Team Tassie

I notice that my team has done a remarkable job of describing the incredible adventure we've had thus far.  My blog post will likely pale in comparison to each of theirs.  So, I'll just mention the food and bubblies that I've enjoyed thus far.

My first night here I ate wallaby curry with rice.  The funny part of the story is that my host "mum" didnt tell me what it was until the next day.  However, the rest of my team found out the night before at the pub.  So, as always, it was a little joke on me :)  The second night here we were welcomed with a huge bbq at a bloke's house named Dennis.  We had kangaroo sausage, lamb burgers, venison steaks and the likes.  Up until that point, I'd only tried the local beer:  Boags and Cascades are the two main breweries here.  Another night my host family prepared an absolutely lovely dinner:  lamb roast, green beans, pumpkin, potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant.  All the veggies had been grown in their garden.  I focused a little more on trying the vino that night.  And yesterday I enjoyed a nice local sparkling wine as well as a pinot noir from the region.

My investigation of food and bubblies has been quite thorough and completely satisfying!  I hope you've enjoyed the report.

The shirts off their backs...

Every day seems more amazing than the last. Wineglass Bay was incredible, probably the most beautiful place I have been in my life. I am very proud of my team for making the trek. It was a rather difficult hike, but we all made it. In Virginia we often say that we live in God's Country. We may have a beautiful state, but it pales in comparison to what I have seen of Tasmania. The people are as incredible as well. It is customary for Police Officers to exchange patches when we go to other Departments. I spent the day with the Tasmania Police today. I gave a patch to one of the Sergeants and he didn't have a patch to give me in return. He left the room for a moment and when he came back he handed me his uniform shirt. Talk about giving someone the shirt off your back (it was actually in a closet, but you get the idea).

Blowing the cobwebs out...

Wineglass Bay and Freycinet National Park

Last night, we overindulged on venison steaks, lamb burgers, kangaroo sausages, and venison stew at Dennis and Karen Dwyer's home. So, today the team headed into Freychinet National Park for a trek over the mountain and through the woods; the eucalyptus and gum forests to be more specific. Wonderful weather, a great hike, and some fantastic vistas. What more could a group of  jet lagged "Yanks" ask for?

The hike up the mountian provided some spectacular views of Coles Bay, some up close looks at the native fauna, and ultimately to an overlook of the blue green waters of Wineglass Bay. Current digital technology prevents us reporting in true "smell-o-vision." As such, these photos give no sense of what this place smells like. The warm odor of the eucaylyptus oil and the tea trees is singularly unique. The UV haze makes amateur photography difficult and these photos simply don't do Coles or Wineglass Bay any sort of justice. A lot of the blues and green are washed out. Take our word for it, the things we saw today are breath taking. Regardless...

Coles Bay

...more Coles Bay

 We continued our journey, dropping down the other side of the mountain to find ourselves looking at one of the most spectacular bodies of water in Tasmania; and arguably anywhere on Earth. The water was a tad cold for swimming but the cool sand made an excellent place for a picnic lunch complete with Tim-Tams and Crunchies. If you don't know what Tim-Tams are, then you have no idea what your missing; shear chocolatey deliciousness.

Wineglass Bay

To say the least, the trek back up the mountain was difficult. But the end result was worth the exertion. Besides, there was a wallaby!

That's Mr. Wallaby to you...yes, we took this picture.
Did I mention the kangaroo sausages we sampled last night? 

Where Am I?

From Bottom to Top: Leaving Roanoke, Descent into Dulles with Washington Monument way in the background, Sunrise at 30,000 feet somewhere over the Pacific and first sight of Van Diemen's Land.

Over the pond

Just a quick note to let you all know that after a little over 30 hours we are here in Tasmania.  It is Sunday afternoon and each of the team members is settling in with their host families.  I just had a lovely lunch with Tim and Fiona, their son, and their two dogs.  The weather is amazing.  And I couldn't thank Rotary enough for this absolutely enriching opportunity that is just beginning.

I'm sure that Shane will add pictures and other things soon.  Tomorrow, Monday, is a rest day for us to adapt to the jet lag and time difference.  I slept well on the long flight, so I'm hoping for an adventure?!

Less than 2 weeks!

I'm excited to complete my first team post!  Less than two weeks away from our departure, there's still quite a bit to do.  We have our full itinerary which is incredible.  I have talked with several of my host families and vocational "hosts".  This is going to be the trip of a lifetime.  More to come soon!!

The Homestead

96th Annual District Conference

-District 7570-

Overlooking the Alleghenies 

What an amazing day to be in Virginia's Allegheny mountains; sunshine, an enthusiastic breeze, and good company. Three of us teamed up with Bill's wife Pam and headed for The Homestead in Hot Springs Virginia; a National Historic Landmark and arguably America's most historic mountain resort.

(L-R) Shane, Bill, and Katy in front of the historic resort hotel.

During the morning session, the Tasmanian team gave their presentation to conference attendees; which they dedicated to recently deceased, Past Ditrict Governor Maurice Hill. The Tassie team gave an entertaining and informative presentation complete with a virtual field trip through Australia, some native fauna, Men at Work, and a rousing rendition of Waltzing Matilda. All-in all they presented well and gave us a preview of what we'll be doing in a few weeks at the Tasmanian district conference. We wrapped up our trip by attending the awards lunch and a leisurely drive back to Lexington through Goshen Pass; Virginia's oldest state-managed natural area.

The Tasmanian team during their presentation.