Tasmania: Australia's Hidden Jewel

Tuesday 9th June

I can see Mount Wellington from my lounge, so it is safe to think that conditions in Hobart Town are fine.

10oc was the forecast for today. The rain seemed to have gone away for a while which is good.

My next article for my course will be about The Breakfast Culture in Hobart, focusing on the IXL complex to start off with. This seemed a good location, to start off in a complex which was possibly once the biggest Jam producing plant in Australia, possibly the world.

WATCH this space :)

Tasmania: Australia's Hidden Jewel

Well Tuesday 2nd was a beautiful day and I made my seemingly usual drive down to Franklin.[I have now submitted my first article for my Journalism course so hopefully Franklin will not need to see so much of me. Meaning to say I can drive straight through moving onto other small locations in the Huon Valley. I do have to stop there once more though as 2 places had merchandise for MS Awareness week and I will need to collect that.

These two shots will show you how calm and lovely it was by the Huon River in Franklin

Then came Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday of almost constant rain ! sigh !
We had visitors here from South Australia and I felt really bads for them. Still they will now be back having seen Tassie in rain they want to experience it in sun :) The rain did not stop them doing things. They went to the Tahune Airewalk and also Port Arther. A visit to the latter certainly made them realise how dreadful it must have been for the convicts who had to live down there in the 1800s.
We took the visitors to Salamanca markets Yes in the rain. First they filled up with one of Hobart's great breakfasts and then they went out and braved the weather to enjoy exploring and spending. They will be back.

Tasmania: Australia's Hidden Jewel

This time of the year, now that winter is officially here does mean temperatures get lower BUT the sun still shines. Where I live we now often experience the Bridgewater Jerry. Rathr than try to explain myself I have found this quote on google.

''The 'Bridgewater Jerry' is a fog which occasionally affects the Bridgewater–Hobart area. At night, in cooler months, cold air drains down the mountains of southern Tasmania as katabatic winds and collects in the Derwent Valley. Fog will form if this invading air is moist and cool enough. It drains out of the valley in the mornings, blowing the fog with it. The fog mainly affects the Derwent and the northern and western suburbs of Hobart, but occasionally reaches the Eastern Shore.
The most likely explanation of the term 'jerry' is that it came with convicts from London, where it was thieves' slang for 'fog' or 'mist'. In 1821 Governor Macquarie, staying at Austins Ferry, could not leave for Hobart until 12.30 pm due to thick fog – probably the first recorded Bridgewater Jerry. ''

So Monday morning started out foggy, I couldnt even see the hill which is just across the road. But as the morning progresses and the sun breaks through then the fog lifts and one needs sunglasses. I must admit when I first moved into my house I was surprised, all of a sudden I was having memories of my childhood in England. Now I know that quite often if I leave home and head down the hill then the fog will be gone.

I did this Monday and headed to the shops. I drove along the 'old main road' which runs by the Derwent River. I stopped to take a few photos as I wanted to show the World a special Memorial site.

Here are celebrated Dogs. Dogs that went to war, to Antartica, search and rescue. All manner of special dogs. It is a lovely site on the bank of the river. Inlaid into the path are dog's names, units and people associated with the dogs. There is a nice spot to sit and think about 'man's best friend'

Tasmania: Australia's Hidden Jewel

Been a bit chilly here, I should have gone to Salamanca Markets yesterday to take just ONE photo BUT the light wasnt good. Well that is my excuse and it is true :) Iwill go next week and whether the light is good or not I will take some photos.
We have had some light drizzle but nothing of any real use. As I sit typing this I can see the tree line very close and the land below it is looking very dry. The boys next door are out in their footy shirts so it is obviously not too cold. Just a whimp here :)
The real reason I didnt go to the markets had nothing to do with the weather really. I have MS and yesterday didnt feel strong enough to battle the crowds. The constant having to change ones direction is very taxing. Lol so now you know. But next week we will be taking visitors from South Australia so I will really make an effort.

I have recently received a request for info about Tassie from someone in Spain who has seen my blog. I am more than happy to help out in this respect. So dont be afraid to ask.

Tasmania: Australia's Hidden Jewel

Thursday 28th May

Wooden Boat Centre, Franklin.. I just wanted to mention this location which sits right on the banks of the Huon River in Franklin. Here you can view a good display all about wooden boat building and also see students involved in building boats. Recently a lovely 36foot motor cruiser 'Harvest Moon' was launched from the yard. She was built for owners from NSW who were regular visitors to Franklin while she was being built. The picture is of 'Harvest Moon' which I didnt see launched. This shot was taken 2 weeks before.

