Sunday, February 18, 2007

TasMania

Tasmania for 2 weeks! Tara was there for a conference and I was there for the birds and surfing. Guess who had more fun?

Devil
Of course I have to start with the symbol of Tasmania. I watched as this guy (from a zoo) snarled and barked and then spun around to form a small tornado. They are actually in big trouble from a facial tumor disease that has ravaged their population.


Tara's Rock
I was trying to take a photo of these fascinating orange rocks when Tara jumped into the frame. Of note here is the orange color.. of the rocks.


Queenstown
After camping we headed into town to see the hustle bustle of city life. This crazy town had an energy and a pop that sizzled all night. We knew we'd found the glitz and glamour that is Queenstown.


Queenstown Resident
This little man was waving us down to tell us where the party was. It wasn't in Queenstown. In fact, it isn't in Tasmania. But that's okay. Tassie is about nature and not night life.


Cradle Mountain National Park
This place was outstanding. Definitely competing with New Zealand in natural beauty and conservation. This is the start to the famous 85km overland track. I wish I'd been able to do it, but I had some surfing to get to.


Tara's Cradle Mountain
Tara got a new pair of sun glasses so she thinks she is all that. I've not purchased a pair of sunnies over $10 bucks. So I guess I can't compete. That's Cradle Mountain in the background (supposedly you can make out a baby somewhere).


Early Morning Camping
If I were to get up this early every day I'd have more photos than I'd know what to do with. Thank god I never get up early.


Mass Murderer!
A road side slasher was victimizing drivers on the east coast. This horrible person is so persistent that the county has erected this permanent sign to warn travelers. I had my trusty multi-tool on the ready just in case.


It's Gaytime!
I couldn't resist having a Gaytime! After eating two of them I hadn't had a gay time yet. But lucky for me, there are 4 chances to have a gay time! And lo and behold, on the 3rd try I had a hell of a gay time.


Where's Tara
This was an outstanding day on the east coast of Tassie. Tara is down on the rocks looking the place over giving an approving nod. Most of the beaches we visited were deserted. mmm.. dessert.


Pirate Booty
Argh Matey. You'd have to expect to see pirate booty on an island with so many ship wrecks. If you look just underneath the skull you'll find ole davy jones locker for sure.


Bruny Island
I spent two glorious days alone on Bruny Island just south of Hobart. I found lonely surf beaches and amazing bird life in a short period of time. This is looking south beyond Australia's second oldest lighthouse. It's like looking back in time. You can imagine Abel Tasman's ship sailing past in 1643.


Ray Surfs Huge Wave
This wave formed up behind me into a 15 foot monster. Tara was so shocked and concerned that she dropped the camera and didn't get any photos of it. Oh well.. next time.


Hippie Paradise
Wow man. Like whoa check out the gnarly paint job on this party van. I could like live at this spot forever. Just me, my Grateful dead tapes and an herb garden.


Chocolate wave
I surfed this nestle quick wave and it was gross. Named Cloudy bay because of the water (it's filled with red algae). It got in my ears and I couldn't hear for most of the time in the water. Oh.. and the water was 15C (59F). Damn cold!


Unknown Birdie: Tasmanian Scrubwren
Tassie Scrubwren - my friend at Inala on Bruny Island identified this one for me.


Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo


Scarlet Robin


Musk Lorikeet
Oops. This is a Musk Lorikeet, not a Little Lorikeet. The Musk has the red face mask. The Little has red under his beak.

Forty Spotted Pardolote
I saved the best for last. This is considered to be one of the rarest birds in Australia. Only a few groups are left in south eastern Tasmania. One group in particular is being kept going by a private landowner on Bruny Island. It is profoundly sad to sit and watch an animal that may go extinct within my lifetime.