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- LES
- LES' BOAT
- LEGEND! |
MONDAY 20.2.2012: Although a little windy, the weather was fine so Les decided we would set sail. Due to our previous charter experiences we had resigned ourselves to the fact that irrespective of outcome it would be nice on the water. We left the boat ramp and were immediately surrounded by a pod of dolphins - so many that you could not count them and so close you could have lent over and touched them - just magic. Les lost the dolphins and advised us to throw our lines in - from that point on we caught fish and missed bites that we should have landed! Had we been by ourselves "brag time, fish measurement and photographic opportunities" would have been incorporated! Instead, trying to present as "fishing professionals" we calmly muttered a "well done" whilst inwardly screaming like teenagers and desperately trying to keep tally of each other's haul (no competition), all to the dulcet tones of Les' "throw your line in". We caught Australian Salmon, Wrasse (Blue Throat and Brown), and Flathead - Les aims for four different species.
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| DID MANAGE SOME PHOTOS! |
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| SEALS & CORMORANTS OF STANLEY |
Les' knowledge is immeasurable and you knew if you spent years with him there would always be something to be learnt - his other passion is wooden boat restoration. En route we also had the opportunity to view Stanley's seal colonies at close quarters. Today was one of those experiences that you fully appreciate after the event. We were so focused on applying and remembering the fishing techniques, catching the fish and appreciating what nature had on offer that the time passed without realising what enormous pleasure had been gained.
We raced back to the motorhome and recorded all the fishing tips we could recall. Needless to say, if you ever visit Stanley a fishing charter with Les Sims is a "must do". We returned to our other favourite place - Oldina Picnic Area. By the campfire we smugly gloated that never had we learnt s-o much, caught s-o many fish that were
s-o big, saw s-o many dolphins and seals s-o close and all in such a short time frame - perfect day!
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LESSON IN FILLETING -
LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT FISH! |
THURSDAY 23.2.2012: Onward to Penguin which was first settled in 1861 as a timber town, and proclaimed on 25 October 1875. The area's dense bushland and easy access to the sea led to Penguin becoming a significant port town, with large quantities of timber shipped across Bass Strait to Victoria, where the 1850s gold rushes were taking place. The town was named by the botanist Ronald Campbell Gunn for the Fairy Penguin rookeries that are common along the less populated areas of the coast. We stayed at Penguin's Lion Park overlooking the water. 
TUESDAY 21 - WEDNESDAY 22.2.2012: Stayed two nights at Oldina Picnic Area, but alas it rained! Did enjoy a visit from a family of black parrots - little too high in the tree for our toy camera to take a clear shot. Returned to Wynyard and spent the day on domestics - pulled up for the evening at Wynyard Showground. 
over thousands of years by dissolving rocks known as dolomite. You have the option of taking a 15 second "slide" down to the bottom of the sinkhole - we did consider it, but decided that the old girl's (Sybil's that is), metal joints may not be up to the challenge! SO, we walked all the way down and back up again!
Arthur, Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemens Land (1824-36), the river is fed by several tributaries including the Frankland River, which was named after its discoverer, then the colony's surveyor-general. The region has been exploited commercially for timber and fisheries, but today is mostly a centre for tourism. On the coast near the mouth of the Arthur River is a plaque titled The Edge of the World. North West Coast Tasmania, and a poem by tourism pioneer Brian Inder, who coined the term, referring to the coastline at Arthur River which is regularly lashed by the gales of the Roaring Forties.
a place of beauty, peace and tranquility with a combination of flower and foliage, with trees and conifer indigenous to countries from around the world planted as an art form to create a series of garden rooms. Adjoining the garden is a path that leads you into Allendale's own Temperate Rainforest of sixty five acres. We spent many hours looking at the garden and taking notes! There were over 70 photos taken of the gardens and whilst most have been culled we have been unable to leave these ones out!
Spent some time fishing from the wharf at Sawyer Bay - the haul included an enormous 6 inch flathead! 
for mine sluicing and processing. Onward to Wynyard where we spent one night at the Wynyard Showground and then found yet another paradise - Oldina Picnic Area. The vista, camp fire and barbecue - enjoying the sound of the "babbling brook" and the "crackling fire" - perfect! We have planned a return visit. 
February, 2011. The mine is currently operated by Minerals and Metals Group Ltd (MMG), producing zinc, lead, copper, silver and gold. We stayed at Stitt Park, Rosebery. The Lions Club have developed a nearby picnic area which we certainly appreciated - made for a lovely stay.
It was excellent and far more information and exhibits than we had anticipated. Included was an underground mine simulation, Blacksmith shop, Mineral Exhibition, pictorial history of the West Coast, Machinery Shed, Train Yard, Power House, Miners' Hut and that is just to name a few! You could also visit the Gaiety Theatre Grand Hotel (built in 1898), and watch an Edwardian film, Court House and Masonic Lodge. 
