Travel – Page 2 – The Poppy Files

Category: Travel

Star of the Show

Bay of Fires

Last week I was working again with Tourism Tasmania, hosting a national travel magazine featuring the beautiful Bay of Fires and a somewhat famous Australian model, who I am unable to disclose until the article is published in June/July. I will keep you guessing until then!

I had the pleasure of working with some amazingly talented women who were orchestrating the shoot – a Managing Editor, an Art Director, a Photographer, a Make-up/Hair Artist, the model’s Agent and a Stylist.

A Stylist that I have been following on-line for quite some time, so I was a little star-struck when I met Inez Garcia of Inez Daily! An avid reader of her blog, it was humbling to meet someone face-to-face that you kind of feel like you know in the on-line space. She was delightful and obviously one very stylish lady!

The real star of the show however, was the amazing Bay of Fires. Never one to disappoint it turned on its best side, despite the dark clouds threatening to spoil the shoot. Some of the crew stayed at the delightful Eden at Bay of Fires where we were able to enjoy a nice lunch together, take in the view and reflect on the sheer beauty of this place. Xx

Bay of Fires Eden of Bay of Fires

Tuesday, 15 March 2016 4 Comments Short URLBay of Fires, Eden at Bay of Fires, Photoshoot, Travel, Travel MagazineTravel

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The Outdoor Classroom

Mt. Field

I have just spent two glorious days working at Mount Field National Park with my TasTAFE Adventure Tour Guiding students.

Mount Field

The perfect ‘outdoor classroom’ for the students to physically sit on a dolerite boulder overlooking Lake Seal whilst learning about the glaciation process and to see the effects on the landscape right in front of them. Learning how to identify a myriad of alpine plant species and to have the responsibility of cooking a three-course meal on a fuel stove, for twenty of their hungry peers!

I love being able to reconnect with my old favourite the Pandani (Richea Pandaniafolia) – a distinctive Tasmanian endemic and the tallest flowering heath plant. To walk amongst the ‘Pandani Grove’ always gives me the feeling of being a pre-historic being in a Gondwanan landscape.

I love my ‘outdoor office’ and sharing this amazing place with a new generation of outdoor adventure guides. xx

Pandani Pandani Pandani Mount Field National Park Dolerite detail Provide outdoor catering Pencil Pine Hugging an eratic!

Thursday, 3 March 2016 0 Comments Short URLBushwalking, Mount Field National Park, Pandani, Parks and Wildlife Service, TasTAFE Adventure Tour GuidingTravel

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Jackson Hole ♥

Oh Jackson Hole – you have my ♥!

Nick and I have just returned from the most amazing ski trip to Jackson Hole in Wyoming. A decision that I didn’t make lightly, but with my sister Cath encouraging us to go and happy to look after Poppy and James, plus with the help of Nick’s family, I knew they were in good hands. For my peace of mind, I even completed a comprehensive spreadsheet depicting school pick-ups, drop-offs and weekend rostering!

The proverbial ‘umbilical cord’ was stretched on departure but after immersing ourselves in the cocoon of our United Airlines Flight 99 across the Pacific, where we watched oodles of movies, slept and ate, I felt more relaxed. We transferred in Los Angeles to finally arrive at our destination and to the most stylish airport I have ever seen … and to a contrasting, snowy landscape. A landscape so gobsmackingly beautiful … and it was just Nick and I, together for 12 days of snowy bliss!

Arrival Jackson Hole

The Mountain

Nick and I both love the snow and have skied/snowboarded in many beautiful locations around the world, but Jackson Hole sung a little song to me. Nick visited two years ago to stay with his old school friend – Pat, and has been talking about returning ever since. Pat lives in the Gold Coast but returns to Jackson Hole each year with his family. It was wonderful to stay with them in their apartment and also to meet their local friends that they have made over the past 15 years.

Jackson Hole is nestled in the mighty Teton Range – an impressive mountain range rising directly from the valley floor. With our lift tickets in hand – tickets that enable access to over 2500 acres of in-bound terrain, with a vertical drop of 1261 metres and an uphill capacity of moving 17,833 skiers per hour, this mountain means business. We had 133 named runs to explore and explore we did – for 9 ‘blue-bird’ days straight!

