Tasmanian and she was off in the distance so I don't know if she was truly Tasmanian. They are all fit as a fiddle but they certainly love to eat. It's very hilly here and you see people walking everywhere. That must be the reason they're so fit.
We had dinner as I've said on Sunday night at Horst and Dolores house. It was lovely. He is a German immigrant and architect by trade. Upon his retirement, he starting painting renditions of some of the buildings around here. I admired them as they are very well done and almost photographic quality - architecturally correct. Seems he has started selling them and we'll be bringing one home with us!
I thought I might have overpacked but so far I've used almost everything I've packed with the exception of the reading books and crafts. I had hoped to knit scarves for my next stop in Sydney (Pam, Faith and Gloria) while here but that may not happen. They keep you so busy there's not much time for anything else. And that's a good thing!
And with that, I'm off to dreamland after another wonderful day Down Under!
On to the News Agent to buy stamps and mail postcards. It cost $1Australian each. And I'll need to buy more in Sydney and New Zealand. But I love going into these little stores. They sell a wide variety of items in such a small space - newspapers, stamps, food items, souvenirs. They're quaint little places and full of information also.
We got lost on the way to the first venue but happened to pass by Errol Flynn's old high school. Alf is a verible encyclopedia of information. Also passed by the Cadbury chocolate factory but we won't be visiting - darn! (I think it's one of these places they try to avoid - too much of a tourist thing - everyone goes there!) We finally found the Aurora House - a rehab school and work station for disabled people. They run a tea room and catering service and sell all sorts of crafts. It was an amazing eyeopener. They made me cry and I gave them ten Red Stick pencils and a "threads of friendship" spool (this perhaps to copy and sell in their shop). They were very appreciative. The woman who started the place was our guide and hostess. She has two developmentally disabled adult children and realized there wasn't much for them after their formal public schooling which ends for most of them around the age of 18. So she started this Aurora House where they can come and make crafts or learn to cook or wait tables in their tea room. She has won many prestigious awards for her work including the Queen's highest honor. She was very nice. After touring the "factory" (where I was in 7th Heaven with all the crafting going on) we walked down the street to their Tea Room housed in an old historic church. The waiters were all dressed in white shirts and black pants and seemed a little nervous but anxious to please. They seated us and we took over the whole restaurant. They brought out mugs of soup, then sandwiches and quiche followed by tea and scones. It was very good and all made by the "clients" with the help of a few teachers. I purchased some notecards and traditional Tasmanian cookies to help support their efforts. We came away from this place with a full stomach and a full heart!
When we left there, Alf took us to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Quite a place - very large. It's spring here so lots of flowers are in bloom and everything was so green and beautiful. They have many "habitats" including a cactus shed, a fern room, a Japanese garden and an Antarctic Garden (which was freezing cold!!!) to name a few. We enjoyed walking around as the weather was quite pleasant. One of Maggie and Alf's daughters worked here for many years and subsequently was married in these gardens. It must have been beautiful!
We came home for a short rest and then the changing of the clothes to attend a reception and welcome with the Lord Mayor of Hobart, Rob Valentine. He is a quite affable fellow, average in height, weight and appearance but with a winning smile and personality. Alf says he only appears in public dressed all in black and it was certainly so this evening as he was wearing black pants, shirt, jacket and tie. He didn't look evil though, just smartly appointed. They say he does appear frequently in his "official" garb which would include black robes and a white wig. I guess since we were Americans, he didn't have to wear that. The reception was very well done. He greeted each of us individually upon arrival and then his staff started serving drinks - beer, wine, liquor or orange juice. I had an Australian beer with the Lord Mayor for Mark. The hor deurves started then - sushi, prawn crepes, spring rolls, quiche and several other items. He spoke and welcomed us to their wonderful city. Carole Corkern, our exchange director, presented hime with a proclamation from our own Mayor/President Kip Holden, a key to the city of Baton Rouge, a RedStick pencil and pins from both Baton Rouge and Louisiana along with an official Louisiana Mud Painting. He then introduced some of the Aldermen in attendance who had doubled as waiters and waitresses, much to our surprise. We all chatted, eating and drinking some more and then someone asked to see the Grand Ballroom. We went up the elegant marble staircase under the largest crystal chandelier I've seen so far, passed some fantastic and historical artwork and into the GRAND BALLROOM! It was a huge room, almost like a gym, with large floor to ceiling windows and a beautiful wooden floor. Several chandeliers lit the interior. It had a raised stage at one end and a large pipe organ there. It reminded me, on a much larger scale of course, of the ballrooms most of the old plantations had with elaborate artwork, windows and chandeliers. Very nice and somewhat ornate.
