I’ve been off line for a couple of weeks waiting for a part to repair the computer. Finally it arrived and with a large, new monitor I can now finish recording our Tasmania trip.
The final day has arrived. It has been 2 memorable weeks and for the last day I have planned to go to Evandale markets. They are renowned for the variety of stalls, over 100, with everything you could think of.
They even had pony rides.
It is a bargain hunters paradise. But what fascinated us most was people watching.
Jack started talking to Betty and when she told him she would be 90 in a few months and had been born in Evandale. But moved to King’s Cross in Sydney for work. They could immediately compare their experiences. Jack was born in Sydney and is just one month older than her. I was fascinated listening to their stories.
But Betty had a stall to run. She had grown all the cactus and I really would like to take that beauty in full flower home. I don’t think the airline would let me take it on board.
Betty told us to look for this statue of her grandfather. She is very proud of her Evandale ancestry.
The markets closed at midday so we went for a look around the village.
Evandale today is a National Trust classified Georgian village. We took a stroll along High Street, reputedly one of the most attractive historic main streets in Tasmania, if not Australia. Admiring the colonial cottages with white picket fences and, of course lots of roses.
The National Penny Farthing Championship is an annual event.Penny Farthing Bikes are obsolete, but that doesn’t stop Evandale from celebrating one of the earliest forms of the bicycle. These antique bikes feature a large front wheel, tiny back wheel and no bike chain. The rider must power the giant front wheel with fixed pedals. Every February, thousands descend on Evansville for the National Penny Farthing Championship race.
Behind this interesting sculpture is the Clarendon Arms Hotel. A beautifully restored Georgian style hotel which was interestingly, for us, recently bought and up graded by Lydia who also owned the Red Feather inn that we stayed at for the art retreat. An amazingly energetic woman in her 70’s. We had a cool drink in the beer garden.
This was another totally unexpected surprise that was happening. All around the village music of all sorts from classical, to jazz, to rock n roll was drifting through the air. We wandered around totally entranced with the atmosphere and vibes of this final day.
The rental car had to be returned by 5pm. Fortunately the depot and airport was just down the road from Evandale. So ended our amazing 2 week Tasmanian holiday. We vowed that we will come back again. When? Who knows.
We arrived back at midnight. We were the last off the plane and descended into an eerily quiet and deserted Brisbane airport.
Two weeks later, December 13, the Queensland borders opened to floods of tourists and also the omicron variant.
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I have just started a new media obsession, Instagram. If any of my blogging buddies have accounts I would love to drop by and visit you. My Instagram name is Pauline.Carroll.92
Your blog revives the memory of the wonderful times we spent together.
I feel rejuvenated after looking at your blogs.
Thank you Pauline.😎
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Blogging is a great way to keep memories alive
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Looks like a grand day, Pauline. Love your shot of Jack and Betty.
janet
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Thanks Janet. It was the perfect end to a great 2 weeks
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I’m glad you could get away and that it was such a good time.
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A perfect day to end your lovely holiday. I’ll look you up on Instagram.
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Look forward to seeing you on Instagram
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Both Jack and Betty look damn fit. Must be all those interests to keep both the bod and mind young.
I like Evandale, especially when the lavender is in flower. Quite the luddite you see.
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I would like to go back and stay in that area a bit longer, so much to see. The lavender season would be a good time to go.
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* sorry. Meant to say I have an Instagram account also but haven’t yet worked out how to use it 🤪
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Yes I had Instagram for quite a while before working out how to use it.
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What a fun place to visit, Pauline, and welcome back with all your new technolgy! I’m on Instagram too and will pop in and say hi. I neglect it for weeks then remember for a few days. Two good looking pensioners and a fabulous cactus. Shame you couldn’t take it home!
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There was so much more to see in that area jo, I would love to go back. Neither of them looked nearly 90, both bright as buttons. Look forward to seeing your Instagram.
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🤗💟
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Great photos of your visit, Pauline. The people there look like a very friendly and talented lot. 😍
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Seemed to be a much slower life style down there. We loved it.
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Great image of the nonagenarians, Pauline! You certainly had a great visit
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Thanks Sue
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😊
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Wonderful photos, Pauline, and worth the wait to see them! Tasmania has always seemed a mysterious place to me, so I’m doubly grateful to see and read all about your adventure. See you over on Insta! 💕
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Thanks Del. We do hope to go back, hopefully not in the too distant future. It is so different to the rest of Australia.
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What a perfect end to your holiday. And how wonderful Jack is looking! A big birthday party ahead I imagine to celebrate becoming a nonagenarian. 💖 This place reminds me of small towns in South Africa, built at similar times I suppose. Tin roofs, picket fences, roses. I’m not an Instagram user, but good luck with it!
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It was a great holiday. Hope we may get back one day!!! Thinking we might just go away for the BD weekend and spend time away. No real plans yet.
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Cocktails in the Whitsundays?
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More likely be the Sunshine coast. Don’t drive too far from home these days.
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Well as long as there are cocktails. And cake 🎂
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Yes those are priorities
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What fun! Tasmania is so lovely.
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We would love to go back there again Cindy
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