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RuthsArc

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RuthsArc

Monthly Archives: July 2015

Beautiful yet deadly

30 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by RuthsArc in all about me, one with nature

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

animals, Australia

If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you will have seen some of the beauty of Tasmania. You will sense our love of this place, this island at the bottom of Australia.

But there is something that I need to remember. Something that Aussie Mate grew up with, which is new to me in my midlife.

This place can be dangerous. It can be lethal.

Recent news has reminded me of this fact.

A few days ago I wrote about the trucks and boat trailers parked up on the coast, ordinary people going fishing and diving on a Friday. On Saturday, one of those fishermen was killed by a shark, whilst diving for scallops. He was a local man who worked for Hobart City Council. A guy doing something he loved in his spare time. He was an experienced recreational diver.

This was obviously big news here, especially following so soon after the amazing live footage of Aussie surf champion, Mick Fanning, escaping unharmed from a shark attach during a surf competition in South Africa.

Although America has the highest number of global shark attacks, Australia has the highest number of fatal attacks.

It is not just sharks. There are deadly snakes and spiders here.

We have joked about snakes during some of our bush walks….
Aussie Mate – “I should walk ahead as I’m more likely to recognise a snake”.
Me – “OK”.
Aussie Mate – “Oh maybe I’ll stay behind you as I’ll know what to do if you get bitten”.

We had a stark reminder about snakes with this sign at Lake St Clair.

snake

These photos were posted by family in Sydney suburbs a while back. A visitor to their balcony.

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snake 1

Other news this week is that thirteen new species of spiders have been discovered in Australia this month. Australia do not need any more spiders!

The first time Aussie Mate and I did some gardening in the UK, I was in short sleeve, sandals. He was covered from neck to toe, long sleeves, long trousers, boots and gloves. He kicked every stone and rock before picking it up. “So the spiders run away. You don’t want to pick up a rock and have a spider run up your arm”. Oh.

I know the names of red backs and funnel webs, the deadly spiders. But I probably wouldn’t actually recognise one. I will go and google them, right now.

On my first trip to visit in-laws in Sydney, one brother-in-law kept a funnel web in a jar on the dining table for several days. I think that was probably for my education and to emphasise that they are about in suburban gardens.

In our UK life, the wildlife that we saw were birds, foxes, occasional deer, badgers. Nothing dangerous beyond bees, wasps and stinging nettles.

I am keen to see the wildlife that Australia is famous for, but I mean the cute ones! Kangaroo, wallaby, possum, wombat, parrot, cockatoo, kookaburra, platypus, echnida and when we get to the mainland, koala.

I’m sitting at my dining table know, looking out to the estuary. I have seen a seal in the water from my window and at Hobart Waterfront. Neighbours say that there are dolphins and occasional whales in the estuary too.

I’m sure there were dolphins a couple of weeks ago. The Sunday yachts suddenly all stopped moving. It was like someone paused a movie. They all remained stationary and the people on board were watching something in the water.

I must remember that I am sharing this beautiful environment with abundant wildlife, all varieties, harmless and deadly.

A rocky walk to Bicheno Blowhole

29 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by RuthsArc in days out, one with nature

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

Tasmania, walks

We had driven through Bicheno on a couple of occasions on the main east coast road, The A3 – Tasman Highway. On this return journey we stopped for a coffee break and to explore.

After a good coffee and lemon cake in a local cafe, we joined the Foreshore Footway on the beach at the end of Jetty Road. As with beaches further north, this little cove had white sand. A few yachts were moored in the water.

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The path cut up to a grass area with a memorial to the Australian Merchant Navy.

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After a short section of bush track, the path opened up to these stunning rocks that continued around the point of land. The rocks have some scrub plants, a variety of pretty red leaves. The rocks themselves appear red in places due to lichen.

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We stood for ages watching the waves crash against the rocks. The wind was a north westerly so the swell of the ocean varied as we walked around the headland. The sound of the waves increased or decreased depending on an exposed or sheltered shoreline.

