Tasmania – The Poppy Files

Tag: Tasmania

Easter Boating ♥

Yet another lengthy gap in between blog posts for the poor Poppy Files! I am finding it more and more of a challenge to devote the time needed to blog as often as I would like, which invariably requires me to import my photos, painstakingly pick and edit the best shots and then feel inspired to write in a captivating way. It doesn’t help that I am a ‘Type-A perfectionist’ and sometimes it is just easier not to do it!!

However, I have finally collated the photos from our recent Easter break. I’m only a month late, but we had the most divine boating trip to the East Coast of Tasmania this year. It certainly helped that the weather was absolutely superb for the eleven days we were away – enabling us to really enjoy this beautiful part of the world.

We left Hobart in calm waters and enjoyed smooth cruising through the Denison Canal and Marion Bay before reaching Orford on dusk. On Good Friday we hung out at East Shelley Beach, drenched in that feeling of knowing you have ten more days of boating bliss … to really feel the sand between your toes, to fish, to laugh, to play and to go to bed early to watch Netflix as you gently bob under a sky full of stars.

On Easter Saturday we ventured further North to the Freycinet Peninsula, where the stars are even brighter and the water is bluer!

We met up with our friends, Richard and Anna and their boys, where we enjoyed a couple of days together before they returned to Hobart. Easter Bunny even found us at Bryans Corner and James literally ate his weight in Easter Eggs.

For the rest of the week, we synced into the beauty of this place through long walks on desolate beaches, kayaking on crystal blue water, fishing, beachcombing and spending quality family time together. We ventured around to the other side of the Freycinet Peninsula to Wineglass Bay for three nights where Poppy celebrated her 6th Birthday.

Her celebrations included presents, a morning tea with new boating friends, jumping off the boat, frolicking dolphins and fish and chips for dinner! What a perfect place to celebrate a birthday?

On Friday we returned back to our familiar Southern waters for one more night, after what was, a truly unforgettable time together. Xx

Sunday, 14 May 2017 0 Comments Short URLBoat, Boating, Coastal, Crayfish, Diving, East Coast, Easter, Fairway 36, Family, Highfield Boats, Holiday, Motor Cruiser, Southern Rock Lobster, Spellbound Adventures, TasmaniaBoating

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A Snowy Boating Long Weekend

Spellbound

When Nick and I bought our first boat ‘Tagus’ in 2008, we would head away on adventures together and end up hanging out with his parent’s and all their boating friends. We were always the youngest ones with the smallest boat. We would have great fun but as the year’s have crept by and our own family has grown (1 dog + 2 children) we have upgraded to ‘Spellbound’ (a 36 ft Fairway motor cruiser) and have met a new bunch of ‘young’ boating friends. We are now no longer the youngest ones with the small boat!

This Hobart Show Day Long Weekend was a perfect example. Meeting at Missionary Bay on Bruny Island on Thursday afternoon, we were surrounded by our friends who now have their own boats and we even outnumbered the ‘oldies’!

Even though it was a little cold and wet this weekend, that didn’t stop us from having fun. It is so fantastic sitting side-by-side around a fire with people from different generations, as you stare into the flames, dodge the smoke, turn your sausages and chat away, knowing you have one very special thing in common – boating to beautiful places in Tasmania.

James in my black hole bag James and a dolphin Missionary Bay Sauso's Harry and Pops New generation James being pampered The Girls at Missionary Bay Indy and James James Bruny Island Dinghies Faye and James Dinghy's Spellbound Marshmallows BBQ Cool dude James BBQ Campfire Nicko Barb & Amanda Simpsons Bay Poppy My family Stacks on Maisy Pancakes Spellbound and Mistraal Apollo Bay Barb's platter Dam building James, Maisy and I Muddy feet Highfield Dinghies Rainy bbq Hail strom at Apollo Bay Funny Faces

Sunday, 23 October 2016 3 Comments Short URLBoating, Boating with Children, Bruny Island, Friends, Spellbound Adventures, TasmaniaBoating

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I’m back …

Garden Blossoms

After a long absence, I am finally back here at The Poppy Files! I am finding it increasingly difficult to find/make the time for my on-line space, with competing demands of work, time away and of course spending quality time with family.

I really love this time of year – with the blossoms in the air, the longer days and a warmer sun (albeit lots of recent rain), you can’t help but feel a little more spirited!