Each day we fell into a beautiful rhythm of getting up early, eating a hearty breakfast and catching the 8:20 am Blue START bus from town. Lining up for the 9:00 o’clock ‘Gondy‘ (Gondola) our early morning groomers were the best runs of the days and we churned them out on the Teton, Apres Vous, Casper, Thunder and Sublette Chairlifts, feeling exhausted by lunch. We were definitely ready for that burger and fries from the Handle Bar, washed down nicely with the local brew – Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR’s).

In the afternoon we would venture back out again until the lifts closed around 3:30 pm. Our Apres Ski drinks would take us back to the Handle Bar or the local fave, The Mangy Moose. Back on the bus and reminiscing about the day, we would often see a real Moose on the side of the road. Oh Jackson Hole!

Jackson Hole The Tram Thunder Top of Thunder On the Summit of Rendevous Nick on Wide Open Nick, Larni & Gary - Teton Chair Chloe, Jasper and Pat Larni Cody Peak Waiting for the Tram Top of the Gondy Pat & Nick Nick The Gondola Nick and I Groomers The Crew at Casper Nicko in his element The Posse

The Town

I love mountain towns and have spent much of my youth working at local hills in Canada including Grouse Mountain and Ben Lomond in Tasmania. I have loved holidaying to Whistler Blackcomb, Red Mountain and Powder King in Canada and closer to home to Thredbo, Mt. Hotham, Mt. Buller and New Zealand in recent years.

Jackson Hole – a true mountain town, was no exception. I fell in love with it as soon as we arrived. A town where outdoorsy types rub shoulders with cowboys and their Dodge Ram ‘Heavy Duty’ rigs loaded with several snow mobiles are parked outside Outdoor/Mountaineering shops. We experienced Cowboy Bars, a game of ice hockey, we watched the Super Bowl final with new friends and saw an ice skating rink in the local square, adorned with stag horns.

Million Dollar Cowboy Bar Town Square Heavy Duty The Sylish Life Outdoor Brands The Town Square Waiting at the bus stop

The Food

All I can say is that I was glad I was snowboarding for 4-5 hours each day as we definitely hit the mountain fare in style. Burritos, Burgers, Chicken Wings, Fries, Pretzels, Elk & Red Bean Chili, French Onion Soups, Waffles, Cookies and Beers. I’m definitely looking forward to being back home to those summer salads and my Pilates and yoga classes.

French Onion Soup, Burger and PBR's Chicken Wings The Handle Bar Em and her Pretzle Carbonara Night Elk Burgers Jumbo Margarita's Bin 22 My favourite cookie from Casper Restaurant Waffles

Home Sweet Home

Returning home after many, many hours of flying, was bittersweet. Seeing Poppy and James launch into our arms made me realise just how much I missed them, but also how important it is to follow your dreams and pave the way for them! I can’t wait to take them to Jackson Hole, for a family holiday in the snow. Xx

Leaving town Jackson Hole Airport Boarding Passes Back in Melbourne Presents Galore Daniel Boon Hat Poppy in her new gear

Saturday, 20 February 2016 3 Comments Short URLCowboy Bar, Holiday, Ice Hockey, Jackson Hole, Skiing, Snowboarding, Travel, USA, WyomingTravel

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Summer Boating

Photo – Nick Corkhill

We have spent many nights on board the boat this summer and have been heading away as much as we can, catching up with our friends and enjoying the delights of cruising the D’entrecasteaux Channel, at its best.

We have found a rhythm as we have become more used to our boat since buying it last April. James is a little older and although not fully out of the ‘trenches’, life is getting better on board. They both sleep well each night, apart from the odd hiccup and I have organised myself better with a big toy box on board and loads of books, to keep them entertained.

Toy Box

We head to the beach at any opportunity, where a fire will be lit (providing it’s not high fire danger of course) and fresh flathead will be cooked. The kids will often have their own little campfire where they cook their marshmallows. They wallow in the shallows, go rock pooling, collect shells, entertain each other and create new childhood memories. As a result, we are able to sit under a shady tree and enjoy good conversations and freshly caught seafood, cooked on the open flames.

