Working to live, not living to work! Adventures achieved on days off and holidays.

After our standard early start to the day, does mean one can fit more in the day, we  got under way, first stop Albion Farm Shop and Cafe. With a brisk wind and rain threatening there was no better place then inside with a hot pot of tea and some English crumpets for a snack. Tony couldn't go past the scones with jam and clotted cream. Very country rustic feel, with great views, and lots of goodies in the shop to tempt one to part with hard earned dollars, elevated my rubber boot wearing with 'wellington' socks ~ too cute highland cows pattern. Views. Then it was off to Standedge Tunnel and visitor Centre - Canal and River Trust, where good people are dedicated to keep the tunnel open and the boat rides going. A morning of perfect timing, as, as we started the walk beside the canal up to the tunnel, we  noticed the narrowboat ride advertised. Asked the helpful man, one of these aforementioned dedicated volunteers, and jumped on board, providentially as it started to rain, s...

 Finally our holiday has arrived and were off to Scotland,  but as all us Aussies know Scotland is not just a blip up in the air like flying to destinations in Australia, so from leaving home at 1400 on Friday, we arrived in Manchester UK at 0915 Saturday morning. Very deceiving on paper, as in reality its 2 flights of 7 1/2 and 13 hrs respectively with a 2 hr stopover in Singapore. Both Naarah and I didn't manage to sleep, my neck hurt sitting up, and Naarah got headaches and felt sick. Mmmm the joys of travel, it's the only bit I don't enjoy, but Singapore Airlines looked after us well, and I would fly with them again. Once on the ground, sorted all our connectivity, and arranged for our car, we've a nice electric blue Nissan Qashqai, with a sun roof. Which we promptly shut the cover on, too much sun for jet lagged eyes! Again the car hire, a local Scottish based group we were recommended was excellent. Started by exploring just a small area of Manchester, in Stockpor...

 Final full day of Tassie Trip. After our normal early morning we set off to Maydena for our booked train cart ride. But first we enjoyed another sunrise beside Lake Pedder, gorgeous scenery on the way back including the sculpture and lairy beehives ~ collecting the precious pollen from leatherwood flowers for yummy honey. Arrived early for our Railtrack Riders ride along the old railway line, with us providing the manpower! Was a lot harder then it looks, so was glad that they have a engine to assist with pushing on the uphill's, otherwise I don't think we would of made it. After that checked out the trout farm, too late to get anything too eat at the lovely cafe, but still was interesting to see the trout, and other freshwater cold climate fish. Lots of history to read, but again the platypus along the creek was elusive, Tony and I didn't see them last time we were there either. Then we were off to Molesworth to see my nursing friend from Redland Hospital who did a big tr...

  Another full day of exploration ahead of us, we packed up and tried again, unsuccessfully, to pay for our lovely camping spot. To this date we are still in their debt, with no response to emails with accounts to pay etc.!! First stop Junee Caves River system. Only disappointment is that one couldn't enter the caves, well, no organized walk even in the entry, its really only for experienced and equipped cavers, and a solid gate ensures the safety of other inquisitive people. Where the underground river emerges Even spotted a trout? Then drove out to Strathgordon Dam, beautiful scenery, rugged mountains and impressive engineering feats all on display. Having been advised that we must visit the Pedder Wilderness Lodge, thanks Nathaniel, it was our first stop. All that driving and viewing of scenery makes one hungry. We were not disappointed, so suitably fueled up, us and the camper, off we went to the Dam. Again, thanks Nathaniel, other wise without your recommendation we may not of...

 Up early the next morning we had a special wildlife encounter. The local spotted quoll doing his morning round of all the campsites,  hoping to find some tasty leftover morsels. Made our morning anyway. Time to fit in  another waterfall, stretched out legs with a 20 minute walk to Nelson Falls. More windy roads  so took a break to walk to the suspension bridge on the Frenchman's cap walk, its on the beginning of a multiday hike in the remote Franklin Gordon National Park area. Would be a great walk to do. Another hike a bit further along was the Franklin River nature trail, very pretty. Then on to Lake St Claire where the Overland track ends, and were able to refill out water containers.  The Wall in the Wilderness lived up to all expectations, one man's very clever use of timber, and extreme skill in carving has created this unique pictorial record of Australian history. No photographs allowed, so to see an example you have to google it, or visit, is preferabl...

 After a early start, we wanted to drive out before the bus runs started, drive through to Roseberry for our morning cuppa break and a quick walk to Stitt Falls. Checking out the impressive Henty dunes, we braved the climb up it, looked relatively easy, which it wasn't. Well worth it though.  Then on to Strahan for some grocery shopping,  very mundane, but we need to eat. Didn't really have time to do the river cruise up Gordon, just have to do it another time. Onwards to Queenstown we went where we found the Spion Kip Lookout with its interesting history. After having a look around Queenstown,  and deciding not to camp at the gravel oval, we just fuelled up and left via a stop at the Iron Blow lookout. Impressive views of mining stuff ie big holes etc.  By the time we arrived at Lake Burbury I was ready for a break from driving on windy roads. Arriving early had its benefits,  scored the only lakeside camp spot with views of the lake and mountains. Only af...