Chop, chop

Duckhole Lake

Tasmania has a long history of logging. Forests dominate most of this island and there is much debate on whether to save these old hardwood forests, with some of Australia’s tallest trees. The alternative is to cut down and clear fell vast areas for the sake of woodchips, sold mostly to Japan.

I believe forestry and visitors can co-exist, but think it is criminal to chop down these trees that are between 300- 400 years old for woodchips.
Driving through Forestry land, we arrived at the Duckhole Lake Walk, just south of Dover. This area is a prime example of Tasmanian Forestry working in harmony, with the environment. Back in the 1920’s to 40’s this area was logged. Today there is no logging near ‘historical’ logging sites or natural creeks, to maintain both beauty and water quality. An easy hours walk to Duckhole Lake, the fern lined path is flat and wanders through new growth trees, covered in moss and lichen. Along the way evidence of the past can be seen in the stumps of once grand trees and the old tramway, which seems to be dissolving back into the earth as it decays.

Duckhole Lake walk, once a forestry

It was a very picturesque walk and a great way to ‘recover’ from two fillings at the dentist, the day prior. Not really any ‘recovering’ needed for me, but there certainly was for Dean. Our host has just come out of a hospital stay to have polyps removed from his nose. The operation went well, and it is now just time to soothe the soreness. However, it didn’t stop him from whipping up some further culinary delights........
Valentine’s Day saw Kel and I awake to a huge vase of fresh picked roses each. The sweet perfume filled the house. I can’t believe how many of the roses are still in bloom, having arrived nearly 2 months ago to a feast of roses already. Our pleasures did not end there. Dean slaved away to create a Valentine’s Degustation.

Dean cooking Valentine's day dinner

Skewered spicy lamb mince, with a yoghurt raita followed by pork belly served with asian vegetables, noodles, sliced potato and herbed butternut pumpkin. There was no room for dessert, but a heart shaped chocolate cake was on offer.



Valentine's Day dinner and roses

It will be very sad to leave here (will we ever eat so well again), but we are set to depart tomorrow morning. We are off for the last time to explore the North West (the last undiscovered frontier) and then we set sail for the mainland on February 21.