When the reception was over, several couple went across the street to Muire's Seafood for fish and chips. It was very good also. Wil and I had the "blue eye tarrina", a fish Maggie recommended. Someone said it supposedly was only discovered about 12 years ago, deep in the ocean. It was very good. We had wonderful ice cream for dessert and then home - me to the bathroom and Wil to watch TV. I've still got the runs - Gess that's better than the other way around.
And oh yeah, Maggie didn't go on our adventure today and while we were gone, she did all our laundry. Here's some catch up things while I have the time and energy: Their house is located on a steep incline and everytime we go to and from somewhere, the car bottom would scrape on the curb. It never happens when it's just the two of them but you put us fat Americans in there and oh, my! Wil and I have to exit the car at the head of the driveway and walk the rest of the way home. I've only seen one fat Tasmanian and she was off in the distance so I don't know if she was truly Tasmanian. They are all fit as a fiddle but they certainly love to eat. It's very hilly here and you see people walking everywhere. That must be the reason they're so fit.
We had dinner as I've said on Sunday night at Horst and Dolores house. It was lovely. He is a German immigrant and architect by trade. Upon his retirement, he starting painting renditions of some of the buildings around here. I admired them as they are very well done and almost photographic quality - architecturally correct. Seems he has started selling them and we'll be bringing one home with us!
I thought I might have overpacked but so far I've used almost everything I've packed with the exception of the reading books and crafts. I had hoped to knit scarves for my next stop in Sydney (Pam, Faith and Gloria) while here but that may not happen. They keep you so busy there's not much time for anything else. And that's a good thing!
And with that, I'm off to dreamland after another wonderful day Down Under!
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Sunday, October 29, 2006
We had a fairly leisurely morning with a shower and breakfast of corn flakes before leaving at 9:15 for our tour of a working ecologically sound sheep farm in the interior. A beautiful ride thru the countryside (although it's still scary riding on the wrong side of the road - but I stand corrected - we're driving and riding on the "opposite" side of the road! Still scary no matter what you call it.) We passed thru some small, yet familiar towns, - Gretna for one - Bushy Park. Saw wine country and hop farms. Little known fact: Tasmania and this area we're passing thru in particular is the largest producer of hops in the world. So, beer drinkers and bar bettors: there's one for you. The fields have just been planted as it's spring here. It's a climbing plant and they grow up strings thru netting on the top. It would make a great arbor I would think. It's very strange looking though when the plants are new. And there are hop kilns all over, abandoned now, but they use to dry and store them there. They are hard to describe - two or three stories high, mostly round turret type buildings made of stone - they'd make a good mini-castle. I guess they have newer ways to do all this and now there are these really interesting buildings all over the place - some in disrepair and some being used in other ways, such as houses and Bed and Breakfasts. Very interesting.
We arrived at Cunnega Farms to a breakfast of coffee, tea, scones and bisquits - all homemade by the farmess and absolutely delicious. Our tour guide was the farmer Tim who happens to be the owner/operator of the place. (Aside, Alf tells us later that he taught Tim and his brother when he was an itinerant PE teacher here years ago.) He told us a little about the place before our driving tour. He has over 3000 sheep on 750 acres along with cabbage, barley, rye, oats, a few other crops and two bed and breakfast cottages. He runs the whole place with his wife and two children along with one domestic and one farmhand. Quite a good bit of work. He's a young man, probably in his mid-30's, with a strong sturdy build, fair complected with a short, flat haircut and an easy manner of talking. You can tell he likes what he does but if I'd met him in the city, I'd say he worked for a firm of some sort.
We loaded up in the least amount of cars and he led us caravan style onto the property where we immediately saw an echidna digging along the side of the road. He stopped all the cars while we all piled out and looked at it - quite an interesting and supposedly rare animal. They have quills like a porcupine and a soft underbelly, with webbed feet and a long snout. They lay eggs (reptilian), nurse their young (mammalian) and have a pouch (marsupian). He said they are very rare here in Tasmania and he hardly ever sees one. She-It was digging along a fence post, I'm guessing for cover. It was pretty weird looking and we moved on.