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We continued walking over the rocks. It was easy to wander so we were glad to see white arrows painted to direct us back to the path which then headed back into trees.

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As we came of of the trees, we were surprised by another boat ramp in the perfectly clear waters. The rocks in the distance are Governor Island, a marine reserve. A little way up the coast behind us, was Diamond Island which has a colony of little penguins. Tours are available to see the penguin walk at dusk.

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Further on, over more rocks and short detours through the bush when the rocks were too hazardous, we came to the blowhole. Again we stood for ages, waiting, watching, enjoying the spectacle as water spouted high into the air. We inched closer to get photos without getting wet.

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It was at the end of our walk that we saw the notice board and map with the warning …. “beware of big waves”.

Worst Day Ever?

28 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by RuthsArc in creativity

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

quotes

It is not often that I want to share something online, or forward something. But this poem has just blown me away.

It was written by a Jewish girl – Chanie Gorkin – in New York, for a school assignment …
…
..
.
Today was the absolute worst day ever
And don’t try to convince me that
There’s something good in every day
Because, when you take a closer look,
This world is a pretty evil place.
Even if
Some goodness does shine through once in a while
Satisfaction and happiness don’t last.
And it’s not true that
It’s all in the mind and heart
Because
True happiness can be attained
Only if one’s surroundings are good
It’s not true that good exists
I’m sure you can agree that
The reality
Creates
My attitude
It’s all beyond my control
And you’ll never in a million years hear me say
Today was a very good day
.
Now read it from bottom to top, the other way,
And see what I really feel about my day.

Two unusual benches with a tenuous link.

27 Monday Jul 2015

Posted by RuthsArc in creativity

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

bench series, Hobart, Seville

At the beginning of the year we were in Seville, Spain, on a mini holiday. On our first afternoon we explored the city and came across Plaza de Espana. A beautiful, semi circular open courtyard with lake, bridges and fountain, surrounded by an ornate building. Underneath the arches were tiled walls and benches representing each province of Spain.

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b bench 2

The only one that I took a close up photo of, was the region of Salamanca.

b bench 1

Salamanca Place here in Hobart is a open plaza surrounded by Victorian sandstone warehouses and a shipping wharf. It is named after the battle in 1812 in the Spanish province.

This past weekend, we went to a motor show at the wharf at Salamanca. Amongst all the cars was this original bench seat.

bench holden

These very different benches with unusual details are my contribution to Jude’s bench series challenge at https://smallbluegreenwords.wordpress.com/2015/07/26/bench-series-30/

Weekly Photo Challenge – Close Up

26 Sunday Jul 2015

Posted by RuthsArc in weekly photo challenge

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

flowers, macro, photos

Here are a few “close up” photos for this week’s challenge.

Kangaroos and an echidna on Aussie coins.

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Flowers and snow clinging to one side of gum tree twigs.

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Shells.

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Pencils.

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Close Up

White sand and red rocks at the Bay of Fires

25 Saturday Jul 2015

Posted by RuthsArc in days out, one with nature, photography

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

beach, Tasmania

s h 1

The Bay of Fires is another of Tasmania’s gems. The stretch of bays on the east coast are renowned for white sandy beaches and red rocky shores. The sand is white due to the level of quartz and the rocks are coloured by lichen.

However the bay did not get it’s name from the rocks, but from explorer Furneaux in 1773 who recorded lots of fires burning along the coast. He assumed that the country was densely populated.

Even on a cloudy afternoon it was beautiful. We drove to “The Gardens” where there is a short walk on the beach and over the lichen covered rocks. The red / orange is stunning. There are views here along the coast.

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We then stopped at Taylor’s Beach. Another perfect almost empty stretch of sand and surf.

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Bingalong Bay is at the southern end of the Bay of Fires, with a sweeping beach then a few outcrops, small coves leading to Skeleton Rock.

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We stayed overnight in St Helens, a small harbour town on George’s Bay. Our room overlooked a bird reserve and the harbour, with black swans swimming close by our balcony.

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We drove out around St Helen’s Point and found other coves.

