Moorilla Estate Museum of Antiquities

Last Sunday, after the excursion to the Hobart Races, VT & MB dropped into the nearby Moorilla Estate Winery for a coffee, but being 5pm the coffee machine was switched off. MB noticed on the way into the Winery a sign to their "Museum of Antiquities" and asked VT if the museum really had classical antiquities. VT confirmed such so yesterday MB & VT's dazzling mother, Halina, visited this museum and were astounded to find such an amazing collection housed in the most wonderful building by the Derwent. The collection contains some stunning pieces from Pre-Columbian South America; Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Levantine and Roman eras plus some beautiful African art. The coin collection is a treasure trove of ancient commerce and includes a hoard of Roman coins, pictured here in the pot they were found in. Anybody remotely interested in history will enjoy visiting this small, but lovely museum.

Cascade Brewery, Hobart, Tasmania

Cascades Brewery, Hobart, Tasmania
Originally uploaded by cyberoo.

This has to be one of the most striking buildings in Hobart. Beer being such of such paramount importance caused this building to be one of the earliest constructions in the fledgling colony of Van Dieman's Land. MB walked to the Brewery from city centre via the very scenic Rivulet Walking Trail.

A Day at the Races

We had a tip for a sure thing at Sunday's Hobart Races, friends of VT had a geegee (Sonanda) running in the last race, so VT & MB decided to go along to lend some support. As you can see in the photo it wasn't a capacity crowd. Velten cleverly forgot to bring some cash so MB had to make a small loan, thus enabling both to have a bet. Sonanda led early and looked very promising but just couldn't last the distance, came in 5th! Hobart Race Course is in a very scenic location adjacent to the Derwent River and has beautiful heritage grandstands, well worth a visit, better if you forget to take your wallet with you though!

The Domaine-A Dream Team

MB enjoying a tranquil smoko with the Domaine-A team, Michael, Liz and the irrepressible Ounooi.

Bottling at Stoney

Today MB worked the hardest day she has worked in living memory. VT's winery had about 12,000 litres of Pinot Noir, Fume Blanc and Chardonnay that needed bottling, so MB wanting a winery experience volunteered her services and reported for duty this morning at 08:00am. After 9 hours and about 15,000 bottles later MB was ever so glad she'd done all that weight training at the gym.

Alain & Velten

Alan & Velten
Originally uploaded by cyberoo.

Two of the Leading Lights of the Coal River Fraternity of Vignerons.

Baboutie

Baboutie
Originally uploaded by cyberoo.

VT cooked up a storm last night, we dined on a Malay-South African classic: Baboutie, a spicy-fruity meatloaf. He also got some of his secret stash wine out too, a Domaine-A Pinot and a beautiful German reisling of which VT reluctantly had to drink MB's share. With the delightful company of Alan, fellow Coal River winemaker, we had a great night.

Ounooi

Ounooi vainly trying to make herself invisible when VT attempted to take her to the vet for her annual vaccinations.

Sandy McCutcheon

Sandy McCutcheon
Originally uploaded by cyberoo.

MB had the good fortune to attend yet another book launch today, this time at Hobart Books. Sandy McCutcheon, of ABC Radio National, visited to promote his new book "The Magician's Son" an autobiographical book of the author's life. He told a really touching story about a daughter born to him in the the sixties (in Ireland), who has only just recently found him, it moved me enough to buy his book. I have to admit I wasn't planning to buy it, I thought I might save a few dollars and borrow it from my library. He also talked about his many unsuccessful relationships with women over the years, and in the queue behind me waiting to have a book signed was one of those women, Sallie, she told me their relationship 30 years ago lasted all of a week. Tim Cox from ABC Radio Hobart introduced Sandy and Bob Brown also dropped in.

German Attention to Detail

Velten gallantly demonstrates how to use the Porcelain Telephone conveniently installed in the Gents bathroom at Maximilian's Brauweisen Brewery in Lahnstein am Rhein, Germany. Note the ergonomic raised placement of the apparatus on the wall and grab handles for those too inebriated to stand.

Tiger Fish

Velten's Dad, Jurgen, wrestled this beauty to the banks of the Zambezi after hours of frenzied angling. He was the toast of Zambia for weeks afterwards.

What does "Ounooi" mean?

Well Velten tells me: In the old days in South Africa the boers were called Bas (pronounced like bus) for the male and Nooi, for the female. Similar to Sahib and Memsahib in India I guess. The children of the Bas and Nooi were referred to as Kleinbas and Klein nooi, with the grandparents referred to as Oubas and Ounooi. There you have it, our Ounooi is still a teenager but will grow into her name.

Whiffy Wurst

There was a joyous reunion today at Hobart Airport, Ounooi’s daddy, Velten, arrived back from his Germany/France sojourn. This happy reunion was somewhat tainted by a very evil smelling backpack which Velten used to repel anyone that came into close range with him on his journey home.
Velten emptied the pack on arrival home and found one of his tins of boutique butcher’s bratwurst had alarmingly expanded, he opened it and the stench was unbearable, to us humans that is, but not Ounooi, she wolfed it down in a nanosecond!