Tim took us on to an overlook of the property where he explained the ecology of the region and what their goals are for the farm. The weather patterns here are shifting; the rains they used to get in the winter are now coming in the summer and they are in a drought condition with no end in sight. Some of the huge eucalyptus trees on the property are dying due to the loss of water and this compacts things more as there is less shade, more drying out of the soil, etc. He grows some of his crops for seed and some of the farmers in the area grow poppies for the pharmaceutical companies. He hopes to be able to sustain his family on the farm and pass it on to his children.
We then went to the lake on the property which is their supply of fresh water - unfiltered- piped directly from the lake to the house. It was a beautiful serene spot with that clear, blue, cold water lake in the foreground and the green hills and mountains in the background. A true postcard scene. Everyone took lots of pictures.
Loading up again, we headed back to the barn where Tim sheered a sheep for us - a Merino - those of you into crafts will recognize that name. When he was done, which didn't take long, I might add, he picked the pelt up and threw it up on the weighing and sorting station - all in one piece! It was pretty amazing and he claimed he wasn't any good at it. During the sheering season, he told us they hire shearers who come to the farm and do all 3000 sheep at once. Years past, they would come and set up camp either in the barn or on the grounds and stay until they were done, travelling from one farm to another to make their living. And he says, they make a fine living at it. Now, they mostly just go back home after a day's work to their wife and kids.
He had us feel the differences in the wools he produces - the wool feels very different from feed sheep than that of the Merinos and the ones that cross. He can sell all of it but at very different prices!
We moved on after that to a demonstration of his sheep herding dog - amazing. He let a flock of sheep out of one pen - probably about 75 of them and then told the dog where he wanted them. It didn't take the dog long to gather them all up and into the area he indicated. Tim said that the dog takes the place of 10 men in his herding abilities. It was amazing and I got a lot of the farm and the whole sheep sheering and herding demonstations on video. Now, if I could only figure out how to link them up to this. . . . . .
Our tour being over, we loaded up the cars and went to the Tall Trees National Park for a lovely "Sausage Sizzle" lunch consisting of those wonderful sausages, salads and drinks. We took several photos of the whole group - all of us - and after lunch we went for a short walk to Russell Falls. The scenery was spectacular like walking thru a primordial rain forest - Disney-esque. The trees were unusually tall - I have a picture of Wil with them in the background for comparison - and I'm guessing they were eucalyptus trees but I don't really know for sure. The waterfall was lovely and once again, took many more pictures with it in the background. Maggie and I decided to go back while Wil and Alf went on up the trail to look over the falls. We saw a roadrunner on the way back to the car. Didn't know they lived here. Wil was amazed that he couldn't keep up with Alf as Alf is 74 years old. But he's been walking as a hobby for most of his life and his knees are not like Wil's. Still Wil was in awe of him.
We stopped at a Last Resort sale on the way home. Maggie says they have them here all the time and it's the last resort trying to sell this stuff before shipping it off to Antartica. No one bought anything but me and I bought a $5 bra after asking lots of heavy set women what size they buy - it seems they are sized differently here. (But in retrospect, I wish I'd bought 5 more of them - it's the most comfortable bra I've had in a long time!)
We got home in time enough for Maggie to fix a dessert and off to dinner at Dolores and Horst's house. Several non Friendship Force couples were there and it was an interesting group. I met a climatologist who teaches at the U of Tasmania and another couple from there along with a few of the Friendship Force people. I think it's a good idea to have these dinner parties with others who aren't hosting and to invite prospective members to see what it's all about. It was a very interesting evening with good food and conversation but I have Montezuma's Revenge. So home for a couple of trips to the bathroom before a good night's sleep. I go from one extreme to the other.
And now, I'm counting sheep separating the Merinos from the non, as I nod off to sleep. . . z.z.z.z.