Fresh Flatties Best friends

At times we have friends come with us on board, or visit us for the day where we enjoy lunch together, fishing, paddle boarding and watching the kids jump off the boat.

Digger & Cath Lunch with friends Paddle Boarding

Several weeks ago we took the dinghies into Simpsons Bay and walked up the Isthmus Track at the Neck on Bruny Island. We saw penguins in their burrows and hiked the steep steps to be rewarded with a stunning view.

The Neck The Neck on Bruny Island The next generation

We often gravitate back to my favourite beach – Little Fancy Bay, where the kids play for hours in the shallows before we are homeward bound – salty, sun-kissed and satisfied! Xx

Freshly caught Abalone Freshly caught Flathead Poppy at Little Fancy The crew Toy Box Nick and Brett Aitkens Point Fresh Flatties Marshmallows Summer Boating Smoochy cuddles Simpsons Point Crazy crew Morning glory Popsy Paddle Boarding Best friends Lunch with friends BBQ's ashore Heading back to the boat Pavlova The Neck Adventures on Adventure Bay Jamesy Three Highfield Dinghies Little Fancy Bay

Friday, 22 January 2016 0 Comments Short URLBoating, Bruny Island, Discover Tasmania, Family Time, Fresh Seafood, Highfield Dinghies, The NeckBoating, Travel

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A Melbourne Getaway

Melbourne Getaway

I have just had two delicious days in Melbourne with my good friend Cherida. She flew in from Adelaide to meet me on Monday night and for the next two days we talked, ate, shopped and talked some more.

We ate beautiful food at our old favourites, including The European and Coda. We sweltered in the 42°c heat on Wednesday, but found relief in the air conditioning of The Emporium!

We were even asked by a photographer from The Age for some candid snaps of us walking through the Block Arcade. The article about Victoria’s destination for shopping went on-line last night with a couple of lasses featured from interstate! Classic. Xx

Picture taken by Adrianne Harrowfield. The Age News. 13th Jan, 2015. Tourists shopping in Melbourne. Larni Davies from Hobart and Cherida Palmer from Adelaide. The block arcade.

The European The Hill of Content Bookshop Coda Coda Coda Coda Coda Chanel Chanel Melbourne Laneways Flinders Street Melbourne Getaway View from our apartment Selfie Sunset Yarra River Swanston Street Spicy Fish The Arts Centre The European (again)! Breakfast Hot day Hot day Handbag Cos Hot Hot Hot The Virgin Loung

Friday, 15 January 2016 1 Comment Short URLFriends, Getaway, Girlfriends, Melbourne, Shopping, The AgeTravel

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Christmas Festivities

Happy New Year! We have had such a festive time since my last post, celebrating Christmas and New Year with both of our families in beautiful places.

We drove to the north of Tasmania to enjoy a pre-Christmas lunch with my family, on the farm. It felt delicious being surrounded by everyone who had migrated home for this time of year (my sister Cath from exploring Europe for six months and Robby from Castlemaine).

The kids swam in the pool, were spoilt by their grandmother and enjoyed freshly picked raspberries from her garden. As always, I enjoyed a little too much of my sister-in-law’s fab Rocky Road! I just can’t stop at one piece.

Rocky Road

Sisters

Returning to Hobart, preparations began for our boating trip away. The boat was finally packed for a week full of adventures with food, clothing and Christmas presents. We left early on the 23rd December to Stewart’s Bay where smooth waters allowed an enjoyable four-hour trip, and we arrived to the solitude of white sand and blue waters.

Nick’s family arrived the next day (by boat and car) and the days morphed into time at the beach, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, laying in the sun, eating, drinking champagne, opening presents, talking and just relaxing.

Poppy was overwhelmed with how Santa actually delivered a bike to her on the boat. We were too! It must have had something to do with the platter left out for the busy man and his reindeer on Christmas eve, consisting of carrots, biscuits and a Cascade Draught!