Tasmania: Australia's Hidden Jewel

Mmmm well today hasnt been too good, very low cloud and rather chilly. But it is winter so one should not complain. I need to go back down to Franklin soon to take some photos so I hope the sun comes back soon. I also have to go to Salamanca Markets on Saturday to take a photo of a friend's stall. They are going to sell calendars for me so I will include them in the calendar. These are some of the sights to be seen at Salamanca Saturday markets in Hobart

Tahune Airwalk and Tarkine news

Wonderful news and a great incentive for people to visit tow Forestry tourist attractions.

www.forestrytas.com.au/visiting/visitor-sites/south/tahune-airwalk

www.forestrytas.com.au/visiting/visitor-sites/north-west/dismal-swamp

These two sites will tell you about the attractions where from June 09 the entry price for children has been abolished and greatly reduced for adults.

The Airwalk is southern Tasmania and you reach it by travelling the Huon Highway through Huonville and Franklin to Geeveston. In Geevston visit the Heritage centre and purchase your tickets. It is good to have a look round the centre first before heading into the forest to reach the Airwalk. As it says, the Airwalk allows you to walk in the tree tops. An amazing experience walking through the tops of the trees. This is just one of the many experiences for the family at the Airwalk.

Geeveston is a place full of amazing wooden sculptures. Stroll around the town check out the sculptures and learn some of the history of Geeveston.

TARKINE:- I have not visited the Tarkine yet so do not have any photos in stock. But I can say that the NW of Tasmania is wonderful to visit. Stanley is a great place to stay when in the NW.

Richmond

These 3 shots are of Richmond in the Coal Valley. A beautiful village full of old house and churches. The bridge is the oldest still in use in Australia. The church has the same title, oldest Catholic still in use. There is also the oldest catholic school, public school and post office building in Australia. Richmond is just a short drive from Hobart with plenty of places to stay....come and visit !!

2010 Regional Tasmanian Calendars

I am producing regional calendars of Tasmania. By regional I mean
Franklin.....Huonville.....Richmond......Salamanca Markets. At present you can view the shots of the locations by going to www.flickr.com/photos/gillistasmania/ look for the calendar set.

I am working at present on Tasmanian churches and Geeveston. I will announce then they can be viewd.

The calendars will be $15.00 plus postage....50c from each sale will be donated to F5M www.F5m.org.au or MS Research .. I am attempting to raise $10,000.

Please leave me a message if you are interested in purchasing any calendars.

My meeting with the 'dowser'

I had a good day yeasterday [Wed], heading off for the Huon Valley the eather was great and I had it in my mind to stop and take a photo before reaching Franklin. During the first part of my journey I did notice many cars coming towards me with their headlights on. I did wonder why. The drive up the winding Huon Highway was in glorious sunshine and when I reached Vince's Saddle 376m asl I was full of anticipation on seeing the Huon Valley laid out before me as I descended the road to Grove, But my hopes for a beautiful panorama were quickly dashed and the question about the car headlights answered when suddenly I was confronted with the sky stretching out below me full of cloud with just peaks stretching into the sky. As I drove down into the valley I found myself entering another world, no longer was I aware of the sun shining and a clear blue sky. Now I was driving through cloud, the whole atmosphere rather like a scarey movie. Cars would appear out of the gloom then just as quickly disappear. The rest of my journey to Franklin continued like this.

Upon arriving I saw rowers out for a practice on the river almost being 'swallowed' by the cloud. After a while the sun broke through and the situation changed to match that I had started the day in. I had a very interesting meeting with the dowser and learnt heaps. I spent so much time talking that I didn't get a chance to take any photos BUT I am going back tomorrow and will do so then. Have to do it soon because a bad weather front looks like it is moving down onto Tasmania. Having said that, today [Thursday] has once again been beautiful. OK so first thing in the morning it is a little chilly but then I have seen a clear sky and the sun all day.

Below is a copy of the email sent out by the expert I spoke with yesterday. I am sure there will be a permanent display in Franklin in the near future. I will update on this as I find out more. So this will be yet another thing for the eager tourist to investigate when visiting Franklin. Tomorrow I will ask the dowser for permission to reproduce an article he has written on the Stone Circles found in Franklin, Tasmania.