We arrived at Cunnega Farms to a breakfast of coffee, tea, scones and bisquits - all homemade by the farmess and absolutely delicious. Our tour guide was the farmer Tim who happens to be the owner/operator of the place. (Aside, Alf tells us later that he taught Tim and his brother when he was an itinerant PE teacher here years ago.) He told us a little about the place before our driving tour. He has over 3000 sheep on 750 acres along with cabbage, barley, rye, oats, a few other crops and two bed and breakfast cottages. He runs the whole place with his wife and two children along with one domestic and one farmhand. Quite a good bit of work. He's a young man, probably in his mid-30's, with a strong sturdy build, fair complected with a short, flat haircut and an easy manner of talking. You can tell he likes what he does but if I'd met him in the city, I'd say he worked for a firm of some sort.
We loaded up in the least amount of cars and he led us caravan style onto the property where we immediately saw an echidna digging along the side of the road. He stopped all the cars while we all piled out and looked at it - quite an interesting and supposedly rare animal. They have quills like a porcupine and a soft underbelly, with webbed feet and a long snout. They lay eggs (reptilian), nurse their young (mammalian) and have a pouch (marsupian). He said they are very rare here in Tasmania and he hardly ever sees one. She-It was digging along a fence post, I'm guessing for cover. It was pretty weird looking and we moved on.
Tim took us on to an overlook of the property where he explained the ecology of the region and what their goals are for the farm. The weather patterns here are shifting; the rains they used to get in the winter are now coming in the summer and they are in a drought condition with no end in sight. Some of the huge eucalyptus trees on the property are dying due to the loss of water and this compacts things more as there is less shade, more drying out of the soil, etc. He grows some of his crops for seed and some of the farmers in the area grow poppies for the pharmaceutical companies. He hopes to be able to sustain his family on the farm and pass it on to his children.
We then went to the lake on the property which is their supply of fresh water - unfiltered- piped directly from the lake to the house. It was a beautiful serene spot with that clear, blue, cold water lake in the foreground and the green hills and mountains in the background. A true postcard scene. Everyone took lots of pictures.
Loading up again, we headed back to the barn where Tim sheered a sheep for us - a Merino - those of you into crafts will recognize that name. When he was done, which didn't take long, I might add, he picked the pelt up and threw it up on the weighing and sorting station - all in one piece! It was pretty amazing and he claimed he wasn't any good at it. During the sheering season, he told us they hire shearers who come to the farm and do all 3000 sheep at once. Years past, they would come and set up camp either in the barn or on the grounds and stay until they were done, travelling from one farm to another to make their living. And he says, they make a fine living at it. Now, they mostly just go back home after a day's work to their wife and kids.
He had us feel the differences in the wools he produces - the wool feels very different from feed sheep than that of the Merinos and the ones that cross. He can sell all of it but at very different prices!
We moved on after that to a demonstration of his sheep herding dog - amazing. He let a flock of sheep out of one pen - probably about 75 of them and then told the dog where he wanted them. It didn't take the dog long to gather them all up and into the area he indicated. Tim said that the dog takes the place of 10 men in his herding abilities. It was amazing and I got a lot of the farm and the whole sheep sheering and herding demonstations on video. Now, if I could only figure out how to link them up to this. . . . . .
Our tour being over, we loaded up the cars and went to the Tall Trees National Park for a lovely "Sausage Sizzle" lunch consisting of those wonderful sausages, salads and drinks. We took several photos of the whole group - all of us - and after lunch we went for a short walk to Russell Falls. The scenery was spectacular like walking thru a primordial rain forest - Disney-esque. The trees were unusually tall - I have a picture of Wil with them in the background for comparison - and I'm guessing they were eucalyptus trees but I don't really know for sure. The waterfall was lovely and once again, took many more pictures with it in the background. Maggie and I decided to go back while Wil and Alf went on up the trail to look over the falls. We saw a roadrunner on the way back to the car. Didn't know they lived here. Wil was amazed that he couldn't keep up with Alf as Alf is 74 years old. But he's been walking as a hobby for most of his life and his knees are not like Wil's. Still Wil was in awe of him.
We stopped at a Last Resort sale on the way home. Maggie says they have them here all the time and it's the last resort trying to sell this stuff before shipping it off to Antartica. No one bought anything but me and I bought a $5 bra after asking lots of heavy set women what size they buy - it seems they are sized differently here. (But in retrospect, I wish I'd bought 5 more of them - it's the most comfortable bra I've had in a long time!)
