Hello Where does the year go - must mean old age, surely? For us here in deepest darkest Sydney it has been one heck of a year. But perhaps a defining year.
Most important was the birth of Archie, nowhere to be seen a year ago, and now a full on squarking and noise/poop/vomit generating machine. He is a legend mind you, and a calm chill child really, well compared to Noah - and we were lucky with Noah as well. Noah is an amazing kid, bright, confident, charming, sweet, and into b***dy everything! Dare we ever have a late night, the next morn (early) he's up talking in his own unusual language. His view of the world - the innocence and sheer blind logic makes you laugh and makes it all worthwilde... well sort of.. I wish the laws were different to be able to spend more time with him - men should have the right to longer term paternity without question.
However, I feel a bit guilty as most of the time the most common dialog between us is 'No, Noooo, Noooooooo, Noah, No, Wait, Wait, Waaaaaaait, Stop, Stoooop, Hold on, Pick it up, Drop that, Let it go, Ecky, Ecky Ecky Ecky' and the occasional 'Good Boy Well Done.' I'm really not trying to train a puppy, but sometimes it feels like it.
Jac is at home and for three days a week (actually its 5 inc weekends) and has to look after the two of them together - she really does well given the task at hand. Yes it is hard and stressfull sometimes - I realise, but probably can never really understand, how difficult it is to just look after two small children. The day for me is kid-up, work, kid-bed, eat, tv (1hr oooh), bed. The day for jac is kid-up, kids, tiny break, kid bed, tv (1htr oooh), bed. We should put read book in there - but it just takes so long to finish a book at one page a night.
Footy in the garden is also fun, but how can a 21 month old child be better than me at the game? Talking of football - what a let down the World Cup was - why do we put ourselves though it? And then there is The Cricket. Cricket consumes the summer months here and every male is knowledgable - I do not like it when we get bashed at cricket. I've got tickets for the Sydney Test and hope it's better than 4-0 down at that point.
Moving on, literally, we've had some other distractions this year, namely moving house 3 weeks ago. We were looking for 6 months (every Saturday - phew), and a week after Archie was born we bought. And we are really happy. There is nothing like a move to inspire you into all those ideas - homes are where you live, so it's only natural you have plans and ideas. Especially after being in rented accommodation for 4.5 years which was at least one year too long. We were ready to move, and now are in a great home, that was worth the wait, if not the mortgage payments. 5 mins from the sea! Woo Hoo. And we have many plans, that I sincerely hope I can pull off sooner rather than later - the house is already emminantly livable, but has scope for water tanks, solar water heating, grey water systems, veggies, and other things... watch this space. Nothing like a project to get stuck into.
The other main achievement for me was passing the ITIL masters certificate - the 4 months from March-June (and 250+ hours of study) paid off as this has opened up many avenues at work and allowed me to step out of the rut I was in. Even though I was already knowledgeable in that space (IT Operations), it has bought my opinions much credibility, both internally and with clients, at a time when the company recognises it has to align itself with the world standard.
The other work positives, that mean a lot more to me, are in the more social responsibility space. A year and a bit ago, the company I work for was very poor on the environmental front (like most of Australia to be honest), and now, largely in part to my passion and determination in that area, has engagement from many parts of the company. This has resulted in a complete turnaround in some areas such as recycling - a 50% reduction in waste / 50% increase in recycling in Sydney, the annual company event (700 people & flights to a resort) - carbon neutral, senior executive members absolutely engaged in the process (and looking to me for guidance!), water, energy efficiency, more carbon neutral programmes, and also examination of how new technology can assist in reducing energy consumption and a reduction in harmful chemicals.
It's a really exciting time and I hope something everyone I know can play some part in. 2007 is the year to make the change - trust me - it does not change your life, but will change our lives. I sound like a preacher (praise be de lau') but I'm not, honest - just a realisation that we all have to do something to stop the acceleration, let alone reduce, the amount of CO2 being generated, and water we use. We really have to.
2006 was also the year we became, nearly, totally organic food wise, only to have to back out on arrival of the mortgage. It was delicious whilst it lasted.
For family visits - the Watsons also came over in March, and Mum and Dad Taylor came over in June, and they loved being with the grandkids. We had a nice time in Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Mums are legends with kids, full stop. Unfortunately this years Xmas has taken a slight curve-ball with the discover that my Dad is ill and the treatment meant that the family Xmas gettogether (the first one together in ages), and their flight over had to be cancelled. Richard, my youngest brother, is over and here for a while so we will make the most of it at the 'Myall Lakes Eco Resort', but it won't be the same. We sincerely hope that all is well and they will be over soon.
We hope that everyone is well with our friends and family, and hope you forgive us for not being the best at keeping in contact right now and after all the well wishes for Archie - there are many people I would love to have a chat over a pint in a pub (somewhere in the English countryside). If not that, then at least on Skype or the phone, but sleep deprevation, time zones and life make it a little bit hard at the mo.
2007 will also be the year I beat the surf, not the surf beating me. Well, ok, maybe 2008/9/10.
Take care, have a great Christmas and fab 2007.