Our garden is in full bloom at the moment with some amazing colours complementing each other:

Garden Blossoms Lily

Several weeks ago we went away on the boat for a couple of nights. We stayed at the Kettering Marina on the first night and then headed further South and up the Huon River for the next night where we enjoyed the Pipe Opener Yacht Race as we soaked up the sun at Port Huon. We retreated home the next day as the rain consistently fell:

Leaving Hobart Kettering Marina Leaving Kettering Bruny Island Jamesy Pipe Opener Yacht Race Huon River Maisy - Huon River Poppy and Maisy Wet Weather Pirates

We also went along to an Open Day celebrating the anniversary of Hobart’s Town Hall turning 150 this year on Sunday 25th September:

Hobart Town Hall Hobart Town Hall Celebrations

During the following weeks at home, we went to the movies with friends, picked daisies, enjoyed Hobart, played Monopoly, did Parent Help at Poppy’s Kindergarten and admired their amazing art work:

Kinder Artwork

Holiday movie Monopoly Poppy's Raffle Prize - RYCT Melting Moments James and his daisy Hobart

Last weekend we did a day trip to Apollo Bay on Bruny Island in the boat with family and friends, for a BBQ and more beach time for the cousins:

Apollo Bay

And finally – yesterday was my Birthday and I was very spoilt by my family and friends. Although I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook, it was so humbling to receive such lovely Birthday wishes from friends, near and far, that I haven’t seen in a long, long time. Nick and I went out to dinner last night with our dear friends to Frank Restaurant, for an amazing meal and celebration of being another year older! (eek) Xx

Cup cakes Birthday Love Jamesy Boy Poppy's Birthday Card

Thursday, 6 October 2016 0 Comments Short URLBlossoms, Boating, Frank Restaurant, Hobart Town Hall, TasmaniaBoating, Poppy : James

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Take Me to Rio

Take-me-to-Rio

On Wednesday night, I took Poppy along to the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concert series – Take Me to Rio:

Take Me To Rio is a celebration of all things Latin American.

What are you waiting for? Wear your samba shoes, take your place in the conga line and join the party in 2016.

You don’t need to go to Rio. Simply book your ticket and be comfy in your seat at the Federation Concert Hall.

It was a very entertaining show, complete with fantastic classical music, humour and even a conga line at the end of the concert, where Pops joined in and ended up on stage! I love how the Orchestra don’t take themselves too seriously at these fabulous ‘family friendly’ concerts!

Poppy Take Me to Rio Conga Poppy on stage

Friday, 12 August 2016 0 Comments Short URLConga, Family Concert Series, Rio, Take Me to Rio, Tasmania, TSOPoppy : James

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A Winter Treat

Winter Feast

I have always loved winter – I was married in the depths of August, I love skiing and rugging up in hats, scarves, coats and poms poms. I am thankful that being a Tasmanian through and through, I am able to experience four distinct seasons each year, with winter being one of my favourites. The soft sunlight, the crisp blue skies, the bare branches and of course … Dark Mofo! The festival that has changed the face of winter in Hobart.

A festival that draws Tasmanian’s out from their cosy homes and into their black puffer jackets. A festival that attracts visitors to our State in droves – where Hipsters converge on Hobart from many varied addresses to partake in the bizarre, to sample hearty food and to enjoy a Hendrick’s Hot Gin Punch, whilst soaking up some quirky art and culture.

We have been in a Dark Mofo frenzy for the past two weeks – from the opening night with Poppy and James; to a date night where Nick and I were able to explore more of Dark Park; a Winter Feast; a walk through historic Battery Point; staying on the boat in Elizabeth Street Pier as part of a Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania Cruising event and finally … a procession with thousands of others for the Ogah Ogah – The Burning, to culminate our festivities.

As we are about to snuggle down for the longest night of the year, we are now back to our normal routine and will definitely not be partaking in the Nude Solstice Swim just down the road, in the morning. I do love winter … but not that much!

Dark Mofo Dark Park TMAG TMAG TMAG Winter Feast Hobart House of Mirrors Battery Point Elizabeth St. Pier T42 Beautiful Hobart Franklin Square Brooke St. Pier Faye and James Hobart James One shoe roll Winter Cruising The Burning

Monday, 20 June 2016 0 Comments Short URLDark Mofo 2016, Discover Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Winter SolsticeToday I Am Loving

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Australian Traveller

I am so pleased to see the new issue of Australian Traveller magazine hit the stands this week, after working on the shoot with Tourism Tasmania in the summer.

So now that the magazine is published I can disclose that the star of the show was … Megan Gale. A true beauty showcasing a stunning part of Tasmania. Grab yourself a copy this weekend. Xx

Friday, 3 June 2016 1 Comment Short URLAustralian Traveller, Megan Gale, Tasmania, TravellingTravel

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Icena Farm Stay

Icena

My extended family all met at Icena Farm Accommodation for the ANZAC Day Long Weekend. A farming family going on holidays to a another farm … classic!

Nick and I broke up our journey and stayed in Launceston on Friday night – where the Autumn leaves and light were amazing, before venturing out to Icena the next morning.

Chalmers Church The Cateract Gorge Paterson Street Autumn Leaves St. John Street

Icena is located on the far north-eastern tip of Tasmania – a special place for me as an amazing camping spot when I was younger, and later where I was a guide on the Bay of Fires Walk for several years. Nick also had a family farm in the district when he was growing up and my brother spent many years harvesting on the Rushy Lagoon property.