We got home in time enough for Maggie to fix a dessert and off to dinner at Dolores and Horst's house. Several non Friendship Force couples were there and it was an interesting group. I met a climatologist who teaches at the U of Tasmania and another couple from there along with a few of the Friendship Force people. I think it's a good idea to have these dinner parties with others who aren't hosting and to invite prospective members to see what it's all about. It was a very interesting evening with good food and conversation but I have Montezuma's Revenge. So home for a couple of trips to the bathroom before a good night's sleep. I go from one extreme to the other.
And now, I'm counting sheep separating the Merinos from the non, as I nod off to sleep. . . z.z.z.z.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
The bed was soooo comfortable with an electric blanket under the sheet and down comforter on top. I slept like a baby from about 7:30 last night until 7 this morning. I layed in bed and listened to the wind howling and the surf pounding against the rocks and the rain hitting the windows, trying to figure out where I was and wondering if I was really in Tasmania and what time zone am I in and where in the heck did that day go that we lost????? It sounds cold and is cool in here but toasty in the bed. Couldn't sleep any longer so got up and started to quietly get ready for the day. The shower was new and felt good - nice and warm! I returned to the bedroom where I rearranged my suitcase getting thank you gifts ready to give. I got dressed while Wil showered and Maggie and Alf started stirring. We had a nice leisurely breakfast of corn flaskes, strawberries, juice and coffee. We exchanged gifts. They got a Louisiana mud painting, crawfish napkins, Mardi Gras mask, coasters, coins and a voodoo doll from us (mostly all handmade by me items). We got a beautiful calendar, a "Penguin Crossing" sign, a silk scarf and a hand-needled pincushion. We talked more - they are quite personable and most interesting - and then started in on our first day of touring. First stop - Salamanca Market - sort of like our own French Market in New Orleans. It's in the downtown area, the original market site, with crafters, food vendors, artists, musicians of all sorts in a park area near the waterfront. We made a few purchases (some Tasmania wooden spoons, postcards, local lotions and potions) and could've made many more, but I tried to restrain myself. I was impressed with the food vendors and the things they had displayed. It looked like a magazine ad for the most healthy food you could find. Maggie explained that some of the Hmong people immigrated here several years ago and they were very well received, especially their fruits and vegetables and their farming methods. So they now recruit them to come live here and farm the land. I must say, I was tempted to buy a lot of the gorgeous fruits and vegetables I saw. And also some of the most unusual flowers I've ever seen. Once again, I took many pictures!
I gave out more business cards and Red Stick pencils as people found out where we were from. They are all so friendly and for the most part, they just love to talk to you. The weather was changeable - snow on Mt. Wellington in the distance, rain, sleet, wind, sun - you name it. We were bundled up and unbundled according to the weather of the moment. We had bratwurst and jacket potatoes for a quick lunch in the park on the benches before meeting with the rest of the group for an historical tour of Hobart.We met on the steps of the museum and learned the history of the town from Barry, a member of the Hobart Friendship Force. He was very knowledgeable and interesting. We toured the Hobart Museum which was filled with all sorts of interesting flora, fauna, dinosaurs, fossils, gems, rocks and artwork both historical and new. All for free!!!! It was great and I took a good many pictures.
Wil talked to his Mom this morning also. She is still in the hospital but doing fine after her surgical procedure. She expects to be released today or tomorrow and Wil is supposed to call Monday/Tuesday to check on her again.
Back "home" now for a rest before gathering for a dinner/welcome party tonight. Wil "helped" Maggie on the computer. I think he was able to teach her some new tricks and possibly make her computer run a little faster. I'm not sure as that's not part of my expertise. But she thanked him profusely so I guess he was able to help her.
We drove up the mountain to a welcome dinner held at Veronica's house and hosted by the whole Friendship Force Hobart group. She is one of the ED's and has been diagnosed with cancer. She is currently in treatment but has a lot of spunk and energy and isn't letting this get her down. It's a wonderful home located topside of the mountain with a gorgeous overview of the city. Reminded me of being on Sandia Crest in Albuquerque - it was a very clear, cool night and all the lights of the city below were twinkling. I kept drifting to the sunroom and looking out the windows on the scene below. It's just beautiful here. I did meet some wonderful people who are in the club but are not hosting including the only remaining member who came to Baton Rouge ten years old - Carol Davis was her name. We had a nice chat and she remembered Baton Rouge and our members with great fondness. We had a wonderful time with great food and even better desserts and converstaion. These people are all so nice. And fit! - even though they eat very well. I guess it's all the walking up and down hills and stairs day and night - I've seen few overweight people here anywhere!
