Leisure time in Summer

Why haven't I done more work on my blog recently? Truth of the matter is that I have been too BUSY enjoying my LEISURE! The weather in Hobart has really been too good and yesterday it was reported that we just experienced our driest January on record - a total of 3mm of rain! You can hardly call it rain. Our little island is desperate for some good downpours.

Now about leisure, let me tell you that I have thoroughly enjoyed a range of wonderful activities, including spending time in and near Sydney, visiting family and friends. It included quality time with Fred at his hideout in Lovett Bay.ABOVE: The view from his house looking out towards Pittwater. BELOW: Fred's Hideaway. Idylic!And there is MERCATOR, the lovely sleek love of Fred's life! It was great and we both enjoyed our time that included taking Fred's lovely sailing boat - Mercator, a 53' ketch - for a good workout. A full day on the beautiful Hawkesbury River and Pittwater with a delightful breeze was just fantastic.ABOVE: At the helm on a straight course (I think!). BELOW: Braving it on the bow - just a little tentative......But brave enough to take the next photo showing the bow cutting into the water:And while the boat was on auto pilot, Fred decided to go into the rigging.I also took Vicki and Philip out to Kangaroo Valley and the Fitzroy Falls:We also visited Belmore Falls and Carrington Falls:It was fantastic trip through very picturesque country that we all enjoyed
....including a delightful lunch at Robertson, the place where Babe was filmed.

Just after Christmas, Heather & Brent invited me on a family bush walk to the magnificent Cape Roul that overlooks Storm Bay in Southern Tasmania. It was a strenuous but great walk that took about six hours. Above: Kathryn taking a rest overlooking Storm Bay. Below: Heather with Thomas doing likewise.The next pic of Brent and his brothers standing at the lookout giving a good idea of the terrain we were on:The scenery was stunning and the lovely sunny day ensured a most successful walk. It was also fascinating to come accross a snake that was in the final stages of shedding its coat. Peter picked it up after the process was completed (the snake scurried back into the bush) and wrapped it around a stick:And finally, we came to Cape Roul itself with its stunning views Including the next one of native flora and with Port Arthur in the distant background:And one with Kathryn and me:We also saw some of the yachts that were competing in Sydney to Hobart Yacht race sail towards Hobart, including the winner that was already on its way back to Sydney.There are many delightful bush walks in Tassie and we also went on another walk together some time before Christmas to the Candle Sticks. That was a really tough walk for me. BUT I managed quite well though my limbs and joints knew all about it when I got home.Here are just a couple of scenic views on that walk:And one of Heather, Brent, Kathryn & Thomas:With the weather as nice as it has been during January, I braved the Tasmanian waters and went swimming near my house together with granddaughter Gemma who took the following underwater shot of King Neptune Siebrand:It certainly shows a different perspective!
And one of the Princess. As always a pretty picture!