Tas- a Tasmania

Lake St Clair, Tasmania
(c) fifiheavey

For those thinking of visiting Australia (for work or holidays) I would recommend that you do not overlook Tasmania.

Yes the West Coast is a dream of beaches and surf, the East coast is a secluded marvel and the centre is dry, red and astounding, but 


Tasmania is a surprise you don't want to miss out on.

Even the Aussies themselves forget about Tasmania, for decades it was the haunted island of Van Diemens Land – an English Penal Colony, and although I do recall a few haunting moments from my trip that is the appeal, the sort of mystery shrouding the wild mountains and valleys, the winding roads and small villages of the Tasmanian hide away.

We went out of our way to visit the little Natural Island to the south, we spent over a week there and it was certainly well worth it for some history, hill walks and wildlife with some teeth!

Antarctic ship in the dock at Hobart
(c) fifiheavey

Hobart is the main town and has plenty of charm – including Antarctic explorer ships (Tasmania is the last stop and first one on the way back). It has a super hippy Saturday market and plenty of places to eat and drink.

Tahune Forest Airwalk
(c) fifiheavey

But you do need to get out of the city and I would suggest you first head to Tahune Forest Air Walk. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful forest ramble or are up for a more challenging hike, one of Tahune’s trails is sure to fit the bill. Did you know that some of the tallest trees in the world grow in southern Tasmania? Swinging bridges high above the trees – this is the perfect location for dreaming and to get over your silly fear of heights!

Next up get your walking boots on and prepare to be in awe of the scenery around Lake St Clair. Look up and around Cradle mountain surrounds you, it dominates the area and yet Lake St Clair etches out pretty coves and beaches and is home to some of the rarest wildlife. Watch out for Platypus, echidna or wombats!

Horror movie set at Queenstown
(c) fifiheavey

Visit Queenstown if you want to star in your own horror movie set in an abandoned mine town. We stayed the night is the scariest hotel. It was like something out of an old Western movie every floor board creaked and the steep hill out of town meant making a quick escape very difficult!

Climbing The Nut
(c) fifiheavey

Leave the horror behind and take a chair ride up 'The Nut' to the beautiful views of the volcanic plug before having a delightful lunch at Wineglass Bay where a pink granite mountains rises straight from the sea to form a magnificent sheltered waterway or one of the top ten beaches in the world!

Tasmania Devil
(c) fifiheavey

Of course you will need to take in some Tasmania Devils, I recommend Tasmanian Devil conservation Park. These vicious animals are the size of a small dog, and is the largest carnivorous marsupial – nice to look at not to touch!

And end your awesome tour with a scary visit to Port Arthur – this is one place I would advise against visiting alone – it scared the shit out of me! No special effects, no mad design, no characters, just derelict buildings and stories from 1833- 1877.

Port Arthur was known as an inescapable prison, much like Alcatraz – but of course people did.

Port Arthur
(c) fifiheavey

Think of Tasmania as a Thriller – plenty of shocks and surprises but the ending is very satisfactory.

My Left Foot

Anyone who knows me will smirk, or probably laugh when they see the title of this post, as 'My Left Foot' is a subject very dear to my heart – and I am not referring to the Irish movie.

No, 'My Left Foot' is actually my own left foot, the one attached to my left leg.

The subject came up recently in relation to two questions I was asked in different circumstances.

The first was 'What part of your body would you change if you could?'

This should be a question on vanity, it is usually related to cosmetic surgery, weight issues or distinguishing marks.

My answer: “My Left Foot.”

The next question a few days later came from a more sophisticated conversation.

“Name one thing/ obstacle holding holding you back in life”

Again my answer: “My Left Foot.”

Nice - if ya don't fall over!
(c) fifiheavey

It is important to be fully fit to travel, to partake in activities, to walk, hike, jog, run etc

Healthy I am, fit also to an extent, but one body part always lets me down and that is my left foot.

Going for a hike -

Sightseeing walking tour-

We may need to run for the bus-

Dancing is compulsory-

Are all great, but even prior consultation with my foot cannot guarantee I will not fall before the final hurdle.

A few too many ankle injuries now compounded by plantar fasciltis (Heel Spur) problem, means that at least a quarter of my brain must focus on the stability and the strength of my left foot for ALL activities.

Traveling around the world has caused major damage to my pockets and bank account, to my stress levels but the most damage has been caused to my feet.

Sunburn, corns, bruises, cuts have and a whole lot of strain have taken their tolls on the pair that carry me around.

But it is the left one that has the weaker will, that destroys my chances of competing in marathons, that niggles at me when we decide to go hiking, or dancing, or just walking around in a circle.

Ok on the way up - but not on the way down! Hiking Franz Josef, New Zealand
(c) fifiheavey

Any sympathy out there?

Has travel caused you injury?

Do you have a small issue always preying on your mind??