It was lovely to celebrate Christmas whilst being away on the boat and being surrounded by a gorgeous family in a such a stunning setting. Xxx

Goodbye Hobart Cape Raoul Stewart's Bay Holiday mode Mercury Little Fish Pickled Prawns Santa's Snacks Poppy's new bike Christmas Bubbles The Pink Flamingo Will Paddle Board Love Beach Cousins Ham More seafood Moet French Champagne Trifle Rainy day pick up Rainy Boxking Day Buzz Lightyear Beach detail Stewart's Bay Lodge Nick, James and me BBQ Salads Sister-in-Laws Little Pirates Day trip to Crescent Beach Poppy & Ruby Poppy driving the dinghy Larni Cape Raoul Hobart Checking out the action Princes Street Wharf

Wednesday, 6 January 2016 1 Comment Short URLBoating, Christmas, Port Arthur, Stewart's Bay, Stewarts Bay Lodge, TasmaniaPoppy : James, Travel

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Seafood Seduction

Wowsers – another week has passed and I have been so flat-out, I have barely had time to scratch myself!

Last weekend I worked again with Tourism Tasmania, hosting a group of six Indonesian VIP’s from the Bank of Asia, Clara Magazine – a gorgeous glossy for the stylish Indonesian woman, and two representatives from Tourism Australia.

The aim of their visit was to experience Tasmania with the hope of enticing more Indonesian’s to our State in the future. After meeting the group at the airport on Friday morning, they were whisked out to Mona in the Posh Pit where they enjoyed the museum, a beautiful lunch at The Source and then a wine tour and tasting with my friend, Dan.

A drive to the top of Mt. Wellington (Kunanyi) bought many ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’, followed by another beautiful meal at the Wrest Point Revolving Restaurant.

The next morning, we blitzed the Salamanca Market (where I quickly found out than Indonesian’s certainly love their shopping) but the highlight of their trip however, was Rob Pennicott’s Seafood Seduction Tour.

Enjoy oysters shucked straight from the water, rock lobster and see your guide dive for abalone and sea urchin. Be delighted as your catch is turned into a delicious seafood feast accompanied by gourmet local produce and Tasmanian wines, boutique beers, ciders and juices.

Hopping on a boat in Kings Pier, our wonderful guides – Ido and Kate hosted the perfect day, despite the lumpy conditions in the Channel.

Seafood Seduction

I will let the photos speak for themselves but it was the ultimate trip for our international guests – combined with professional yet laid-back guides and amazing seafood including the freshest oysters you will ever eat. The highlight for the group was experiencing Ido and Kate don their wetsuits and actually dive for our lunch, where they caught fresh sea urchin and abalone.

Abalone

As we rolled off the boat, full to the brim with seafood we then had dinner (and more seafood) at The Glass House on the Brooke Street Pier.

I waved the group off at the airport the next morning and I am sure we will see many more of their counterparts coming to Tasmania in search of our amazing seafood and beautiful scenery. xx

Mona

MONA MONA MONA MONA MONA MONA MONA MONA Seafood Seduction Sea Urchin Ido diving at One Tree Point Abalone Abalone The Glass House

The Glass House

Friday, 13 November 2015 1 Comment Short URLDiscover Tasmania, MONA, Mt Wellington, Rob Pennicott, Seafood Seduction, See Australia, Tasmania, Wrest Point Revolving RestaurantTravel

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The Long Weekender

Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed

On occasions I guide for Tourism Tasmania’s Visiting Journalist Program and worked with a film crew from Channel 7 last weekend, who were filming an episode for Virgin Australia’s ‘The Long Weekender‘.

On Friday afternoon I met the Director and crew at The Henry Jones Art Hotel where my role was to support them with the local knowledge on the ground in Tasmania for the weekend. The ‘talent’ turned out to be ‘Tim and Anna’ from the first series of The Bachelor. I have never really watched the ‘Bach’ so I was a little naive about them. They were both very nice and it was their first time in Tasmania, so it was pleasure to share our little ‘piece of paradise’ with them!

Heads were turned whilst filming at the Salamanca Market on Saturday with gushing girls lining up for a selfie with the stars. We continued on to the Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed where Anna learnt to shuck an oyster with Tom Gray.

Salamanca Markets All the gear Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed Tasman Peninsula

On Sunday morning we went out on Wild Ocean Tasmania where Tim and Anna went swimming with the local seals. I was glad of my boating experience as I needed to provide stabilising support for one of the cameraman, as he attempted to film with a decent swell rolling through!