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At the end of the road was a boat ramp that was obviously popular. I was intrigued that most of the utes or trucks were “work” trucks. We spoke to one guy who had just pulled up with his boat. I guess going fishing or diving for abalone took precedence over actual work on a friday morning. Our red car stood out in the car park as the only “car” car and without a boat trailer.

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An unexpected treat was Peron Sand Dunes. We saw a sign, drove a few metres up the dirt track, walked a way through the wet long grass and wow …..

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Franklin on the Huon River

22 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by RuthsArc in days out, photography

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

boats, Tasmania, walks

On the way back from somewhere else, we stopped in Franklin in the late afternoon.

It’s a pretty little place on the banks of the Huon River. In the early days it was a busy and important river port, supporting the local industries of forestry, shipbuilding and agriculture.

We walked along the river. It was such a still, peaceful day. Although the river was flowing, it’s surface was like a mirror, reflecting the boats, trees, mountains and sky in perfect symmetry.

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We spoke to a local lady, walking her mini schnauzer puppy, Sgt Pepper. She had moved from Queensland last year, now settled into the three hundred strong community. She loved the climate, the pace of life, the local choir, old movie nights in the old town hall and other town groups and activities. We have met so many people who have moved to this island state from the mainland. Newcomers are warmly welcomed by born and bred Tasmanians.

As the sun was setting behind the hills, we cut back to the main road, walked past a mix of old colonial homes and buildings, dotted amongst the modern houses.

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Then we came to these two cells just sitting on the side of the road. A vivid jump back in history.

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Our walk was just a quick exploration of a small township on the road south from Hobart. Definitely worth the visit.

franklin w 1

Back in 1985 – Geysers, boiling mud, haka and hangi in Rotorua

21 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by RuthsArc in back in 1985

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

in 1985, New Zealand

On this day back in 1985 I was in Rotorua, in the middle of my tour of New Zealand’s North Island

I had travelled via Palmeston North and the picturesque Manuwatu Gorge. I continued north to the east coast town of Napier, via rolling countryside, sheep, cattle and deer farms, beautiful rivers and valleys.

Napier seafront was lined with tall Norfolk Pine trees, grass areas set up for picnics, then a gravel beach and huge waves crashing onto the shore. It was too dangerous to swim in the sea here, but safer, sandy beaches were close by.

I visited a Nocturnal Wildlife Centre and saw real kiwis wandering around collecting food in the artificial nightlight. I also joined a wine trail here and visited four vineyards, sampling some lovely NZ wines. A local tannery gave demonstrations of the process from pelts to sheepskins. I bought three sheepskins here, which I still have.

From Napier, I took the train around Hawkes Bay and up to Poverty Bay and the town of Gisborne. It was the first place in NZ sighted by Captain Cook and the Endeavor on 7th October 1769.

I was enjoying lovely warm sunny weather, sitting out in the various gardens in town, sitting on the beach. It was not the sort of winter I was used to. I think I had better weather here than the UK was having in their summer.

The journey took me through agricultural low lands were kiwi fruit, grapes, citrus fruits were grown. I wasn’t used to seeing oranges, lemons, grapefruits growing on trees. 

The landscape changed as we approached Waioeka Gorge to Opotiki on the northern Bay of Plenty, then on the Whakatane, then back inland to Rotorua.

My first impression of the town was … “Rotorua stinks”.

My ten year old kiwi friend was right when he stated … “Rotorua is where the world farts”

My lasting impressions – An amazing place. A beautiful place. A weird place where the Earth and nature does not act as one expects. A memorable place.

Rotorua is on the edge of a lake, in the middle of a geothermal region. After a few hours you get used to the sulphur smell that permeates the air.

I was again lucky to be staying with friends of friends and had use of a car. I explored the area, saw the blue and green lakes that are next to each other but totally different colours due to the natural chemicals in the water.