'Hi Everyone,

I am contacting you to let you know of a national event in Tasmania, that is celebrating the above event. Here in Franklin we have discovered what could well be the greatest archaeology find in the history of Australia, a settlement that lasted some 5000 years, ending when the French arrived bringing Smallpox that wiped out the whole community.

How have we learn't about this? By the use of advanced Archaeological Dowsing. I have been working on this site for four years and are still making new discoveries every day, but feel it is now time to publicies my findings to date, and N.A Week must be the right vehicle, and is the sole event being held in Tasmania.

I have been running dowsing workshops here in Franklin for over a year, using archaeology to gain interest in dowsing in general but leading to energy balancing/ healing which is much more important, and 30 have learnt the overall skills and I trust they are practicing and spreading those skills.

Do call in at Franklin gallery cafe and see Jane M who will make you coffee and show you our exhibition. I am on call to do short presentations and will be available to give conducted tours of the foreshore and the stone circles, all three of them strectching back to 3700 BC. Due to the interest shown the exhibition will be extended for another week, and Saturday May 30th has been earmarked for a free workshop just anybody can attend and learn to dowse and find more ancient building sites and balance themselves and their homes!

Hope to see you there.

Another Day in Paradise

Monday 18th May It has been a glorious day, just the occasional whisp of cloud in the sky, sun shining and no wind. Who would want to be anywhere else ? :)
Bit a nusiance really to have such good condtions and nowhere 'fun' to go. But I needed to go into the shopping centre and buy a very detailed map and also collect my HDD which was being repaired. Thankfully all is well with that, I was very worried that it had died resulting in me losing LOTS of photos. I am breathing easy.

I will not be going anywhere tomorrow either as my son is coming to do some chores for me.
BUT on Wednesday I am driving down to Franklin in the Huon Valley. I have to 'sell' some tourism items to a local business and then I am going to meet up with a dowser who is going to tell me all about the Stone Circle to be found on the foreshore in Franklin.
I am hoping to interview him and of course take one or two photos. !

SO I hope this has got you all rushing to google to type in the word 'dowser'.

No post tomorrow, next one will be full of information I have learnt from Franklin.

My tourism items for those interested can be found on my web site http://gillistasmania.tripod.com/

Tasmania: Australia's Hidden Jewel

Sunday 17th May.. Very windy night BUT the sun has shone all day and it is dry. I could see the Mountain and snow so I went for a drive. Drove through town, along the waterfront by Constitution Dock famous at the end of the Sydney/Hobart yacht race. There were plenty of people about, many taking photographs [tourists? most likely..] As I drove along Davey Street which is the main road heading south towards the Southern Outlet I noticed many trees are now bare. The wind of the last few days has stripped them. Turning left at the top of Davey street I drove up the Southern Outlet heading for Mount Nelson.

I was looking for a good view of Mount Wellington to photograph. Mt Nelson is a good spot to visit. There is an old signal station and cafe for people to enjoy and of course a great view down onto the harbour and south towards Bruny Island. It is very relaxing to sit in the cafe watching the sea with its ever changing colours.

I found a spot or two although really there wasnt a great deal of snow to be seen.

The first shot is taken from Mount Nelson and the second from near my home, showing the opposite side of the mountain.

Saturday there was apparently so much snow that the road to the peak was closed to cars.

Friday & Saturday 15/16 May

Mmm a couple of wintery days. Friday it seemed as if we had rain all day and the winds were very stong. I didnt go anywhere [no car] but my time was not wasted as I worked on my new course.
Saturday.. No surprise today to find out that there is snow on the mountain. We have been caught in a very cold air stream...the lines on the weather map were very close and the Temp got very low. If there is no cloud I can see Mt Wellington from my lounge but that wasn't the case today. When I got to a friends place I could see SNOW but the cloud was low and the light bad so no photos today. The temp 11c with 24mm of rain.

Tasmania: Australia's Hidden Jewel

Thursday....well I took my camera with me when I went into town today. There was no snow! It was dry but a bit chilly and quite windy. I had to drive down an old road in Sandy Bay called Fitzroy Place. It must have been a grand road in earlier times, it still is now. It is a wide street lined with very tall Plane trees. Being autumn the leaves have been dropping. As I drove along the road there was a mighty gust of wind and leaves went everywhere. I was amused and delighted at the end of the road to see two young Asian girls madly photographing the leaves flying about the place. So reminiscent of my childhood in England.