We were home by 10 and in the toasty bed and asleep by 10:30 with visions of twinkling stars and happy people with intriguing accents in my head!
I gave out more business cards and Red Stick pencils as people found out where we were from. They are all so friendly and for the most part, they just love to talk to you. The weather was changeable - snow on Mt. Wellington in the distance, rain, sleet, wind, sun - you name it. We were bundled up and unbundled according to the weather of the moment. We had bratwurst and jacket potatoes for a quick lunch in the park on the benches before meeting with the rest of the group for an historical tour of Hobart.We met on the steps of the museum and learned the history of the town from Barry, a member of the Hobart Friendship Force. He was very knowledgeable and interesting. We toured the Hobart Museum which was filled with all sorts of interesting flora, fauna, dinosaurs, fossils, gems, rocks and artwork both historical and new. All for free!!!! It was great and I took a good many pictures.
Wil talked to his Mom this morning also. She is still in the hospital but doing fine after her surgical procedure. She expects to be released today or tomorrow and Wil is supposed to call Monday/Tuesday to check on her again.
Back "home" now for a rest before gathering for a dinner/welcome party tonight. Wil "helped" Maggie on the computer. I think he was able to teach her some new tricks and possibly make her computer run a little faster. I'm not sure as that's not part of my expertise. But she thanked him profusely so I guess he was able to help her.
We drove up the mountain to a welcome dinner held at Veronica's house and hosted by the whole Friendship Force Hobart group. She is one of the ED's and has been diagnosed with cancer. She is currently in treatment but has a lot of spunk and energy and isn't letting this get her down. It's a wonderful home located topside of the mountain with a gorgeous overview of the city. Reminded me of being on Sandia Crest in Albuquerque - it was a very clear, cool night and all the lights of the city below were twinkling. I kept drifting to the sunroom and looking out the windows on the scene below. It's just beautiful here. I did meet some wonderful people who are in the club but are not hosting including the only remaining member who came to Baton Rouge ten years old - Carol Davis was her name. We had a nice chat and she remembered Baton Rouge and our members with great fondness. We had a wonderful time with great food and even better desserts and converstaion. These people are all so nice. And fit! - even though they eat very well. I guess it's all the walking up and down hills and stairs day and night - I've seen few overweight people here anywhere!
We were home by 10 and in the toasty bed and asleep by 10:30 with visions of twinkling stars and happy people with intriguing accents in my head!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
October 27, 2006 Second half
After landing in Sydney at 6 a.m. (we were the first of the day), we gathered our luggage and made our way to customs - lots of people with bags in long, long lines. We filled out a form on the plane but since we had nothing to declare (except Wil's snack pack) it didn't take too long. We met up with everyone and got on the bus to our next terminal where we started the queue over again - this time for boarding passes to Hobart, Tasmania. Met a lovely couple in front of us - felt like old friends after standing in line so long - Margaret and Al (and we're going to be staying with one Maggie and Alf - coincidence????) They are from outside Sydney and on their way to Hobart to visit friends. Told us we should visit the Cadbury Chocolate factory - that would be high on my list of things to do. We finally cleared security - didn't have to remove my shoes this time but they searched Wil for "firearms" - guess with his beard he looks like a criminal or something - go figure. We made our way to the gate. Our new friends ended up sitting by Bob and Gayle in the front of the plane and once again, Wil and I are stuck in the rear. But at least this time there's only two of us in three seats and Wil is able to stretch his legs out. I'm having intestinal problems and I hope I get straightened out once we arrive. My first stop should be for a laxative. I slept some on the flight over and Wil slept a good bit now that he's not cramped in next to someone. We got off the plane at the rear using the stairs. Didn't know anyone still did that. I felt like a 50's movie star coming down the stairs and waving to my adoring fans! Lovely little airport in a lovely little town.
