A berry pretty meadow

Really we had stopped at the berry farm near Swansea for pancakes but I got a bit distracted by the numerous butterflies and damselflies on the garden flowers. The brilliant blue damselflies were too quick for me and my camera but I managed to 'capture' one or two of the Meadow Argus butterflies.

Cut off in their prime

Last Sunday we were driving on the Wielangta Forest Track south of Orford in Tasmania when I spotted this dozer working. I think land was being cleared to put in a Blue Gum plantation. In Victoria they are not allowed to push native vegetation for plantations so I was surprised to see it happening in Tasmania.

And I was also surprised to see trees that have been left standing in paddocks that have been cut off about head height and allowed to regrow. Many have died but those that still stand look terrible. This tree was in the Esk Valley on the east coast but I saw numerous trees like it in the Derwent Valley as well. I couldn't work out the reasoning behind the action.

Tamed and untamed

What a lovely state Tasmania is. We've had delightful weather so she's looking her best.

The Black Ducks are obviously used to being fed so mother brought her ducklings up to the motel door as well. I'd much prefer to see them a little wilder.

Day one we explored South Arm. I've never been there before so it was great to see miles of exposed mud flats (I don't have a telescope with me of course) and wonderful views of Hobart and Mt Wellington. A new road sign for me - Oystercatchers aren't in such big numbers where I come from. Definitely a place to revisit.

And today we drove up past Mt Field to Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon. Not really lakes of course, but dams. It was interesting to see the places we've read about so much about over the last 30 years, and sad to imagine the beautiful lake drowned below to waters of Pedder. I wasn't really expecting to find the rugged mountain ranges - I thought it would be a plateau for some reason. Maybe I was thinking of the plains further south. We drove through bush most of the way up to the dams but I didn't see too many mature trees because the loggers (and fire) have been there first.

Off to the west coast tomorrow.