PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOT

Back from our photography shoot at Apollo Bay. Derek Swalwell http://www.derekswalwell.com/ came down with Trent loaded with boxes of photography equipment. We had arrived the day before to make a few last minute adjustments, making sure the beds were right and moving the extra books out of the way. Sorting the bookcase is always a slow task as it's hard to dust the pages without reading the interesting bits. It was raining when we arrived but we hoped for the best. We wanted some sun in the sky.

Next day began with beautiful sunshine pouring into the kitchen. It was a glorious day. Quite warm and our wide eaves provided welcome protection. It was not until the afternoon when the sun moved towards the west when the best opportunities arose. The photographers moved with the sun capturing the mood of the house. To the north magnificent views of the Otway hills, dotted with cows and sheep and in the south the crashing waves of the ocean. We waited to see the kites and the surfers acrest of the waves.

Restaurants in Hobart

Next time you are in Hobart try SMOLT. Well positioned at 2Salamanca Place, the coffeee is perfect light meals a specialty and you can take home bread and Tassal salmon from just next door..
http://www.smolt.com.au/
Also, in Elizabeth Street try the Italian cafe Piccolo. Give me a report.

IN FRONT OF THE FIRE

http://knitting.about.com/od/knittingskills/qt/circularbasics.htm

Foodies in Hobart

You have settled into your home away from home at Middleton, in Southern Tasmania and you want to hit the city. Well, Hobart is only small but it is steeped in history (for Australia that is). It was settled in 1802http://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2008/09/hobart-highlights.html#comment-form

MAGIC IN TASMANIA

A historic house in Tasmania near perth, has been sold to J.K.Rowling creator of Harry potter.



Wendy Kennon via Discover Tasmania

Tasmania.. full of magic

Harry Potter's JK Rowling could be magicking herself to Australia after buying £6.5m mansion in Tasm

Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling could be heading Down Under after buying a AUD$10million (£6.54m) historical house in rural Tasmania, it has been claimed

More magic.... Kevin Wirri paints in the style of Albert Namatjira in watercolours He shares his house in Mpwetyere Camp (Abbott's Camp)

The lawyer From Lucerne

The Lawyer From Lucerne

Granny was here

[Jun 4, 2011] Except for the lawyer from Lucerne, our fellow passengers have gone on a separate trek. Warwick seems interested in my Granny. "Why don't we fly down and take a look?"

www.theaustralian.com.au/travel/​australia/granny-was-here/story-fn...

Take a trip to Bruny Island

Just 10 minutes drive from Wavestation towards Hobart you will find the wonderful marina at Kettering. Moored are some of Tasmania's finest boats especially the huon pine motor sailers.
 You can catch the ferry from outside Mermaid Cafe. While you wait enjoy a latte or a quick meal, even maybe a scallop pie. The service is quick and a lovely way to spend a few minutes before you board the ferry for Bruny Island. On the way back you can pick up some fish and chips at the Ferry Road Store in Kettering on Ferry Road. The Oyster Cove Chandlery is interesting and has all the gear for yatchties.

ORANGE-BELLIED PARROT

Look out for the endangered Orange-Bellied Parrot ( Neophema Chrysogaster) breeding in South-West Tasmania at Melaleuca but migrating north, mostly to the north-west part of Tasmania and the southern Victorian coast but can be seen near Middleton. Save our parrot!

BAUDIN

Making an appointment at the State Library to see Nicolas Baudin's atlas. Baudin as sent by the French to map Terres Australis for the French. His map preceeds Flinders and the names in Tasmania have stuck.
D'Entrecasteaux Channel
Bruny Island

Leaving for France

 Ketterring marina

Discover the waters of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel where the French were early adventurers. Closer than France. Hidden treasures.

Constitution Dock Hobart



WAVESTATION



Sailing the D'Entrecasteaux Channel



Sparkling waterways



For ideas on great photography look here.

Tim Cassidy-fine art landscape Tasmanian photography

http://www.timcassidyphotography.com/

MOTHERS' DAY 2011

Where are you taking your mother for Mothers Day??

Fun places to go near Middleton, Tasmania are Fleurty's, Peppermint Bay, Red Velvet Lounge in Cygnet or take in the view at Wavestation...