Wild Ocean Tasmania

Tim and Anna finished off the day by making Gin at the William McHenry and Sons Distillery. After a big day of filming, we all enjoyed a drink at sunset on this gorgeous property.

William McHenry & Sons

Having spent time with the crew over the weekend, it certainly gave me a greater appreciation of how much work goes into everything we watch on tellie and one that I won’t take for granted. I look forward to seeing the final result, and Tasmania shine on the big screen in late October. xx

Tuesday, 29 September 2015 0 Comments Short URLAnna Heinrich, The Bachelor, The Long Weekender, Tim RobardsTravel

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A Winter Holiday … Skiing

Mt. Hotham

We waved goodbye to Nick’s parents and their boat in Sydney and began our homeward journey via Mt. Hotham in Victoria, as we were bringing their vehicle back to Tasmania.

Our big road trip began after a few stressful moments of getting out of Sydney with ‘Siri’ letting us down (or was that me trying to navigate the M5?) and were finally on the open road, heading for Canberra.

We sang, pointed out passing sheep and cows and made animal noises. Pops and James did surprisingly well in the car and both had big sleeps along the way. We stayed in Canberra for the night and left bright and early for the next 6 hours of driving to Mt. Hotham, where we were meeting Nick’s brother’s and their families.

Dropping into Bright for all the essentials for the weekend, we finally made it to the mountain on Friday afternoon. Settling into our little lodge for the night and catching up with family, it was great to be finally out of the car. We were up and ready to go the next morning with Poppy all decked out in her pink skis and boots (it’s all about the colour pink at the moment) and off she went to Ski School with her cousin, Maggie. She was excited beyond belief.

Nick and I managed to ski/board together for the morning and I found my groove on the snowboard again, after not boarding since having Poppy. With a blue bird day and good snow cover, it was hard to wipe the smile off our faces.

We spent time in the afternoon playing in the snow and the next day Poppy and James were in Ski School/care again, which enabled Nick and I to enjoy more runs together with Will, Tup and George.

Mt. Hotham

We picked up Poppy from Ski School and enjoyed several runs with her. I had a ‘proud-Mum’ moment when the three of us jumped on the chair-lift together for the very first time. She managed to make it down ‘Easy Street‘ (a gentle green run) for most of the way on her own. I am continually amazed how quickly children pick up new skills – she will be faster than us in no time!

I love being in the mountains and this weekend was no exception – it definitely is my happy place and I feel so at home having spent many years working in the ski-industry and boarding on many beautiful mountains around the world. Seeing Poppy on the snow further consolidated its importance to me and I hope to spend more time skiing with our family in the future.

We bid farewell to Mt. Hotham the next morning as the snow continued to fall out of the sky. Until next year beautiful mountain! Xx

Mt. Hotham

Harry the Dragon

Mt. Hotham

Popsy

Mt. Hotham

Thursday, 20 August 2015 1 Comment Short URLChair lifts, Mt. Hotham, Skiing, SnowboardingPoppy : James, Travel

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A Winter Holiday … in Sydney

Sydney

I’m back – geographically and electronically. Back in Hobart and back on The Poppy Files after a couple of weeks break.

We have had a fantastic family holiday in Sydney, Mt. Hotham and Melbourne. Not without some challenges (as you would expect travelling with two young children aged four and two) but it was lovely to spend quality time with our peeps and we enjoyed many amazing experiences together.

We flew to Sydney for the Sydney International Boat Show with our good friends, Brett, Jacinta and their girls. This was my first ever boat show and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but basically it is a showcase of all the hot new boats out there on the market. We ‘oohed’ and ‘aarghed’ over numerous moter cruisers and yachts, with our favourite being a 54 ft Moody Decksaloon.

We spent a couple of days at the boat show and then continued to enjoy the delights of Sydney – that blue, blue sky and the warmth unknown to us in our southern home at this time of year. Shopping, time at the zoo, another sushi train – it really was delightful.

After this we met up with Nick’s parents and went … boating. More on that tomorrow, but in the meantime here are a few snapshots of the boat show and our time in the city.

Our gang