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Hello again! Back from the (cooler) south, up to warmer Queensland for 10 days!

Tassie was fantastic--reminded us a lot of BC with the temperature, mountains, hiking, and forested environment (albeit gum trees instead of big conifers!) However it is much more historic than BC and the Tasmanians have done a wonderful job of preserving and highlighting their heritage buildings and towns (c early 1800s). We spent the first 2 days on Bruny Island, just south of Hobart, hiking a little and enjoying a smaller island life, similar to the Gulf Islands off Vancouver.

Then a day in Hobart, around the harbour, staying in a lovely little historic cottage in North Hobart, before spending the next day at Richmond (well-preserved 1800 architecture) and then the afternoon at Port Arthur, the old penal colony. It was typical Tassie weather so I had to buy a rain jacket. After that it didn't rain at all!

After Port Arthur it was the famous Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay hike. We definitely felt like we were progressing on the training for Mount Kilamanjero for next year! Two nights at a lovely spot called Bicheno on the East Coast, right beside the ocean. Sharing a 1.8 kilo lobster for dinner with the cousins was a highlight there, followed by a spectacular sunset.

Next day on to Launceston briefly, then headed for the north-west coast of Tassie. After passing through Penguin (yes, we got a photos), we got out to Stanley, which is yet another seaside historic and picturesque village, and climbed "The Nut". Definitely recommended!

Then back towards Devonport and Launceston--which was booked out for our last night in town (like almost every other place we TRIED to stop in!) so we ended up driving about 45 minutes to another historic town, Deloraine, to a B & B overlooking the mountains. For our last day we drove a little further west and stopped at a Tassie devil reserve and a salmon farm on land before spending the afternoon at Cataract Gorge in Launceston itself. Another hike there finished us off for the trip!

After a day in Melbourne regrouping, unpacking, laundry & repacking, we flew up to the Sunshine Coast of Queensland for the next ten days. While my husband is off in the bush I fully intend to recharge my batteries, swim, read, and especially paint--which I haven't made time for since...well,...I can hardly remember when!

Didn't think I would be back in Buderim this trip but sure enough, first thing our friend went to this little old cottage to buy a huge hand of bananas for us. It's fantastic to have them right off the tree!

Less than 3 weeks til I return to Canada so I'll enjoy all my favourite Aussie things in the meanwhile. There was more snow in Vancouver so I'm quite content to be here & hope that by the time I get home on the first day of spring, it will truly be spring!!