FOR TASMANIAN WINE BUFFS....click here

http://www.theweeklyreview.com.au/article-display/Tassie-mania/3879

PUTTING MIDDLETON ON THE MAP

The Royal Wedding was watched by millions of people around the world and everyone is wondering where Kate and William will go on their honeymoon. There is speculation about them visiting Australia. Maybe Lizard Island but Will has been there before. Perhaps she is looking for her own connection and will come to Middleton in Tasmania and stay at Wavestation. Haven't had the booking yet but waiting for the call. We have our own caterers right here in Middleton just itching to cook up a few meals fit for a princess and her prince on their first days as a married couple. They don't want to cook, just sit and read and glance up at the wonderful view over the sparkling waters of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel.

BEFORE YOU GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WAVESTATION
“Middleton Light”

 

Address: 180 Esplanade Rd
Middleton TAS 7163

Before you go............................

It is a gorgeous spot and the house is lovely to live in. The beach is very close with children's play equipment.

There are plenty of fish also scallops and oysters.  You could hire a small boat from Kettering or take a charter trip. There is a boat ramp on The Esplanade.
 

Bruny Island is easily accessed from Kettering where there is an attractive boat harbour. The Huon trail is south and Cockle Creek further south again. Cockle Creek is the southern most point in Australia. It's a few hours but a very pleasant drive.


 

Pick up your copy of the Huontrail Free touring Map and Guide at the airport. It is very useful and available at the airport in the free brochure section. The  Huon-Valley News map is taken from this Guide.

At Hobart airport head for the centre of Hobart. You will pass over the bridge and along Davey Street. Continue along the A5 until you get to the Kingston turnoff. Do not go into Kingston, keep in the right lane and head towards Margate/Huonville. Follow the Channel Highway. Further on there is a roundabout, go straight ahead towards Margate and look out for a sign on the left to the Woolworths supermarket and shopping centre (just past Kingston). It is a good idea to provision the house here. Look out for wildlife on the highway.

Continue along the Channel Highway to Middleton. Turn left at the Middleton store down Beach Road and turn right at The Esplanade. There is a boat ramp on the shore. Continue south along The Esplanade, past the playground and up the second driveway. You will recognize the house from the website. Have a look at the two maps sent by email.

Collect some provisions along the highway before you get to the house.  You can shop in Hobart (maybe visit the Hill Street grocer, it is well worth a visit) or on the way down to Middleton. If you are arriving in Tasmania at night the Woolworths shopping centre complex at Kingston is excellent. It has a supermarket and other specialist shops. You will pass through other little towns with shops including Margate and Snug.

Stop at the Margate Train where there is an antique shop and other rather quirky shops and a caravan is set up outside with fresh fish. You can buy very good fish and Cloudy Bay oysters here at the Seafood Caravan.

Our guests love stopping at The Olde Oyster Cove Store. It is on the right heading towards Middleton at Oyster Cove. It has fruit and vegetables, organic meat and yogurt and cheeses.

The Snug butcher has excellent meat and fish. 

You can walk to the local shop at Middleton. It has a good selection of provisions. The Post Office is on the other side of Beach road on the

Channel Highway

.

Visit the marina at Kettering. It is a busy boating harbour with boat repairs carried out and boats coming and going on trips down the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, up to Hobart or around Bruny Island.

The ferry to Bruny Island leaves from Kettering and there are great boating charters out of this marina which take you to the wild outer side of Bruny Island.

The renovations at Kettering are almost complete. The old jetties were delightful but were in a bad state of repair so are being replaced with floating sections.

Alison Brookes lives nearby and will have made the house ready for you. Local and emergency calls can be dialled. (Please deposit cost of call (30c) in the jar provided). For STD and other calls please purchase a phone card available at newsagents etc.

Wavestation is located on the water front off the Channel Highway at Middleton. You can now access it through The Esplanade turnoff as well as Beach Road. (A landslip blocked the road  but  modern roadworks engineering  have stabilized the bank). The Esplanade turnoff is before Middleton and the Beach Road turnoff is at the centre of the village. The local shop and the post office are at this turn off.

Places to go.

