Well it has been an interesting Christmas and New Year, with a bout of severe gastro making Andy totally unable to come down to Walpole, and me going down on my own then heading back up to Perth for a sober New Year in bed by 11pm. Christmas Day itself I had a lovely swim … Continue reading New Year 2024 →

… I’d actually enjoy sitting watching cricket. I’m sitting at Perth Stadium, watching a test match and it’s the third day I’ve turned up for a few hours. For those who know about, and love, cricket that’s pretty standard. For those who know nothing about cricket, it’s a slowly developing, strategic play that seems glacial … Continue reading I never thought … →

After I think 8 years and a half, I skied again for four days this holiday. It was 4 days of gentle skiing on very easy runs, not too many runs with a fair number of hot chocolates in mountain side cafes to rest and recover. There was none of the fast, aggressive black run … Continue reading Skiing again →

From country Tasmania, to big city Melbourne. Trams and people, skyscrapers and bustling shops, packed restaurants and art galleries, such a change and a bit of a shock after a peaceful and very rustic week. A ferry to Williamstown, through the port the size of which I really hadn’t appreciated, followed by a walk looking … Continue reading Two days in Melbourne →

The last two days have been a pleasant series of surprises, unexpected finds, and contrasts within a very few miles. The drive up from St Helen’s on the east coast to Launceston took us down a stunning valley to find a dairy and cheese factory. Turned out the dairy was closed, but we found the … Continue reading Contrasts and surprises →

The east coast of Tasmania is spectacular. Clear water, granite hills, sweeping bays, all with small towns and winding roads scattered between the headlands. It’s such a change, after the wide and boring roads of WA, to actively drive. Freycinet National Park The walk up to the viewpoint was well worth the effort, for a … Continue reading East coast scenery →

Back in Tasmania again, for a week before we go to Victoria and skiing. This is the second visit this year, the first one a few weeks ago was very much to catch with friends whereas this is to be tourists and visit more of the island. My luggage didn't travel with me, for some … Continue reading Luggage found, and MONA →

The Midwinter festival here in Hobart is a festival of renewal, and celebration of the dark that brings renewal and light. It’s joyful rather than dark, forward looking rather than reflection. Given the light starts leaving the sky here around 3pm and it’s dark by 4:30pm right now, knowing there’s a festival after which the … Continue reading Renewal →

I’m in Tasmania again, and now lying in bed after a beautiful day of walking with Kelvin and Amy, then going to Dark MOFO with Amy. Dark MOFO is a celebration of midwinter and is very much about celebrating the night, fire and light. I didn’t get tickets for any events, however was very content … Continue reading Dark MOFO →

The sunsets have been amazing out here, real Turner type colours and so vibrant. It’s very warm and humid, with lightening off in the distance to add to the tropical atmosphere. Hard work, doing anything physical in these temperatures but we all just get pace ourselves and drink lots of water. Yoga on the helideck, … Continue reading A few sunset photographs →