Tasmania 2

Mt. Wellington, 1 271m, ~4 100', is one of many high peaks in Tasmania. It is essentially in Hobart, and one hike starts in the city.
They warn you of sudden weather changes like we get in the Presidentials at home, incl. snow  at any time of the year.
We did a half a day walk, listed as 4 hrs, along its eastern flank, but didn't go to the top as we had a late start. The views were great all the same. Craig had not yet seen the description of the road to the top, and am afraid he had hoped to ride there. But the road surface is apparently not great, and there's a lot of traffic. Can't say I am that disappointed...

Link to Tasmania 2 pics

Thinking of you

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone at home!!

We just finished our dinner; it's now Thursday night here. Left over veggie lasagna, and a very tasty veggie stir fry with e.g. kale. I'm sure there's someone envious back home..

Craig has said nothing about missing his turkey, but then we are reminded only of Christmas in the stores, and see even Xmas related banners on the street .poles.

Craig is waiting for an opportunity to try a Scallop Pie, which we have seen advertised.
For dessert, I have had almost daily chocolate in Australia, in significant amounts, except for tonight - ran out.

Craig & Ann-Marie

Tasmania 1

Hobart = Hills!
We are staying in Mt. Nelson, which is in the city, only a couple of miles from downtown.
3 straight days of bright sunshine, temp's in the mid 70s (24C), no humidity, and 4 very different outings! We had feared spring here would be cool, but have heard the weather changes on a dime here, just like in New England. So for now we are very happy, and doubt we would like to be here in the summer, when it apparently can be 104F (40C).

Link to Tasmania 1

Hobart house tour - for Engineers

We are house sitting in Hobart Tasmania for a couple of weeks. Tasmanians have largely embraced modern architecture, and you find few pastiche-style houses. I've put together this video focusing on the architecture and construction of the house where we are staying for those who might be interested.

Craig

House tour video

Part 4 in Queensland

Our first house sit was a total success (and our local friend Heather liked the bike ride she joined us on from there, despite earlier comments about how far out in the boonies we were) - but our second house sit was a 'learning experience', and from now on we will always make sure we have plenty of pictures before signing up. We mostly got take outs as I didn't want to cook in the old and messy kitchen, but the sit was only for 4 nights, and now we know.
We lost most of one day to a missing cat at this house,  but if this is the biggest problem of our trip so far, I think we are doing well. The cat finally showed up, and had been hiding indoors all along, when we were afraid he was outside somewhere.
So the next day we left early, and the outdoor time these cats normally enjoy, would have to wait until the owners came home.

Our last week in Queensland

Our 3rd week in Australia, around Helidon

A very low profile Fascinator 

The days are flying by, we still enjoy having a house to ourselves, we try to get some planning done for upcoming places, we are so happy to be able to spend more time with our new friend Heather, we have been on fewer excursions than in prior weeks, but have found beautiful & interesting rides around here, and also walked around a couple of nearby National Parks (smaller than at home, with short, pretty walks), and were surprised by the steep, and rocky trail to the top of Mt. Tabletop near Toowoomba. We thought we headed for a quick walk in the park, with a short climb.

Link to the Helidon area pictures