Walk to the local shop

Peppermint Bay Hotel and Restaurant

Home Hill Vineyard and Restaurant

Panorama Vineyard

Snug Falls

Huonville

Kettering Kayaking

Bruny Island

Salamanca Place

in Hobart

Hill Street

Grocer in North Hobart

Do the circuit - Middleton to Woodbridge (or Kettering) to Cygnet and back along the coast road through Deep Bay Garden Island

Creek Verona Sands Gordon and back to Middleton. See the apple and cherry orchards on the way.

Pelverata Falls near Cygnet.

For more information go to the website http://www.wavestation.com.au/  and click on BLOG to follow my blog.

Have a great time

Wendy Kennon 0402891339

Phil 0408997482

EASTER and ANZAC

Guests report a sunny day at Middleton so lots of time enjoyed on the porch looking out to the yachts on the shining waters of D'Entrecasteaux! Not so good for the four young boatsmen on the other side of Bruny Island in the Tasman Sea. They had 30 seconds to put in a MAY DAY call before their vessel capsized. Channel 16 is the one to go to and May Day May Day is the call. Only to be used when loss of life is imminent. www.gdargaud.net/climbing/Tasmania.

Julia Gillard is in China and acknowledged that three quarter of Australia's exports go to China so our standard of living is directly dependent on the growth in China.

CHEFS AWARD AT CYGNET

Congratulations to Steve Cumper for BEST COUNTRY CHEF AWARD. Check out the Red Velvet Lounge in Cygnet in Southern Tasmania. On the 13th June there is aspecial lunch to celebrate. Book your tickets so you don't miss out. Steve and his young family are determined to produce the best tomatoes and use all local ingredients in the recipes at their restaurant in Cygnet. http://digital.countrystyle.com.au/countrystyle/201005?pg=29#pg29

Our Wavestation guest book has many entries of guests at recalling their wonderful meal at the Red Vevet Lounge. Take the trip over the hill to Cygnet and enjoy a meal at the Red Velvet Lounge

FISHING AND COLLECTING OYSTERS

A Happy customer at Wavestation sent a message.
"Thank you for allowing us to stay at Middleton. A beautiful place and delightful house.

Charlie and I managed to attack the local flathead population and then enjoyed eating those of legal size ( Vic 25 cms, Tassie 30 cms).

I think there are plenty left for you. The word "fisherman" and my name are rarely used in the same sentence.

 

I like the fact that it is so shallow in front of your place that the water Police will be troubled getting their boat in the check for non existent

fishing licences or other breaches of regulations!!

We enjoyed many hours enjoying the "tranquillity" reading and checking the view. A real holiday.

The local cafes and restaurants were superb. We had a couple of very nice meals at the Red Velvet Cafe (???) in Cygnet

and the cake shop there was very special.

Thank you (and Wendy) again for a very restful holiday.

Kind regards,
W

FULL MOON CALENDAR

Easter is approaching and the full moon occurred on Wednesday the 18th. Big tides will be expected so surfers keep a watch out. What are you doing for Easter?

<2010  year 2011  2012>

Lunation	New Moon		First Quarter		Full Moon		Third Quarter		Duration
1089	4 Jan	8:03 PM	12 Jan	10:32 PM	20 Jan	8:21 AM	26 Jan	11:57 PM	29d 17h 28m
1090	3 Feb	1:31 PM	11 Feb	6:18 PM	18 Feb	7:36 PM	25 Feb	10:27 AM	29d 18h 15m
1091	5 Mar	7:46 AM	13 Mar	10:45 AM	20 Mar	5:10 AM	26 Mar	11:08 PM	29d 17h 46m
1092	4 Apr	12:32 AM	11 Apr	10:06 PM	18 Apr	12:44 PM	25 Apr	12:47 PM	29d 16h 18m
1093	3 May	4:51 PM	11 May	6:33 AM	17 May	9:09 PM	25 May	4:52 AM	29d 14h 12m
1094	2 Jun	7:03 AM	9 Jun	12:11 PM	16 Jun	6:14 AM	23 Jun	9:48 PM	29d 11h 51m
1095	1 Jul	6:54 PM	8 Jul	4:29 PM	15 Jul	4:40 PM	23 Jul	3:02 PM	29d 9h 46m
1096	31 Jul	4:40 AM	6 Aug	9:08 PM	14 Aug	4:58 AM	22 Aug	7:55 AM	29d 8h 24m
1097	29 Aug	1:04 PM	5 Sep	3:39 AM	12 Sep	7:27 PM	20 Sep	11:39 PM	29d 8h 05m
1098	27 Sep	9:09 PM	4 Oct	2:15 PM	12 Oct	1:06 PM	20 Oct	2:30 PM	29d 8h 47m
1099	27 Oct	6:56 AM	3 Nov	3:38 AM	11 Nov	7:16 AM	19 Nov	2:09 AM	29d 10h 14m
1100	25 Nov	5:10 PM	2 Dec	8:52 PM	11 Dec	1:36 AM	18 Dec	11:48 AM	29d 11h 57m
1101	25 Dec	5:06 AM							29d 13h 33m

