Birthday lunch

As is our usual tradition, after a leisurely departure from the Country Club, we stop at the Elizabeth Town Bakery and Cafe for an early lunch. The pumpkin quiche is very nice. 

A whole lot of nothing

Today we all did pretty much nothing. Apart from a couple of games of squash the boys lay around watching TV. Apart from a trip to the South Esk River late in the day Stephen spent the day reading his woodworking magazines and watching the cricket. And I lay on the couch reading and watching the cricket. We've got those pommies on the ropes. Go 

Aussies. 

We love Country Club Tasmania

After a very hectic Term 4 and Christmas period it has been our tradition (for the past 6 years) to spend three days relaxing at the Country Club prior to the very hectic athletics' calendar getting underway. 

Our room this year has a magnificent view over the golf course and lake. The weather is sensational and we are able to open up both balcony doors and enjoy the beautiful surroundings while watching the cricket. Now if only the Aussies could bat??? Well at least the top order!!!

Boxing Day Sales - Launceston style

After arriving in to Devonport at the ungodly hour of 5.30 (I mean the sun wasn't even awake!!!) we had a lot of time to kill until we could move into our room at the Country Club. We had a great breakfast before joining everyone else in Launceston at the Boxing Day sales. Stephen and I didn't even realise there were actually that many people in Launceston - the city was literally teeming with people and car parks were at a premium. 

I managed to bag a pair of black sandals for a bargain and used a couple of vouchers I had for Blue Illusion. 

We also loved seeing a large range of Cam and Pete's product on display in a lovely shop called Homebody. We couldn't resist taking a photo. 

Off we go to the Tassie Carnivals

This year we decided to take our own car to Tassie for the carnival series. This meant leaving home at 5.30pm Christmas Day. So after a lovely lunch with the family Stephen and I headed off. I must admit to being a bit nervous about the crossing, however, the day was sunny and fine without a breath of wind.

We settled into our cabin before having a wander around the ship and watching as we cruised down the bay towards the heads.

The trip was very smooth and we arrived into Devonport very early in the morning. In fact the 4.45am wake up call was a very rude awakening.

We then meandered through the Meander Valley to the Country Club Tasmania in Launceston where we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before hitting the Boxing Day sales in town. I bought a top, pair of sandals and a wallet to replace my very sad old one with the broken zip. 

The afternoon was spent watching the cricket before Stephen headed off to Evandale to try to catch a fish. 

HOTT 3 - Day 4

In very trying conditions Nutta prevailed to win the jacket over a valiant Hicksy who up until today had really struggled in the exceptionally strong winds of the dunes. Toota was the overall winner and therefore gets to take home the jacket for the second year in a row. 

The girls ventured to the small town of Scotsdale. We had a browse in the shops before having a very nice lunch at the Scotsdale Art Gallery. Col found a few gems and was a convincing winner. 

HOTT 3 - Day 3

After 3 years and 10 days of hard fought golfing competition Squizzy finally won the coverted Orange Jacket. He wasn't happy that he was the only one of the foursome not to have his name recorded on the back of the jacket. He was determined to give it a good shake this year and actually spent some time at the practice green and driving range in the weeks leading up to the tournament. Today was his day and much to Toota's disgust Squizzy held his nerve to out putt Toota on the last green to win by one. 

HOTT 3 - Day 2

After checking out of the Country Club the boys headed north to Barnbougle to play at the Lost Farm course.

 

The girls headed to Kings Meadows for a stroll along the shopping strip before heading to Josef Chromey winery for lunch. This has become one of our absolute favourites and it did not disappoint again this year. After lunch we returned for a second assault on the shops in the Launceston city centre. The funniest thing was that a number of the shop assistants actually remembered us from past years. We are convinced that they look forward to our visit as it is a nice boost to their bottom lines for the month of October. 

When the feet started to complain we climbed in the car for the 70 minute drive to Bridport. 

Toota was the winner of day 1 golf and therefore got to wear the stunning orange jacket to dinner. Tracy was the standout shopper so she was awarded the title of Shopper of the Day. We are now even thinking that we might get a sash or something similar made for next year. 

HOTT Tour No. 3

Yet another 12 months has passed and it is once again time for the much anticipated golfing, shopping and eating tour of northern Tassie. 

Much of yesterday was spent at the airport thanks to a two hour plane delay. We finally arrived at the Country Club around three. The boys decided that they would play golf so they hired two carts and headed off to see if they could fit in 18 holes before dark. 

The girls popped into Launceston for a quick shopping trip. We certainly did a lot of damage in an hour and a half. (See photo below.)

