Blogs from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, Oceania - page 12

We got to play the original Barnbougle course today – the Dunes. It opened in 2005, while Lost Farm opened in 2010, and they are, obviously, very similar, even though the owner used two different golf architects. Loved them both, they are a real destination, just a pity they are so expensive from NZ. The dining room, lounge and rooms at Lost Farm are better than at the Dunes, due to being placed on top of the highest sandhill around. On Thursday 7th we left Barnbougle (Bridport) and came east, then south to Coles Bay where we had 2 nights at a lovely B&B. The countryside is much hillier than we have been used to, and the land is basically only cultivated in the valleys. The roads were quite narrow and winding, so progress was slow, ... read more

What a roller coaster ride the last few days have been. Not a good idea to lose your wallet a few days before you depart for overseas... grrrr However, it has been found. Thanks mainly to the power of trust and a good friend to help you look for it. Thanks Jan for caring enough to know how I would be feeling and puting in every effort to help me. Thanks too to Mum and Pete. Anyway, all good now. Just one more thing; always have a spare set of prescription lens glasses if you need them for reading. This morning just before spending the day pouring over documents at college, I broke my specs. No time now to get some new ones made up before I leave tomorrow, so a quick trip to the pharmacy ... read more

Just over a week to go and it's time to get things packing. This photo pretty well covers everything except what I'll be wearing, my bike pedals, and a few carry on objects (passport, Kindle, mp3 player, water bottle, etc.). Here's a rough list starting top left: Towel (gotta know where that is at all times!), facewasher (30+ year old Santa Claus one!), and other toiletries. USB charger with multiple wall plug adaptors for different countries, head torch and two cameras (waterproof, and normal). Fold up plates and mugs (love these). Acer Netbook (so we can do our taxes, keep this blog up to date and watch Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones). Fuel bottle, medications (Probiotica to reduce likelihood of gastro), Andrographis tablets (to give the immune system a boost), Travel Calm (so I don't ... read more

Itinerary ******Thursday 24 May****** Abu Dhabi - Milan Flight from Australia arrives Malpensa airport Terminal 1 Malpensa Express to Milano Cadorna 2 nights Milan (Porta Venesia area) Guided tour Duomo and 'Last Supper' ******Saturday 26 May****** Milan - Montepulciano Il Sasso Language School for 2 wks Train Milan – Chiusi. Bus Chiusi – Montepulciano 4 nights Montepulciano (Apartment near Il Sasso) ******Possible side trips while in Montepulciano****** 1. Bus Montepulciano – Chiusi. Train Chiusi – Orvieto rtn 2. Bus Montepulciano - Siena. Bus Siena – San Gimignano, rtn 3. Tour Cortona + Lakes areas & small villages 4. Tour Chianti Wineries 5. Montalcino 6. Civita de Bagnoregio 7. Assisi ******Saturday 9 June****** Montepulciano – Orvieto Bus: Montepulciano –... read more

Bonjour! Remember me? I haven’t done a blog entry in 8 or 9 months. I know, I’d make a terrible freelance journalist. Last you heard I was celebrating Christmas in July, and the snow was deep on the top of Mt. Wellington. Since then, life has been a bit of a blur - lots of work and a couple of trips, but some pretty good times too! I'd best share some with you. I hit the road with a few friends to return to our sapphire panning spot in the spring (September?). The river was high, and subsequently there was a lot more bounty to pan for. I scored a hefty haul of fair sized sapphires, but none of which I can turn into anything worthwhile. That was a great trip though, despite some torrential rain. ... read more