Notes

• About the Moon Phase Calculator
• All times are local time for Hobart.
• tides.willyweather.com.au › tas › hobart

Tasmanian Princess christens twins

 Princess Mary's twins christened Vincent and Josephine

  

Baptism: Crown Prince Frederik carries the just-christened Prince Vincent, while Princess Mary carries Princess Josephine (AFP: Nils Meilvang)

Nearly 300 guests crammed into the Holmen's Church in Copenhagen for the christening of the latest additions to the Danish royal family: twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.

The youngest children of Crown Prince Frederik and Australian-born Crown Princess Mary were baptised Vincent Frederik Minik Alexander and Josephine Sofia Ivalo Mathilda.
Following three months of speculation, the babies' names, a closely-kept secret since their birth on January 8, immediately became the top news story in Denmark.
The children were each given one Greenlandic name, Minik and Ivalo, in honour of Denmark's autonomous territory, according to Danish media.
The twins are fourth and fifth in line to the throne, after their father Frederik and their older siblings, five-year-old Prince Christian and Princess Isabella, who will turn four next week.
Mary, 39, wearing a royal blue dress with a cream coloured head piece and 43-year-old Frederik carried the children dressed in white lace to the gilded baptismal font, with Christian and Isabella at their sides.
Princess Mary's parents attended the ceremony along with the Danish royals, politicians and business leaders.
Across the canal from the Holmen's Church, which dates back to 1563 and has been the site of numerous royal baptisms and weddings, the tower at Christiansborg Castle, the seat of Danish parliament, was festooned with a proud ring of the bold red and white Danish flag.
And throughout the city on Thursday, Danish flags flew from city buses, bicycles and backpacks. There were more than a few Australian flags waving too in a tribute to Crown Princess Mary.
"Congratulations on your Christening" read a big sign facing the residence of the royal couple, who met at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and were married in 2004 in Copenhagen.
After the ceremony, the family's guests disembarked from the ferry jetty beside Holmen's Church and sailed back to the Amalienborg Castle for a private celebration.

MELBOURNE

I have been looking at a few blogs lately and have become addicted to a few. Table Tonic http://www.tabletonic.blogspot.com/ is one, and I think I might get some of those Moorocan wedding blankets. ZigoZago http://zigozagocraft.wordpress.com/ is another and I would like some of her wool. I would put in a link but not quite sure how. Maybe I will do that later to make this blog a bit more interesting.It is very time consuming and it is amazing how much information the writers give about themselves.
Last week I went to a talk by Rita Erlich who is a well known figure and author of a number of books including "More Than French" written in collaboration with Philippe Moucel. He is the renowned chef of PM24. Rita pointed out that in the early days of her career she was pulled up by the editor of her newspaper at the time for using the "I" word. Journalists were never allowed to speak about themselves, never to write in the first person. Now, every one does it and gives all sorts of personal information away. I am writing this blog about Tasmania and in particular things which may interest people who stay at Wavestation.

For those of you who do not know I live in Melbourne and have a wonderful lady called Alison who looks after the house for me. It has been pouring all night here in Melbourne and I am about to go for a visit at Bishop's Court. I intended to walk but I will get soaked. I left my best rain coat and all my umbrellas in my car at Apollo Bay as I came back to Melbourne on the bus and the train. It was such a beautiful day yesterday (after a heavy shower in the early morning)  that I didn't think I would need rain gear. I did. T. cancelled our early morning walk so I am still at this computer thinking about the rain and wondering if the tour will be on and whether I should walk. Parking in East Melbourne is difficult and I don't want to leave early as we are going to be invited into the manse. Should be very interesting and I don't want to miss out on any of the tour. I better grab my camera and check the battery and maybe I can post a photo or two about this wonderful garden in the rain.

