Thursday 20 June 2013

Gorge, Fever, and Travelling Again

Red-capped Robin - Nairana
After a long ten weeks in the 'Bush' we arrived home on Wednesday, 12th June - but only for a few short days as we headed off again on Monday, 17th June.  This time to the beautiful Apple Isle, Tasmania.  Yes, I know - it's Winter, it's cold, it's Tasmania - have we lost our minds!?  No, this will be another 'adventure' and a chance for me to attend the annual exhibition for the Tasmania Quilters Guild in Hobart.


After leaving Nairana NP on the morning of 7th June we spent the weekend with the lovely Mr and Mrs K.  And what a lovely weekend it was.  The boys went out and set the crab pots down at the creek whilst Mrs K and I caught up on crafty things.  Apparently the mozzies were rather monstrous at the creek and made a meal of the OGO with some devastating effects as we discovered on Sunday.

Although it was a little damp and overcast on the Saturday we had a lovely guided tour of an area near Eungella with a stop off at a couple of properties in the area that were for sale.  It was obvious that the young couple were very interested in one particular property and whilst enjoying a winter style lunch at the Eungella Chalet my thoughts were confirmed - they had made an offer on the 60 acre property and would become the proud owners following bank appraisal later in the week.  Well done guys and what a beautiful spot to live.
Big Foot Lookout

Leaving Sarina we headed for Cania Gorge for a couple of nights. The OGO was not well and had been awake most of the night with a fever but we had to be home by Wednesday so we pushed on.  There are some great walks at the Gorge but as the OGO was not at all well we only managed a very short walk to the picnic ground and along the creek.  Lots of damage along the creek from the floods earlier this year.
Nankeen Heron

Still bird-watching we spotted a Nankeen night heron and some beautiful King parrots along the creek. 

King Parrot
Another night of high fevers, shivers, and soaked nightwear, left both RRs exhausted and very worried that the OGO had maybe contracted Dengue Fever from the mozzie bites.  This was confirmed over the next few days as the fever progressed.


No visit to the doctor, of course - not able to convince the OGO it was necessary - so we flew out of Brisbane on Monday morning and arrived here in Gordon early Monday evening. 

Our 'temporary home' is just beautiful - views to die for and five acres of lush grass, roses galore and over 60,000 spring bulbs that will be in flower befor we leave here.

Billy 'the Kid'
We have a little 'companion' - Billy - who loves to chase a ball and has adopted the OGO.
View from Kitchen window

There is a log fire in the lounge and lovely comfy leather chairs.  We have an old-fashioned brass bed in our room and every room has French doors leading onto wide verandahs. There is a veggie garden with leeks, broad beans, broccoli, parsnips, potatoes, onions, caulis, rocket, and lots of fresh herbs. Lemon, tamarillo, and fig trees, and berry bushes are all providing good fruit as well.  

Scarlet Robin - Tasmania
This is a five acre property with views over the D'entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island.

There is a lovely creek and waterfall on the boundary, and a lovely 'hidden' walk down to the beach. And the OGO has already been happily 'snapping' birds not seen on the mainland! His only wish - for the sun to shine a little more!



 After three days of total relaxation the OGO has almost recovered from his fevers, shivers, and aches and we shall no doubt start taking a few little driving tours around the district in the next few days.