We're constantly struck by the beauty of this island. It seems that every time you turn a corner, there's another breathtaking view of mountains, rivers, channels and islands, gentle rolling hills, grapevines, crop-striped farmlands or forests, and sometimes all at once. Often all at once! People we meet are friendly and welcoming, and the food – especially the fresh seafood – is excellent. Below is the Coal River, which flows beneath the beautiful Richmond Bridge.
- I've never seen violets growing before!
The garden is a wonderful rambling mix of vegetables, herbs and roses, figs and fruit trees, grape-vines and violets. And quince trees! Hard to believe something so uranium-yellow is edible. In fact it's impossible to eat until it's been stewed gently with vanilla beans, sugar and cardamom for a few hours, then served hot (or cold) with yoghurt or cream. Most of the vegetables and fruits are finished for the season, but there are carrots, potatoes and Jerusalem artichokes still snoozing underground, and the odd late strawberry that the birds have missed.
What's really coming into season now are scallops – those luscious, highly underrated jewels of the sea that Tasmania produces better than anywhere else. I was able to get hold of some early season 'research' harvest yesterday and stir-fried them with vegetables. We've been eating a lot of wonderful coldwater fish too, as well as my constant favourite, flathead (sorry barramundi). And then there's the local oysters, and the Tasmanian wines… Just as well it's good walking weather!
Above: The back garden which supplies so much food – and did I mention the BEES? There's a hive in the garden as well, and the visiting bee-keeper presented us with a frame full of honey which we strained into a glass jar. Honey from the backyard! Just one hive supplies the owners with honey all year round, as well as providing the bee-keeper with his share.
On the downside, it's COLD! Really, really cold. There's a whole winter ahead of us yet, and that will sort out the men from the boys. Or the wusses from the toughies. Or something. I'm acquiring a collection of scarves and coats, and other woolly things I haven't worn since I was a kid in Melbourne. The novelty hasn't worn off yet, but check in with me in September, and we'll revisit that thought.
Cheers for now, and stay warm!
Very happy you are both enjoying Tassie, the West Coast is spectacular as well. Wonderful, ancient forests, Lake Dove was pretty and an easy walk.
The garden looks green and cottage grown planting looks welcoming.
looks and sounds wonderful. I too have lived in an old ( not that old as yours) house with open fireplace which often just doesn't work that well. Or the woods damp and won't catch and just smokes the room and you just retire to bed with lots of clothing and extra blankets and single bar heater!!
Are you still in Tasmania? It's now 8 July.
By some circuitous route I found you both.
Your new 'landside' digs look gorgeous. My "Cruising Indonesia' guide is out and selling quite well. The marina is full of rally yachts with the ARC still to come. Miss you here….. but enjoy!
Well done with the cruising guide, Lea! You've certainly got the experience to write it. Enjoy the ARC buzz – hope they're a good bunch this year!