Wednesday 13th May, Hobart

I didn't go out yesterday [Tuesday] decided to stay home firstly because I have decided to do an online course and the tutorial notes had just arrived. This meant sitting down with a cuppa while I read the 95 pages !
Also it was a lovely day once the early morning fog lifted and so I decided to divide my time between the tutuorial notes and the back garden. I sat out the back for ages in the sun, just t-shirt and jeans for clothing. I have a big job in the back yard which is going to take me ages to finish but it is fine. Sitting in the sun, coffee close by I am slowly pulling weeds and their roots. Sifting the soil and saving it in the wheelbarrow ready to move it out to the front garden job I often wonder if the task will ever be finished.
Today was a good one to visit the top of Mount Wellington

And so today Wednesday 13th May.
I woke to the sound of rain against the windows. It was windy and very dull, I certainly could not see Mt Wellington from my place. My do sitting days are over. I had to drive out to the airport to pick up my friends. I had sent them a text warning them about the weather but as I got closer to the airport the rain ceased. I had a couple of jobs to do around the airport and jumping in and out of the car began to quickly feel the chill in the air.
There were plenty of tourists on their flight. Many can be picked by their attire ..backpacks, walking boots beanies and a handful of travel brochures they have collected while waiting for their luggage to appear. The car hire parking bay was full, plenty of the vehicles being camper vans of varying sizes.
The 5.30 news has been on TV and one of the main comments was : snow in Tasmania.. I wonder how the tourists will get on this evening. I will take my camera out tomorrow and if there is snow on The Mountain I will get a shot of it
WATCH THIS SPACE..

Monday in Tasmania 11/5/09

Wasn't planning on going anywhere today but plans can change ! :)

After speaking with my son I found myself volunteering to drive him to Franklin to collect the boys from school.

While not a sunny day, it was nice. My son lives in West Hobart, closer to town than me. After collecting him we set off. Our journey would take us south into the Huon Valley. Franklin where the boys go to school is south of Hounville and sits on the bank of the Huon River. It was a glorious drive with all the orchards for which the Huon Valley is famous for, putting on their autumn coats. The colours varied depending on the type of orchards. There were some vineyards still showing a defiant green. Once we crossed the Huon River at Huonville we were driving with the river close on our left.

River waters in this area tend to be very dark, due to the amount of tannin in the water. This was the case today with the river being so very, very still and this meant the reflections were mirror perfect. Sadly we didnt have the luxury of time to take photographs. As it was we got into trouble from the boys for being late !!. I made up for the 'error' by buying them an ice cream [my son had one as well, not sure how that happened:)]

I will tell you about Franklin another day but here is a postcard photo showing the sort of relections one can find.

Mother's Day May 10

Sunday.. beautiful day clear sky and very still.

Not going anywhere today [except to feed my 4 legged friend]

But if I were a tourist in Hobart I would take the opportunity to drive up to the top of Mount Wellington. Here they will find a look out explaining how the road up to the peak was built. Also the regular signposts pointing out different locations.

The view is fantastic [all the way to the south pole :)] It is good for people to go up The Mountain because it shows them the lie of the land south. It gives them a feeling of the terrain the first settlers had to overcome.

Once down from the mountain a coffee might be in order [ the mountain has its own climate and this time of the year the temp on the top will no doubt be 'challenging' for visitors] So as we need a we need warming why not go to Battery Point where a coffee and pastry can be enjoyed while admiring the surrounding buildings and watch the world pass by as tourists stroll the streets cameras at the ready.

I will be spending part of my day working in my front garden where I am removing garden beds by covering them with weed mat and paving slabs. I want to leave the garden so that when I sell the place new people can just uncover the gardens. For me it is becoming too hard to look after, both physically and time wise. I have dug up lots of bulbs which were transplanted to pots so I now have daffodils poking through. I will only be able to get half way this season as I dont want to disturb the bulbs once they are springing into life.

Now afternoon, have finished my gardening for the day, there is a black cloud towards the mountain and I needed to get the washing in. So that's it for the day :) Decided to photograph my 'work' place. I will update this as I progress AND when all the bulbs are in bloom.

If you went to the Henry Jones Hotel yesterday you would have found some shops and a bar. A nice relaxing way to spend the afternoon

5.30PM Well the black cloud [for my location] was a trick. Nothing happened, never mind I needed to go and feed my 4 legged friend. My drive took me along the bank of the Derwent River. It was a truly lovely afternoon, very mild. I saw people by the river having a picnic, children playing in the park and people just walking and enjoying the weather.

