Swan, Huon River

Just to continue with the Egg Islands and Huon River theme. Couldn't see the pelican this morning, but the swans were very friendly. These birds are very beautiful, especially in flight. This one was quite cooperative about not moving too fast while I took his picture.

Pelican at Franklin

This pelican was wading along the muddy shore just near Eldercare at Franklin. It's unusual to see a pelican here, I think. I've seen them at Margate and Bridgewater before now, but not here. This is an important wetland habitat, and the subject of some significant conservation efforts. Dave Watts notes in his Field Guide to Tasmanian Birds that they are "Uncommon", but lists the Huon River as a place to see them, so perhaps they aren't that unusual.

A cold Mt Wellington

There seems to have been a light dusting of snow on Mt Wellington a few times this morning. I haven't actually managed to get it in a photo. But I did get this shot of a rainbow, which is quite nice anyway.

My girl's a corker!

This old song was read to me years ago by Jim Wilson. Some readers may have met the short and bushy Jim when, between public service careers he drove the bushwalkers transport bus to places like Cockle Creek, Scotts Peak and other points west.

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My girl's a corker, she's a bushwalker,
I buys her everything to keep her in style.
She's worth her weight in gold, my coal black baby,
Say boys, that's where my money goes.

When we go walkin' she does the talkin',
And when my arm's around her, how dem miles fly.
She does the cookin', I do the lookin',
Say boys, that's where my money goes.

She's got a pair of eyes just like two custard pies,
And when she looks at me I sure get a thrill
She's got a pair of lips just like potato chips,
Say boys, that's where my money goes.

She's got a pair of legs, just like two whiskey kegs,
And when they knock together, oh what a sound!
She's got a pair of hips just like two battleships,
Say boys, that's where my money goes.

She's got a bulbous nose, just like a big red rose,
And when we camp at night, it really does shine,
She wears silk underwear, I wear my latest pair,
Say boys, that's where my money goes.

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I acquired the words from the Walkers Song Book, compiled by The Kameruka Bushwalking Club and The Hobnails Bushwalking Club, published in Sydney in 1962.

Mt Wellington - 15 December 2007

Had a nice short walk on the summit plateau of Mt Wellington on Saturday. Sunny and breezy, with the breeze cold at times, and then dying right away so I sweltered inside the zipped-up fleece. Some good distant views though, and there are a variety of flowers out right now making the place a little brighter than normal. There are a set of large upright dolerite boulders that have a very interesting weathering pattern. I'm unclear why some of the boulder has weathered to the characteristic red colour, but large areas have a clear bluestone appearance. I'm assuming the weathered outer has split off, probably through ice action, but the bluestone underneath does not appear to be weathering. I'll have to read David Leaman's book again and see if it's explained.

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Luckmans Hut is below the Pinnacle Road a little way before where the top end of the Panorama Track emerges. I think the Hobart Walking Club restored it a few years ago. Must be named after Leo and Jesse Luckman I suppose. Door closes well, looks like it leaks in the rain, because someone has rigged up a plastic sheet inside below what looks like a hole in the roof. Good fireplace, which would be very nice on a winter's day. I found this interesting page on Mt Wellington huts, and another here.

Grant Dixon's Photos worth a look

Grant Dixon, well known photographer, has a lovely website. The Tasmanian photos are particularly good, and evoke the same view I often have of the Tasmanian wilderness. Great job!

Hartz Peak - 24 November 2007

Oh no, yet another walk to Hartz Peak. (Map here) Actually it was conceived as a sunrise photographic expedition. Unfortunately I didn't manage to get up when I woke at 4am, which would have meant a walk start around 6am. I eventually got to Hartz at 8am, after pondering the weather observations which identified fairly strong winds. There was a strong cold breeze blowing, but the sun was also very warm, making for some hot/cold switches as the walk proceeded. Views were variable - bit hazy and cloudy at times, but clearing during the morning.

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The waratah (Telopea truncata) is out, and it really adds an attractive sparkle of colour to the bush. Lower down along the road it's fully open, and higher up along the track it's just opening now. Well worth a look.

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On the way back I met an old couple. We exchanged pleasantries, and he commented how lovely it was, then asked me if I'd been there before. Indeed I had, I said. He said they had too, "hundreds of times, never get tired of it". See, I'm not the only weird one.