Winners are Grinners

MDR was only back in Cairns for a few hours before heading out spearfishing. Good thing too as the 4 fridges at home are now fully stocked with fish fillets.

The blue one is a Black Spot Tusk fish and the other one is a Mangrove Jack. MDR tells me that the sea was flat and calm and that "it's the best day he's had for years".

Goodbye Ounooi

PB is reluctantly leaving Tasmania today and must say goodbye to Ounooi. PB will be heading up to Cairns for a few days before returning home to Hong Kong.

Tasmania turned out to be much better than expected. Weather was pretty kind and the fishing was OK too. Fell in love with Tasmanian Pinot's and grazed on some very fine seafood. Would definitely come back. If I had to choose between New Zealand and Tasmania as a holiday destination I think I'd choose Tasmania as they've really embraced the local produce concept. Getting local seafood and gourmet produce in New Zealand seemed a lot harder.

Auf weidersehen Ounooi and Tasmania!

Michelin Woman

On the way in to Hobart this morning PB noticed that Mt. Wellington was covered in snow. Sent a text to MB and, like an excited schoolgirl, she wanted to go and see the snow. Here MB seen emulating Michelin Woman in a tight fitting puffer jacket.

Unfortunately the snow Nazis had closed the road on the last section up to Mt. Wellington so we had to be content stopping at a car park near the top. Plenty of snow and lots of kids throwing snowballs and building snowmen.

Animal Farm meets Michelin Man

One of the joys of house-sitting is looking after the animals. Here PB hams it up for the camera with Ounooi the dog, a beautiful ridgeback, and Oliver the ginger tabby. Ounooi is almost as big as a shetland pony and she lives in the house with us. She's quite scary to look at but just a puppy inside. Oliver the cat, on the other hand, is a bit of a psycho. He loves to bite even if you are being friendly.

Notice I've got the puffer jacket on? Just trying to look a bit chubbier for the camera.

Tasmania - Daffodil Lovers' Heaven

Plan B

MB saw advertised in the local newspaper (affectionately dubbed "The Mockery" by Velten) an Open Garden day at a daffodil farm south of Cygnet, about one hour south of Hobart by car. Further research uncovered a 3 hour waterfall walk nearby. Sunday morning the weather was reasonable, if a little overcast, so she set out. The weather deteriorated until it was horizontal rain at the Daffodil farm. MB being the hardy soul she is was determined to see the daffodils and on arrival dashed from the car to the garden with an umbrella and spray jacket for protection. The horizontal rain however soaked her jeans, so after a few photos and quick chat with the owners she was away. Returned to Cygnet, found a pub and took herself inside to dry by the log fire. Scallops were on the menu and duly ordered and enjoyed in the cosy lounge bar. Rather quiet day at the pub, only one other table occupied. MB didn't need much convincing to cancel the waterfall hike, so consoled herself instead with Plan B, gourmet browsing, driving up the East side of the Huon Channel, stopping in at a Sheep's Milk Dairy then Peppermint Bay Providores and Restaurant. MB indulged in a Latte and Warm Cherry Clafoutis with Buttermilk Ice-cream - top marks. Peppermint Bay Restaurant has the most interesting menu seen so far on this trip. MB was bowled over by the absolutely wonderful staff who were so genuinely friendly and skilled. This combined with a superb venue makes this spot a must visit for anyone travelling to this beautiful area south of Hobart.

Tasmania Road Weather Alert
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Tasmania
WARNING Issued at 8:19pm on Sunday the 11th of September 2005 Initial warning for road in eastern and southern tasmania, including the Central North and Midlands. Motorists are advised that locally heavy rain may cause hazardous driving conditions during the night and at first tomorrow. Gusty winds on exposed roads may add to the driving hazard. For information regarding road closures, contact your local council or Tasmania Police. Next routine issue by 5am.

Ummmm... Oysters

On our first day here in Tassie, MB took Grace and I for lunch at a great restaurant called Barilla Bay Oyster Farm. The oysters were great and so was the food, wine and local produce shop. After stuffing ourselves with food and wine, we got some extra seafood to take home. 2 dozen oysters for $6.50 a dozen ($8.50 opened) and 2 Kilos of Tasmanian blue lip mussel's for $5.50 per kilo. Wunderbar! The oysters come from the water just next to the restaurant and the mussels and scallops come from Sandy Bay, just up the east coast.

We've been back plenty of times since to get more oysters, mussel's and scallops. Barilla Bay is about 10 KM's from Richmond and right next to the Hobart Airport. I'd recommend visiting this place even before going to Hobart, it's that good.

The World Famous Richmond Bridge

Just realised we've been here in Richmond for a few weeks now and we haven't yet posted a photo of the Richmond bridge. Well here's a photo of it above. Built to last by convicts who had nothing better to do. Very scenic and there is a beautiful park along the river on either side. There's a resident population of ducks and geese who are fed multiple times each day by locals and tourists. Would probably make nice pate.

