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.