In my opinion the region has it all – beautiful beaches, rolling green hills, bushwalks and even a wind farm! The weather was absolutely glorious and we really did have an amazing time.

Mussleroe Bay Wind Farm

We had a cooking roster where you were allocated a meal and a sibling or brother/sister-in-law to cook with. As a result, it was a very relaxing weekend apart from when you were in the kitchen cooking your assigned meal.

Janelle and Paul on the job

We had some fun and games on our last night, pulling out some hilarious masks that I bought years ago at The Louvre in Paris. Masks that always add a little bit of humour in any situation. Xx

Julius Caesar

James an Poppy Bridport Icena Scrabble Chatting sisters Wind Farm Little Mussleroe Bay Icena Icena Stumpys Bay Dolphins Wallaby My Mum Masks Nina Rob & Paul My Dad Icena Icena The Cousins The Gibsons My Family Shells at Mariposa Beach Poppy

Sunday, 1 May 2016 0 Comments Short URLBay of Fires, Bay of Fires Walk, Family Holiday, Icena Farm Accommodation, North East Tasmania, TasmaniaPoppy : James, Travel

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Bruny Island Boating

Butlers Beach Detail - Bruny Island

I returned from the Bay of Fires on Friday afternoon and Nick had all the food and gear packed, ready to head away on the boat for the Long Weekend!

We joined Nick’s folks on their boat instead (a long story) and met up with our friends on South Bruny Island. With predominately overcast skies and moody light we walked along desolate beaches, made giant sand castles, ate nice food, slept well and flew kites.

Another beautiful boating weekend to a beautiful island. Xx

Maisy, Pops and James Heading away Mike the Knight - craft on board The Channel Lunch on board Teenager?? Butlers Beach A very sandy James Sand spa Mercury and Mistraal Nicko Prosecco James' dinner Mercury James watering his Grandmother's herbs Quality Time Pops and Bear James driving the dinghy The crew Sand Monkey Sunday BBQ Morning tea Kite flying Lunch Lunch James learning the ropes Pops James - Bruny Island James and Nicko

Thursday, 17 March 2016 0 Comments Short URLBoating, Bruny Island, Fountaine Pajot, Long Weekend, Printebebe, RYCT, TasmaniaBoating, Poppy : James

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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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Sailing : Hobart to Launceston

Dawn at Schouten Passage

There are times in life where all the stars align and you are presented with an opportunity that is just too good to refuse. Our good friends are sailing in the Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race in their superb Beneteau 57 – Mistraal and I was asked to hop on board for the delivery trip. How could I say no?

The crew consisted of five women – our Skipper, Jacinta and also Amanda, Colleen, Emma and one tolerant fella … Chris! We all met at the Derwent Sailing Squadron in Hobart on Wednesday morning, where we headed off on a crystal clear day. As the nautical miles ticked by, we ate, talked, laughed, took photos, ate more and well … just relaxed.

I soon found the rhythmic groove of cruising – sleeping, eating, lazing in the sun, watching the changing horizons, the rising and setting sun and the amazing marine wildlife. We were visited by numerous dolphins and a show-stopping Humpback Whale who decided to wow us with the gorgeous backdrop of Cape Hauy on the Tasman Peninsula.

Dolphins Humbpack Whale Breaching

Home is where my heart is, but I loved being away for a brief snippet and from the daily requests for the next sandwich, water, nappy change, bath-time, the bedtime battles and keeping everyone happy. To me, there is nothing quite as indulgent than having a mid-day sleep whilst cruising at sea. The gentle whir of the engine complimented by the roll of the sea, especially when there are no little ones on board to supervise. In the end, Amanda and I used the excuse of going below to ‘wash up’ but would sneak off for another blissful kip.

To be on this beautiful yacht, cruising the majestic Tasmanian coastline with old and new friends, I felt truly content. We arrived at our destination at day-break on Friday morning and I was excited to be heading home to ‘my crew’ but I will fondly remember this voyage and ‘this crew’! xx

The crew passing Swan Island Loading on our gear Ned Kelly Leaving Hobart Crew on deck Cape Raoul Dolphins Mistraal Heading towards Tasman Island Cape Pillar The Mermaids (with crazy hair)! Captivated by the geology Whale Spotting Jacinta Lunch Jacinta Emma, Jacinta & Amanda Emma Amanda & Em Maria Island Crazy Yacht Hair Mistraal off Maria Island Sunset Sunset over Maria Island Dawn at Freycinet Peninisula Sunrise at Freycinet Red Granite Sunrise over Freycinet Sunrise Day Beers Colleen's Lasagne! Dolphins Light reading Skipper Sailing Sailing Sundowners Our gear Our destination Mistaal Our mafia van