ANZAC

My response to Anzac Day

ANZAC
Lest we forget.
Half way down, flags hang.
Rejoice in the Lord
to find peace
through tears of remembrance.
Diggers, women and children
march.
Crowds wave, clap, salute
as the parade glides by.

United by ANZAC forefathers.
We learn honor and courage.
Bravery demonstrated by military
yields an understanding of sacrifice.
Respect.

Lest we forget.
The legacy of the
ANZAC spirit lives.
And the youth use this lesson
to face current challenges:
tsunami, earthquakes, flooding.

In history's page let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.

This poem was written about the 96th annual ANZAC service witnessed in Launceston, TAS.  In 1915 over 8,000 Aussies and Kiwis invaded Turkey in WWI.  They all died in the Battle of Galipoli.  ANZAC stands for Australian New Zealand Army Corps.

Lawn Bowls in Longford

Thanks to Dorle for the photos!

Geoff in control of the green as Iris keeps an eye on his form.

Vivian and Iris look on as I give it a go.

Not bad for a  couple of rookies.

Thanks to Vivian, Graham, Dorle, and Iris for teaching us about the gentle game of lawn bowls.

P.S. If anyone else has photos from previous clubs or visits please send them to us. Who knows, they might make the blog.

Tarn Shelf

The Tarn Shelf

Malcom, an accomplished shutterbug and seasoned bush walker, took three members of the GSE team on a little stroll through the woods. The trek involved gale force winds, numb fingers and faces, rock scrambling, boulder hopping, and clinging on for dear life. Our journey started at the base of the mountain where  immense swamp gums and massive tree ferns dominate. Gums gave way to rain forests which ultimately yielded to the low growing alpine vegetation at higher elevations. The rugged terrain and frosty faces were worth the effort. The views of the glacial valley were spectacular, or specky in Aussie vernacular, and the Fagus added a splash of autumn color to the otherwise hazy day.

windblown but still smiling

Hands in pockets-check
Wistful look into the distance-check
Awesome view-check

Fagus in full color

What is Fagus? Accoring to the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife website, "Deciduous beech (Nothofagus gunnii), or fagus as it is best-known, a humble tree, usually growing to 2 metres or less. You find it in places most would describe as inhospitable. And one of its other names - tanglefoot - is ruefully confirmed by bushwalkers caught up in its twisted, ground-hugging branches. Yet this small Tasmanian tree can claim something few other Australian plants can. It is Australia's only winter-deciduous tree, and you will find it nowhere else in the world except Tasmania. And its autumn display is superb." 

Good thing I brought the Beanie!

A map for Dougie in Claremont

Here's a map with a few markers. Green indicates host club locations while red markers denote a few major points of interest.

View Rotary 7570 GSE to Tasmania in a larger map


Let's see how your technique works with this one Doug!

Russell Falls

Doug and Rex took a few of us for an easy trek up to Russell Falls. WOW! Insanely picturesque for such and easy walk.

Specky!

poor photo of an amazing view