Temp 7- 16c

My Tasmania Day2

Saturday 9th May
It is a little dull and overcast today. 'what to do as a tourist in Hobart'? [I am writing this from home, didn't venture into town myself]
Well put on your jacket and pop down to Salamanca Markets. Before strolling the market grab some breakfast. One is spoilt for choice with regard to eating. Wherever you choose to eat though will send you out into the market place feeling comfortably full and ready to tackle the difficult 'problem' of where to start :) The markets at Salamanca are a famous tourist destination but for the locals it is equally as popular. You will see people with large bunches of flowers and their baskets full of so fresh fruit and veggies. Ones ears almsot become confused this the vast assortments of different sounds, from the apple sellers shouting his wares by the band from South America, further on there is the lilting gentle sound of the classical guitar. These sounds are regular visitors but you can also find dotted through the market area young classical groups or a lone child playing the violin. Need a book for the plane journey home? You are sure to find a stall to help you. Once you have filled your shopping list with gifts for those at home you might have found the weather becoming a little indifferent [we had drizzle later in the morning yesterday] What to do now? Do not despair, grab a coffee and then head for the Museum just a stroll from Salamanca.
It is a very good museum and will keep you entertained for hours I am sure. There is also the Maritime Museum of Tasmania also within walking distance.
Finished with the Museums? how about heading over to Hunter Street into the Henry ones complex. Time for afternoon tea? choose a place to eat while relaxing in the IXL Atrium. Soak up the atmosphere of the old IXL Jam factory.
I myself made my daily visit to feed my friend's dog while they are away. Always a pleasure as he makes me so welcome, the chickens are also pleased to see me. Then I went to the garden centre to buy some paving slabs. By the late afternoon the day had become rather sad.
There is a saying in Tasmania. 'always be prepared for 4 seasons in one day'!
Temp 9-16

Day 1 in Tasmania 8/5/09

I have to decided to try and do a regular blog about Tasmania. If a guy up on the Barrier Reef can tell the World about how wonderful Queensland is, then, I will attempt to do the same for Tasmania.

Today while a little nippy first thing turned into a great day. The sun shone and it warmed up.

After taking some friends to the airport I headed home via Sorell. Driving past the Tasmania Golf Course, I noticed a party of golfers enjoying themselves in the sun. Crossing the Sorell Causeway the sun was glistening on the water. Upon reaching historic Sorell I turned left heading for Richmond. Just a short drive and had to turn left again now heading directly to Richmond. The journey took me past stables and a vineyard and then down a hill with a market garden on my right. Here was growing Hobart's future salad items in a variety of colours. Decending the hill took me into the valley where Richmond is found.

But this was a journey of discovery [I try to make all my trips a discovery drive] and so before entering Richmond I took a turn right heading for Hatcher's Manor [my new discovery location] The road to Hatchers although not long was undulating. Hatchers while a tourist accomodation location is situated within the boundaries of a very hsitoric farm 1820's. Being autumn in the southern hemisphere the trees are turning, and coming onto Hatchers certainly proved that. The neat orchards were a delightful shade of burnt gold.

I am always on the look out for new photo opportunities and here I had found one! The shot above shows the autumn leaves and in the distance Australia's oldest Catholic church (1836-37).

After taking a shot or 2 or.... I headed for Richmond bridge. This is a must stop location for every tourist. In fact while I was taking photos I overheard a woman say to her partner 'see I told you that you would love it' as they both were clicking madly. I have been to Richmond so many times but always feel compelled to take 'just one more' shot of Australia's oldest bridge still in use. Built by convicts it has well stood the test of time

c.1823

After all this activity I felt it was time to go home and so I slowly drove through the delightful historic town of Richmond being ever aware of the tourists strolling past the shops and old well preserved house along the main road.
Be aware the speed limit through Richmond is low but why would you want to speed.
Temp range today was 7-19
websites to check out
http://www.richmondvillage.com.au/ and www.flickr.com/photos/gillisrasmania
if you visit my flickr site you can see many many more shots of Richmond.

Maldini-Italian Cafe/Restaurant. Salamnaca

Maldini-Italian Cafe/Restaurant. Salamnaca,
originally uploaded by gillitas.

Just added this card
Maldinis is a really nice place to relax