There, I said I would post a picture. The manificent Bishop's Court!

WELCOME ALL GOLFERS

There is a big argument between the developer of Australia's most famous golf course Barnbougle Dunes in northern Tasmania. Richard Sattler, the farmer who owns the land where Barnbougle Dunes sits as well as another section large enough for another eighteen holed golf course.

Links Golf Tasmania is suing Mr Sattler in the Federal Court.

Mr Lennon opened the Barnbougle Dunes golf course in 2004 and is soon going to testify.

Top QC from Melbourne Joseph Santamaria says Mr Sattler owed the company Links Golf Tasmania a fiduciary obligation for seven years to 2009. However, there exists no document where he commits himself in respect of the new course.

Mr Sattler set up a competitive business using the information, contacts and intellectual propery gained in this relationship. This argument is continuing. While Barnbougle Dunes is famous and the sandy coastal property is promoted as a perfect links course you can enjoy golf in a much more protected situation in the picturesque Kingston course not far from Middleton on the Channel Highway. Travelling from the airport you will drive straight past. Friendly golfers will welcome you with true Tasmanian charm when you come to play or enjoy a beer in the bar.

SEAFOOD A PLENTY

Oysters and mussels are abundant in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and you can collect them straight from the sea in front of Wavestation. They grow on the rocks so it is best to collect them at low tide. Bring them back to the house and cook up a feast! Keep your mussels alive for as long as possible for maximum tenderness and flavour. Remove the "beard" pulling backwards. Scrub off any crustaceans which may fall off during cooking. There are two basic ways to cook mussels and both are delicious.
Make a creamy sauce such as a French Veloute with julienne carrots and leeks, garlic and fresh herbs from the garden. Add 250 ml Dry Apple Cider to a smaller pot and bring to the boil add 250 ml cream and a pinch of saffron powder if available. Season with salt and pepper.Place mussels in the steamer over boiling water. You can use a stainless steel colander or a bamboo basket.

Or, cook the mussels in white wine with garlic, one small piece of finely cut up chilli and herbs (parsley, coriander or dill). Cut cherry tomatoes into halves and add basil. Both methods are delicious. 

LOST AT SEA

NEW MENU .... MEALS FOR WAVESTATION

Breakfast Menu

Free range eggs

Freshly baked bread

Jams

A choice of butter or margarine

Muesli

Yoghurt and Fruits in season

Boks bacon can be provided at an extra $1.50per person

(Boks is a locally made smoked bacon yum!! )

$12 per person

Dinner Menu

Spicy Lamb Shanks with

Lemon & Mint Cous Cous

Fresh Egg Fettucini With Basil Pesto

Lemon Crusted Flat Head with

Coconut rice

All served with a fresh Salad from my garden.

$20 per person

Sweets

Chocolate Mousse

Apple & Blackberry Crumble

Lemon/Lime Cheesecake

All served with fresh cream

$7 per person

All dishes are carefully prepared using the freshest, quality ingredients and all locally sourced. We will deliver your meals to your holiday let and you will find them in your fridge, so all you have to do is heat and enjoy in the most stunning of locations. A minimum of 24 hours notice is required when ordering, so that everything will be as fresh as can be. We can provide Hampers full of local specialities so please ask for details. We also keep free range chickens so we can provide eggs if you would like them.

FOODIE and BARRISTER STEPHEN ESCOURT

For the lastest in news about places to eat in Hobart and surrounds look no further than Stephen Escourt's blog. http://www.stephenestcourt.blogspot.com/

BOB BROWN GIVES AWAY GREENIE HQ

There's plenty in the weekend papers about Oura Oura Brob Brown's retreat which he has just given to Bush Heritage Australia. What a wonderful thing to do! It preserves the land for future generations. I would love to go and visit. Meanwhile, we have our own retreat and it is available for you to stay. Excellent accommodation with a luxurious kingsize sleigh bed and twin beds for your friends. visit http://www.wavestation.com.au/ and see the details.