We then spent time chatting around a very tasty savory platter. 

When the boys returned we went to Hallam's Waterfront which is a very nice seafood restaurant overlooking the Tamar River. Yum!!!

Watch OUT!!!

The warmer weather certainly brings out the SNAKES! Yesterday Stephen spent the afternoon fishing at Morses Creek in Bright. He hadn't been on the water long when he watched a very large and deadly brown snake emerge from the left bank, swim across the river just in front of him and then climb up the right bank. He was amazed by three things: 1) just how large the snake was, 2) how easily it climbed up the nearly vertical right bank and 3) how it didn't seem to be phased by him at all, taking its own sweet time to complete it's journey.

Now the picture is blurry. Stephen tells me that is because it was moving as he was trying to take the photo. Secretly I believe that it was because he was shaking so much as he watched it until it was well out of sight. Oh and he did manage to catch one nice fish in his travels.

Better luck

Stephen spent the morning fishing in the little stretch of the Ovens River just up behind the Harrietville Caravan Park (short 5 minute walk). He had much better luck......thank goodness! (The fishing gear won't be appearing on ebay just yet!!!) He caught three nice fish but all were released. With stocks so low it is just not right to be killing them, even if we would both enjoy some smoked trout for dinner. He is going to try Morses Creek, Bright after lunch. Stay tuned!!!

Another perfect day

The weather here is absolutely glorious. Many of the bushes are in bloom and the trees are showing new growth. The daffodills have been and gone this year, probably testament to a warmer than usual September.

Stephen returned from his morning fish a little disheartened. Absolutely no fish to be seen. After lunch he is going to try the Buckland Valley. 

Spring time in Harrietville

We certainly took our time as we meandered our way to Harrietville yesterday. We stopped for lunch in Wangaratta (and a bit of a look in the shops). We strolled around Beechworth and looked in a few more shops. I did buy a cute pair of pearl earrings (not real rose gold unfortunately......way too expensive) and we were a bit disappointed that the Larder has changed hands and no longer stocks our favourite pear and apple chutney. Our next stop was Bright where we did a quick scoot around the supermarket......and then finally onto Alpine Arnica.

Stephen went out for a quick fish before dinner. He came home empty handed although he did hook one skinny trout in the tail.

It appears that the damage caused by the January bushfires which were followed by two catastrophic flood events has severely cut the number of fish in the rivers and streams in the area. It is actually a talking point around the town and a concern for locals who rely on the tourist dollar.  

Going home

Sadly our long awaited and much anticipated holiday to Hamilton Island to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary has come to an end. We all enjoyed our time immensely. Villa Illalangi (Aboriginal word for top of the hill) is a wonderful holiday home. It is spacious and well planned with lots of different rooms and deck areas which all take into consideration the spectacular views, prevailing weather and the sun. Not matter the time of day or the direction of the wind you were able to find a comfortable place to relax. The grounds are large and beautifully manicured. Driving around in the stretch buggy which is provided, was a hoot. It will be difficult getting back to work on Monday and even more difficult managing with the cold weather.

Now where will we go next????

 

Paddle boarding

Our last day

We woke to another sensational day. The sun was shining brightly and there was not a breath of wind. The boys headed out early to spend the morning at Catseye Bay. Cam and Pete paddled long boards while Lach and Cal snorkeled. Stephen and I sat in the deck beside the pool and watched from afar.

Lunch was at the Manta Ray Cafe and then we all headed back to the beach where Stephen and I relaxed while watching all four boys on long boards. It was late in the day before we headed home. 

Buggy fun

Beautiful one day...perfect the next!

A few snaps......

The boys returned from their reef trip tired and hungry. So hungry that some of the supplies we bought at the General Store didn't even make it up the hill.

Friendly natives

This little bloke was sunning himself on our balcony today and his brother was guarding the front gate. Stephen was mesmerised by him and spent much of the afternoon following his progress along the balcony. 

Reef Ryders

After contemplating for days the boys finally decided which reef tour they would do. Luck would have it that today is probably the best day weather wise we have had. Not a breath of wind and very warm and sunny. So this afternoon they boarded the Reef Ryder, which is a high speed rubberised boat. It will take them to Chalkies Beach for snorkeling and then onto Whitehaven beach for an hour or so of exploring and relaxing. They were all very excited although Cam was a little apprehensive about the boat ride out. After dropping them off at the mariner we gunned it home so we could stand on the balcony and wave as they sped through Catseye Bay (which thankfully for Cammo is as flat as a mill pond today).