The bridge crosses the Coal River which, supposedly, has some brown trout in it. I've been trying to coax one of these elusive creatures out of the river but so far without success.

Well worth a visit if you're in the area. Only 20 or so KM's from Hobart and also a very pretty town with lots of nice cafes and cottages.

All Wrapped Up

On the way back from Launceston, we drove up to Ben Lomond, the main ski fields here in Tassie. MB seen here all geared up for our snow visit. "It's been a crap ski season this year because of all the warm weather" according to the young guy in the ski lodge. No problem for us, we just wanted to see the snow and get a few photos.

After Ben Lomond, we took a shortcut cross country to the East Coast. The road looked ok on the map but turned into a gravel forestry track for 30 or so KM's. Not to worry, we made it to the coast in one piece. By the time we stopped for lunch in Bicheno the troops were pretty ravenous. Lunch was a huge pile of fish, scallops and chips which disappeared in record time. Delicious.

Temperance League

MDR & PB longing for a beer at the home of Boag's Beers in Launceston. Alas we were too early, 8:45am, the Boag's Beer Lovers Centre was only dispensing very highly priced merchandise at that hour.

On The Road Again

Tuesday, and we've decided to hit the road. Loaded up the family truckster and heading north, destination : Launceston. First, we drop the dog off (Ounooi) at the Domaine winery and then we follow the convict trail.

Around 11AM and we are getting hungry,it's been three long hours since breakfast. We leave the highway and scope out the town of Oatlands for gourmet cafes. No luck, but we spot an interesting heritage mill (photo above) and stop for an inspection and to take a few photos.

We climb the five flights of stairs to the top of the mill and marvel at all the other heritage buildings in the surrounding area. MB manages to bang her head on the low ceiling as we climb. Not serious though, she is still able to think about gourmet food. We press on to the next town.

STOP - Secret Men's Business!

MDR issuing explicit instructions to MB as the men discuss important business - catching Atlantic Salmon.

Here owner Stuart, informs PB and MDR how big the Salmon in the ponds are. He goes on to tell us that they are "no good to eat, only good for cat food" and lots of other interesting facts.

As we arrived late in the afternoon, we do a site inspection and vow to come back later in the week to coax out the monsters from the deep. Costs only $110 for 4 hours fly fishing including gear and instruction. Alternatively, you can buy the whole 18 acres for $450,000.00. Tough choice.

Sunday Roast @ Franklin

Today, Fathers Day, we loaded up the family truckster (Nissan X-Trail) and set out to visit the Tahune Air Walk via Huonville and Franklin in the Huon Valley.

MB spotted a gourmet yuppie restaurant sign a few miles out of Franklin and we decided to stop there for lunch, even though we had just finished breakfast. On arrival we were informed that "all the tables inside were booked but we could sit outside if we liked". Although the weather has been pretty good, we weren't quite ready to brave the elements mid winter in Tasmania. PB then suggested we have lunch across the road at the pub.

Above, you can see MB and MDR enjoying the beautiful log fire and some lovely Cascade Draught while awaiting the arrival of our "Sunday Roast". The meal was great and very good value. Well worth a visit if passing by.

Huon River Scenic Photo

Just had to Blog this photo of the Huon River behind the wood boat museum in Franklin.

The whole Huon valley is very scenic, like this and better.

Movie Star Looks

This is a great shot of Marcia "taking time to smell the roses" (plum blossom?) at the park next to the Richmond Bridge.

Take a look at that blue sky - magnificent! We've been lucky with the weather. Who'd have thought it would be sunny and warm in the middle of winter in Tasmania. Thank god for global warming.

A-Maze-ing!

We took Grace to the Richmond Maze thinking it would be a bit of fun. Wrong! You can see from the look on her face how much she enjoyed it. To be honest, it was a bit crap. Just plain wooden planks and a dusty track. Even worse, someone had taken a huge dump inside the maze - gross.

I can just imagine Grace telling her Hong Kong friends how much of an idiot her husband is for paying good money to get lost in a crap maze.

Walkies

Paul & Marc with Ounooi the Ridgeback. Ounooi needs lots of walking, took her to Waverley Flora Reserve in suburban Hobart yesterday. She got to chase frogs and generally frolic as dogs do. She struck a few hunting poses for our benefit but was always very coy when we tried to photograph her.

Lunch at Mt Direction

Lovely sunny day yesterday so MDR & MB set off on a hike to the summit of Mt Direction, just a few klm ENE of Hobart. The trail starts at the very picturesque Risdon Dam, the water supply for Hobart and southern Tasmania. Even with the sun shining we still had to kit up in enough gear to survive a polar expedition. The wind chill factor was extreme, however once on the trail and ascending the hill we warmed up. About one third of this trail is extremely steep and it was quite a work out, especially for MB. We bought some excellent sandwiches at the Richmond Bakery and really enjoyed them once we got to the summit. MB was a little disappointed though she couldn't get a cappuccino there, but the views over Hobart and the Derwent valley more than compensated. The hike took three and half hours, classified as "easy" in the guidebook we are using, a good walk for MDR & MB to "run-in" their new hiking boots.