DELICIOUS DINNERS WITH FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE

We have a new service. Delicious dinners and breakfast provisions can be provided for you. A local lady is an excellent cook and has a special menu with wonderful fresh local ingredients. Contact info@wavestation.com.au for further information.  

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN THE HUONVALLEY

Lots to look out for in the huon Valley this weekend! Take a trip over to Cygnet for the Taste of the Huon Festival or settle in at Wavestation and watch the excitement of the Ketterring to Cygnet regatta passing on the brilliant water of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. You can  set up your lunch on the veranda or out in the gazebo in your very own private space.

SOUTHERN OPEN VINEYARDS WEEKEND

Look out for the Vineyards opening on the weekend of 5th and 6th March 2011. Flamenco guitarist Paul Gerard is playing at Hertzview at Gardener's Bay on Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 3 PM.

Who was Bruni D'Entrecasteaux?

Have you ever wondered who Bruni D'Entrecasteaux was? Bruni Island was named after an explorer who came to Southern Tasmania in the 1700's, before the Dutch or English sailors.

It's a short drive down the Channel Highway to Gordon where European made their first contact with Australia. The French ship navigated by Bruni D'Entrecasteaux sailed through between Bruny Island and the mainland of Tasmania. At Gordon a large granite monument celebrates the exploration of  this famous frenchman. You can enjoy the French flavour of Wavestation with the French Provicial furniture in the bedrooms.

SNOW ON MOUNT WELLINGTON

I woke this morning in our cosy bed in Richmond and said to Phil,
"How do you think Andrew is going on the Overland Walk?" He has the best equipment, a nicely balanced small back pack and I am sure that Sheila's fruit cake is completely consumed. At first he would have felt the weight as a burden but now I am sure he is wishing there was some more left. No shops to top up supplies! We were lucky that even Mount Ossa was out of the clouds but there is snow on Mt Wellington today so I can imagine there is mist on the overland walk. Will he manage to see Mount Abrupt? Hope he keeps to the track on the interminal board walk. Even so I can remember one of our group thigh deep in mud.

The fire at Wavestation will be very welcoming after the walk. I bet he won't want to leave. Will he make all those adventurous trips to Bruny Island and to Cockle Creek?
http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/tas

DAY TRIP FROM WAVESTATION Jewellery Exhibition at Franklin

Here's an interesting exhibition of local multi media jewellery opening at Franklin. Make a day trip into the Huontrail and see wonderful local craft.

Pat and Charles Zuber invite you to view one + one, an exhibition of multi media jewellery by Sandi Trajdos and Jill Bruce
Exhibition dates: March 19th – 27th 2011
Opening times: 10:30am – 5pm each day
http://www.churchstudiofranklin.com.au/

In the other direction but still worth the trip is the Puddleduck Vineyard www.puddleduckvineyard.com.au

WAVESTATION IS WELL LOCATED ON THE MAINLAND

It's easy to get to Bruny Island for the day from WAVESTATION. Just ten minutes down to Ketterring, the home port of the car ferry Mirambella takes you across to Robert's Point on Bruny. Look out for the locals lucky enough to have their own boats!

Apart from the spectacular views on the neck and down towards Adventure Bay I have recently heard about a gallery at Dennes Point which show cases Tasmanian and local Bruny Island artists. Our friend Andrew is very keen to visit. It's called Art on an Island, I think. I am looking forward to his report. Andrew is visiting Wavestation after a testing walk from Cradle Mountain to Lake Saint Claire. It's the Overland Track and he is carrying all his food and clothing. He has a large fruit cake made by his friend Sheila which will weigh him down climbing up to Lake Dove on the first day. I hope he rations the cake carefully as it will be very benefical for energy later in the walk. Andrew will be able to enjoy a well deserved rest at Wavestation. Good luck Andrew keep us informed of your progress. We did the walk the easy (or easier way) with a tour group. We stayed at cabins along the track which had been provisioned before the season opened. We just had to carry our lunch for each day, our sleeping bag and clothes but no tents. This makes your pack much lighter. We were very pleased with ourselves as we were some of the very few people that climb Mount Ossa, the highest peak in Tasmania and enjoy it on a clear day.

