Tasmania...

If I was obliged to emigrate I certainly should prefer this place: the climate and aspect of the country almost alone would determine me… All on board like this place better than Sydney – the uncultivated parts here have the same aspect as there; but from the climate being damper, the Gardens, full of luxuriant vegetables and fine corn fields, delightfully resemble England. 

~ Charles Darwin about Tasmania.

For the past 5 days we’ve been bunkered down in a pretty little village called Carrick in the North East of Tasmania. I have an art show on at a Launceston Gallery so we were visiting to install the work and attend the opening. I have to say that any excuse to visit Tassie is warmly welcomed! I just love it here and dream of the day that we can move here permanently.  For now we’ve been staying in a beautiful B & B made up of converted horse stables. The mud-brick stables are surrounded by lush cottage gardens full of herbs and fruit trees. Ducks, bunnies and wallabies are regular visitors. It’s just bliss!

We’ve been to Tasmania a few times before and travelled the whole island fairly extensively, so this time we decided to relax and enjoy our country surrounds. Our days have consisted of sleep-ins, lazy breakfasts, walks along rivers and streams, hikes through ancient forests and long drives through the countryside. It has been absolute magic for the soul. Here are some snaps from the past few days...