April 2004

Hi Everyone,

It's well and truly into the school year and a long time since our Tasmanian trip but it was a such great time. We spent two weeks driving around the island in luxury, in a motorhome per kind favour of our friends, Derick and Beth Johnston. We thoroughly enjoyed the great variety of sites and experiences to be found there. Highlights would have to be the beautiful view of Wineglass Bay (after a hot, exhausting trek - for me at least), Port Arthur - could easily have spent another day wandering around that amazing place...sooo much history, the fabulous views on the road to Gordon Dam and the expanse of Lake Pedder, the charming town of Strahan and Macquarie Harbour with incredible rainforests and Sarah Island with all the associated stories...more interesting history! We even saw echidnas, a bandicoot and platypuses in the wild. Okay...so Tasmanians are used to this ...but we were so excited.

Catching up with my friend, Ros, after many years, (we taught in Sydney together) and meeting her husband, Ainesley, was also a high point. Their part of the world is so picturesque and their stone cottage is delightful. Two days were not enough to catch up on all that time, but it sure was wonderful.

Weather was kind to us but it did rain and hail on the west coast for a few days but not so much that it stopped us getting out and seeing things. Actually, it seemed to suit the atmosphere, especially at sombre Sarah Island.

Back on the home front, I have a year 5/6 class with 28 lively students and the year has started off well. I'm continuing with my French classes and hope one day to actually try out my limited skills in France. We're working on that.

We had a great Christmas with the whole family here at home. Pete is still getting over being surprised by Ade, Irina (Vancouver)and Erin (Sydney) and Glenys, his sister (Melbourne)for his birthday. His party was lots of fun too.

I'll try and update this often...time is the factor...sigh! In the meantime do drop us a line on (Julie) - kitching@iinet.net.au ...or (Peter) - flotsam@eon.net.au

Cheers,

Julie and Pete