37 Black Swans: Easter Break up north

We set out early on Friday morning...to get Tom to Scout Camp at Forth and then head across to Stanley for the Easter break.

We detoured via Launceston to pick up some books from an author up there...so of course had to do the photo shoot at 'my' Recreation Area..

Stunning thistle pods in this spot..

We had lunch in Ulverstone..then backtracked to Fulton Park and dropped Tom and gear on the area designated for Huon/Kingborough.. He was happy for us to leave as scouts were arriving ..(He had to wait quite awhile for his mates to turn up!!)

Opening Parade (Saturday morning)...courtesy of the Tas Scout website..

John and I proceeded on..stopping at Penguin for a very ordinary cup of tea at a once great cafe...

A very dodgy establishment now...never mind.

John had his photo opportunity with the giant penguin holding Tom's Dragon under his wing..

Arrived in beautiful Stanley and very excited to be staying at Captain's Cottage...just gorgeous.

We took a stroll around..

Fantastic sunny afternoon..

Just loved these reflections...

The Nut...is very imposing and looms high above the town

Good Friday Gulls...

Another pretty cottage..

That's our place..

John has a much needed snooze.. I had about 3 hours nap in the car all up..
Still feeling less than well...but looking forward to relaxing..

I have a bit of a wander about and explore up the back while John sleeps...great view.

Lovely chill in the air as night closes in..

I am determined to get up and have a walk in the morning...have let this routine drop over the past week as just feeling too yucky..

Grey skies..but spectacular all the same.

The Nut

Can you see our cottage? How lovely..

Back for a delicious breakie of sourdough toast...from the loaf Jark made...delish

Cosy interior view of cottage

We have a walk to the other side of Town...and realise what a great job The Nut does in blocking the wind..

The rain comes across so we take shelter under the Norfolk Pines..

Then make our way to a cafe for morning coffee/tea. Great views from our cosy table.

We decide to take drive to Smithton and have a look about...not expecting much..

John delights in taking photos of me in front of a couple of interesting shops... (John and Tom's nickname for me is Mama Duck...so you can see the significance)

We drive further west to look at the crossing to Robbins Island..
Cattle are mustered across the channel at low tide each year to graze on the paddocks over on the island..not Photo worthy...but interesting none the less..

We get home and I show John the top garden behind the house.

Easter Sunday

We have planned to walk up The Nut before breakfast..

Just as we reach the top...we see that a large cross has been erected...and the sun is just begininng to come over the rise...

Quite breathtaking..What timing..

The view back is equally breathtaking with a rainbow appearing over the town

We walk the 2km track taking in the views and enjoying the changing vegetation.

Never seen a rainbow from this angle before

Squally showers come across and we get a bit wet...but it isn't cold luckily

Steep decline...

And a rather forgettable breakfast at Moby Dicks...oh well

John hatches a plan to explore the coast and lighthouses heading east today.

First stop..Rocky Cape.

Spectacular area..Thomas would love it...all that rock climbing.

And a lighthouse.

Amazing cave.

Just love the sky and wonderful clouds..

There's The Nut in the distance..

We stop at Burnie Makers and Info centre...

Enjoy some delicious lunch..
I ate mine too fast to photograh!!

Then headed back west stopping at Table Cape Lighthouse..I just loved it!!

We were so lucky with the weather..
It turned a bit grey on the homeward journey..

Drove up the hill for a different perspective..

Then went for a walk down to the wharf so I could get a photo of the lobster!!

Easter moon rising over The Nut.. (taken through a skylight in the upstairs lounge room with dorma windows...so cosy)

Just have to go outside for a look...

Monday morning ...we head off early..will be a long day today

First stop..Boat Harbour...gorgeous..

Reminds me of south coast NSW

We have a lovely cuppa in the SLSC cafe..

John decides to show me the Lighthouse in Devonport before we go to get Tom.
Worth a look...

We have lunch at Ulverstone then make our way to Fulton Park in time for the Closing Parade

There's my boy..

and his mates

We pack up the car and start our drive south..

Tired boy...

As we get closer to Hobart the weather changes..brrrr

John decides to stop at the park on the way out of Hobart to check on the Chestnut trees..
We need to harvest chestnuts to make a tincture for our Aesculus Lotion...and shampoo and Conditioner.
They are on the ground...so it's now or come back in the morning..
Now seems like a good plan...even if we have to do the harvest by torchlight.