Whakarewarewa is a Maori village in the midst of geysers, hot pools, mud pools. You walk along set pathways, through clouds of steam, past huge jets of boiling water forced ten feet into the air, past mud pools with the weird deep sound of mud bubbles boiling and exploding, past lakes where the shore water is boiling and steaming. It was one of nature’s most amazing displays. Several geysers are linked together, performing to a set cycle. One plays every three minutes, shooting water ten feet high. Another plays every half hour but shoots water ninety feet high and lasts for five minutes each time. Spectacular. Another plays only four times a year.

There is a strong Maori culture in the town and region, with arts and craft centres and lots of traditional buildings. I went to a Maori concert, which included a meal, dancers and singers in traditional costume, and a haka. The hostess for the evening explained the songs, the dances, this history and traditions. It was a wonderful evening.

The meal was a “hangi”. A traditional Maori method of cooking where food is wrapped in leaves (or foil) and buried in a pit in the ground on hot coals. Here in Rotorua the food cooks from the natural thermal heat of the ground. The hangi at this concert was exceptional – served like a carvery with a choice of smoked ham, lamb, wild pork, chicken, venison, smoked eel, mussels, potatoes, pumpkin and local sweet potato called kumara. There were salads to accompany the hot food.

I made use of both public and private pools, all natural springs, at varying temperatures. A large pool big enough to swim across was comfortable at 38 degrees, whereas the pool at 43 degrees was far too hot. You came out of that one looking like a lobster.

Rotorua was a wonderful experience, I hope I come back one day.

A sentence a day

20 Monday Jul 2015

Posted by RuthsArc in all about me, remembering / musing

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

me, time

I have been recording a “sentence a day” for three and a half years, as part of a long term journal.

It is fun to look back …
… to routine days,
… to unusual days,
… to special days,
… to family days,
… to days that unknown at the time, changed our life journey.

20th July 2012
We were living in the UK, working full time, in Maastrich, Netherlands for a family wedding. Relatives from Australia were also there.

20th July 2013
We were in Australia on a four week trip to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary.

We’d had a wonderful three weeks in Sydney, renting an apartment in Narrabeen overlooking the ocean. We had watch dolphins from our balcony. We’d been on a whale watching trip. We’d caught up with all the family.

Our eldest daughter, S~E, who already lived in Sydney, got engaged while we were there. We were part of that celebration, meeting her in-laws for the first time.

We were at a cross roads in our life. Our younger daughter, C~M, had finished college and was preparing to travel to Argentina for six months volunteer programme. We were about to be “empty nesters”.

On occasion, Aussie Mate and I had wondered about living in Australia. Sydney is expensive and too hot for us. Canberra is cooler but we wanted to be on the coast. Melbourne? Not for a Sydneysider. Adelaide? Maybe. Neither of us had been to Tasmania before, so we planned the final week of our holiday there, just the two of us, to see if it could be somewhere we could potentially move to.

On this day in 2013, we spent our first day in Tasmania, in Hobart.

20th July 2014
In the UK, working my redundancy notice with six weeks to go. Planning to sell our house, have an adult gap year in Tasmania. After lunch with my Mum the previous day, on this day we were packing up some of our belongings, sorting CD’s, DVD’s and books to sell.

Eleven months ago I started the photo a day challenge and have completed each day since.

Ten months ago we put up decorations in preparation for C~M’s twenty first birthday weekend.

Four months ago there was a solar eclipse in the UK but too cloudy for us to see it in London.

Three months ago we had been in Hobart for nine days and we moved into our rental waterfront apartment.

This date two years ago was one of those days that did change the course of our lives.

half 3

half 2

Weekly Photo Challenge – Half and half full

19 Sunday Jul 2015

Posted by RuthsArc in all about me, weekly photo challenge

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

photos

Some more images for this week’s challenge

I’m a “glass half full” kind of person.

half 1

half 2

half up and half down … and very nice wine

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half 17

half done, half to go
I’ve been noting “a sentence a day” for three and a half years, but only found these cute little books this year in Australia. It is fun to look back on what I was doing on this day in previous years. Sometimes just a routine day, sometimes something amazing.

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Half and Half

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