MONA

At last we have the opportunity to visit MONA Opened on the 21 January 2011, the art gallery is fast becoming a must see in Hobart. Built into the rock at Berridale on the Derwent River it is like an aladins cave. Some say it is fun to arrive by ferry to moor at the jetty which hydronically adjusts to the changing tide.

Tasmanians as well as overseas visitors are flocking to see this amazing eccentric collection of art works at "Walsh Land" This private museum is free by courtesy of David Walsh a renowned gambler.

GREAT TO BE ABLE TO STAY AT WAVESTATION

Heading down the Channel Highway we stopped at Ketterring to see how the restoration of Credence was progressing. The marina has wonderful modern jetties so it's easy to jump on board. Low tide no longer matters as the marina floats with the rise and fall of the tide. The paint brush and other equipment is sitting there as if someone has gone for a moment. A quick phone call finds the restorer up in Hobart at the Festival. Who can resist! He'll be back soon to continue the job, but things are progressing well. We have to keep the weather out!

Approaching Middleton we decide to turn off The Channel Highway at The Esplanade to see if the road is open. To our surprise we could drive straight through and along the water's edge to Wavestation. it's a quiet road and perfect for walks.

This road has been closed for over a year as a result of a landslide. The latest engineering techniques to stablize the bank are attractive. If you are interested take a look at the photos.

MONA AND THE WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL IN ONE WEEKEND

The alarm rang at 5am so we had plenty of time to drive to Tullamarine, park the car in the long term carpark, catch the bus, check in and have a relaxing breakfast in the Qantas lounge before our flight leaving at 7 am. It's a short flight to Hobart but having left early I took a nap while Phil read the paper. Our car was waiting so we had a quick get away into Hobart and parked near Constitution Dock. Even though this very special event was buzzing with sailors proud to be showing off their boats it is was to find apark in Hobart. Again Phil wondered why he hadn't made the effort to book in Credence.

Dressed for the part



Some great characters to meet

 Perfect circles




Fun for the children

 



Proud young boat builder



Wooden Boat Festival

The wooden boats are on the move towards Constitution Dock in Hobart. Watch out for them coming up the Derwent. We will be there and what a magnificent sight it will be. I can't wait!

http://www.australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au/

Australia Day 2011

January 26 falls on a Wednesday this year, right in the middle of the week so everyone is a bit uncertain about which weekend is the long weekend or if there is any. Lots of events have been organized to keep peple in Melbourne. There has been lots happening in Tasmania. The Mona museum is fainally opened at There's an amazing collection of art I am looking forward to veirwing. The Premier has resigned, and a female taking his place.

Eclectic array of animals and birds

Separated from the mainland of Australia Tasmania bursts with a wide range of animals and birds. There are 12 endemic birds in Tasmania. All have been seen at Inverawe Native Gardens at Margate. The Rare Masked Owl was spotted recently. Keen bird watchers will be keen to visit. Have a look when you buy your seafood at the caravan at the Margate train.

Or, just sit on the veranda at Wavestation preferably with your binoculars and you will be surprised what you will see.



We are looking out for the critically endangered Orange-Bellied Parrot.
Animals to look out for: 3 carnivorous marsupials, the Tasmanian devil, Easern and Spotted-tail Quoll.
See how many of these you sight:
Common coastal Bennett's Red Necked Wallaby
Rufus-bellied Pademelon
Common Brush-Tail Hidden Possum
Rare Albino Bennet's wallaby
Also, the Southern Right Whale (off Bruny Island)
Birds including Little penguins on the Ismuthus of Bruny Islan Forty Spotted Pardalote

Quarantine Bay

Leaving Hobart behind as Wild Oats has already left Constitution Dock after its win in the Sydney to Hobart race. She came in before dusk and had left in the morning. Not many were lucky enough to see her. I thought she was upset about the protest but others said she had another race to start.

Kettering marina was buzzing with people, some hard at their finishing touches to their boats, others had travelled from places like Canberra pulling their boat behind and traversing the Bass Strait by ferry to arrive in the wonderful harbour at Kettering to meet up with long lost relations.

We arrived at Quarantine Bay realizing that everyone had a dingy with petite outboard to motor in to shore for the New Year festivities.We were lucky to catch a ride with a sailor who parked his two gorgeous border collies on board his boat making room for us to be taken ashore. What kindness and he wasn't even going to the barbecue!