All the Friendship Force Hobart members were there to greet us including our Alf. He's a wonderful fella with a great shock of beautiful white hair. No Aussie accent for him as he hails from New York City. He was born in Germany and came thru Ellis Island as a two year old. Did a stint in the Army after Korea and met Maggie on a ship crossing the Atlantic. They were married on TV on a show called "Bride and Groom" back in the 50's at NBC. He brought us "home" for the week to 657 Sandy Bay Road. They live in a lovely brick split level home right on the water. You can sit in the yard or in their house and watch all sorts of seafaring objects go by. You can even see all the way across to another group of houses across the water, which by the way is the Durwent River but is very wide at this point and looks more like a lake or a bay - it even has a tidal flow. We had a lovely relaxing afternoon conversing and getting to know each other after a sumptious lunch of beef and barley soup and smoked salmon sandwiches. The weather was iffy - rain one minute and sun the next - and a beautiful rainbow appeared across the water. I took it as a omen of great things to come! Wil took a well deserved nap after failing to hook up the computer. Maggie joined the conversation as I was too excited to sleep. She is a 6th generation Tasmanian but has travelled the world living in several places including London, the USA and Papua New Guinea. They have two daughters and three grandchildren. One daughter lives on a large cattle farm and we were supposed to go there for a birthday party this evening. But due to several factors the party got cancelled. Maggie loves to gamble and I understand she does quilte well at blackjack. Good news - There's a casino right around the bend. Bad news - She admits she's addicted both to gambling and cigarettes. We had a great afternoon getting to know each other and they've made us feel so very welcome. We have a nicely appointed upstairs bedroom with a view and the newly remodeled bath is down one level. They've lived on the property since 1967 but this house is only 12 -15 years old. We had a few glasses of wine before dinner - spaghetti with meat sauce. We retired early and Wil is already asleep as I write this.
They have a dog named George - 15 years old - black mongrel of some sort - looks like "Trouble" for those of you who remember him. He's full of arthritis and has to sleep on a crib mattress. He's my new best friend cause I petted him to sleep, so I guess I can stay.
The wind is blowing hard and the temp is about 37 degrees with a light rain. We're supposed to go to an outdoor market and walking tour of the waterfront in town tomorrow. Hope the weather gets a little better by morning. But it's spring here so who knows? Nitey nite! What a wonderful first day in a beautiful new country!
All the Friendship Force Hobart members were there to greet us including our Alf. He's a wonderful fella with a great shock of beautiful white hair. No Aussie accent for him as he hails from New York City. He was born in Germany and came thru Ellis Island as a two year old. Did a stint in the Army after Korea and met Maggie on a ship crossing the Atlantic. They were married on TV on a show called "Bride and Groom" back in the 50's at NBC. He brought us "home" for the week to 657 Sandy Bay Road. They live in a lovely brick split level home right on the water. You can sit in the yard or in their house and watch all sorts of seafaring objects go by. You can even see all the way across to another group of houses across the water, which by the way is the Durwent River but is very wide at this point and looks more like a lake or a bay - it even has a tidal flow. We had a lovely relaxing afternoon conversing and getting to know each other after a sumptious lunch of beef and barley soup and smoked salmon sandwiches. The weather was iffy - rain one minute and sun the next - and a beautiful rainbow appeared across the water. I took it as a omen of great things to come! Wil took a well deserved nap after failing to hook up the computer. Maggie joined the conversation as I was too excited to sleep. She is a 6th generation Tasmanian but has travelled the world living in several places including London, the USA and Papua New Guinea. They have two daughters and three grandchildren. One daughter lives on a large cattle farm and we were supposed to go there for a birthday party this evening. But due to several factors the party got cancelled. Maggie loves to gamble and I understand she does quilte well at blackjack. Good news - There's a casino right around the bend. Bad news - She admits she's addicted both to gambling and cigarettes. We had a great afternoon getting to know each other and they've made us feel so very welcome. We have a nicely appointed upstairs bedroom with a view and the newly remodeled bath is down one level. They've lived on the property since 1967 but this house is only 12 -15 years old. We had a few glasses of wine before dinner - spaghetti with meat sauce. We retired early and Wil is already asleep as I write this.
They have a dog named George - 15 years old - black mongrel of some sort - looks like "Trouble" for those of you who remember him. He's full of arthritis and has to sleep on a crib mattress. He's my new best friend cause I petted him to sleep, so I guess I can stay.
The wind is blowing hard and the temp is about 37 degrees with a light rain. We're supposed to go to an outdoor market and walking tour of the waterfront in town tomorrow. Hope the weather gets a little better by morning. But it's spring here so who knows? Nitey nite! What a wonderful first day in a beautiful new country!
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