James, Jac, Noah and Archie x
PS - And buy Green Electricity if you haven't already. ;-)
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Happy Christmas & New Year
Friday, October 27, 2006
Friday, October 13, 2006
Kid last week, house this week?
This does all seem a bit sureal. We have been looking to but a house for the last 5 months, and had many issues, or perhaps we are just fussy, and not having enough cash what with the prices in Sydney. We had certain requirements and always seemed to be pushing about our means. We lost out on 4 houses by people just bidding above us. We must have looked at about 1500 houses online and visited about 100 (every sat). And then there were the concerns of affordability with Jac being of work with Archie for this year.
Well of course, one week after the birth, we just signed a contract on a place, with a '5 day cooling off period'. I needed it as it has been quite sweaty this last week. Fingers crossed - we will be in in 7 weeks.
It's on the Northern Beaches in a place called Cromer/Collaroy Plateau, about ~15K's up the coast from the city, and best of all 5 minutes from the sea, is in ok nick, but has room for improvement - such as eco'ing it up a bit...
Some links here and google maps here:
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Suggestions for ethical living
I was put onto Treehugger by my mate Paul. Seems like a good site - check it out - the momentum is happening - be part of it - change one thing in your life today, and tomorrow, and the next day. This was one link to an smh article.... different people who life ethical lives and their recommendations... link above. How do you stack up?....
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Suggestions for ethical living
Steve Douglas
Ecological consultant
1. Realise that you are part of nature; everything is connected
2. Reduce and localise your consumption to minimise your impact
3. Generate your own energy or buy "green" power. Cover your other energy use with carbon offsets but understand that they are definitely not the answer to greenhouse gas pollution
4. You cannot buy your way to happiness
5. Vote with your conscience, not just for your wallet
Emma Rush
Social researcher
1. Drive less
2. Fly less
3. Join a group advocating societal structural change
4. Think hard about buying only what is necessary
5. Focus on what is really important
Ben Thurley
Poverty campaigner
1. Volunteer
2. Meaningfully support an organisation
3. Consume less; an abundance of possessions is pretty empty
4. Vote with your values
5. Engage with more vulnerable members of our society
Greg Bourne
Environmental leader, with suggestions to business
1. Make investments in society and the environment through prescribed private funds
2. Look for products and services you can afford that make a difference, for example, hybrid cars and solar panels
3. Offset all of your emissions
4. Start thinking about what you can do with your house or houses to make them more energy efficient but still luxurious
5. Invest in harmony and Australian society, be it through a school, secular agencies or your church. Encourage and promote good citizenship within your group.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Archie
We are very proud to announce the birth of our second son, Archie.
full name : archie emmanuel joseph taylor
born: 4th October 2006, 5.05am
location: royal north shore hospital, north sydney, australia
weight: 2.875Kg (6.34lbs) length: 49cms (19")
So he can call himself archie, manu or joe!
Jac's labour was the complete opposite from last time. We left home at 4.45am, arrived at the hospital at 4.55am and he came into this world at 5.05am! She was/is very relieved...
Total labour time - 3 hours. He nearly identical to Noah in size.
In the pic above, if you look carefully, you can see the last pic of us at the hospital - noah's birth.
So far baby is peaceful, good natured, and has suffered his brothers pokes and prods, and numerous kisses, without complaint. He is sleeping lots, as is to be expected.
You can catch more photos here and his 1st week here.
All photos are uploaded in hi-res archive quality, so family can download by selecting the image, chose 'All Sizes', select 'Original' and then 'Download', or even choose to print and get them delivered from flickr (the photo hosting site) direct.
Cheers
James, Jac, Noah & Archie x
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Hols and family visit photos uploaded
For the interested... Click on the link on the right or above... Noosa July, Parents Taylor & Watson visits, various Noah as the months go by...
Update soon, before birth of next one...
Oh - Anyone got any good suggestions for names?
JT
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Fantastic things happening in the environmental space
Even more first off... Just go and see An Inconvenient Truth... with Al Gore. It's a great movie, and your planet relies on it.
http://climatecrisis.org/
Sainsbury's in green packing push - Sainsbury's [UK Supermarket chain] - aim to transfer all their own-brand produce to compostable packaging, and are encouraging other supermarket chains to do the same, and for the government to provide compostable bins to the general public. Just for Sainsbury's alone this amounts to a saving of 3500 tonnes of plastic per year. Amazing.
E-Cycling Made Easier - "WE ALL HAVE A STAKE in protecting the environment, and that includes producers, users, and recyclers of electronic equipment. Governments around the world are pressuring both users and producers into environmental virtue through regulations, mandates, and directives. But a new program, based on a new IEEE standard, aims to entice rather than coerce."
Where's my
Become carbon neutral - offset your carbon emissions through planting trees, investing in renewables or purchasing carbon credits. Simple and relatively cheap. Also calculate your emissions.
On the road to a hydrogen-fuelled future - THE latest developments in enviro-friendly fuel-cell technology could find their way into real-world applications within the next decade.
http://carsguide.news.com.au/story/0,20384,20391392-21822,00.html
On a more sad note, the plight of the Orang-utans in Borneo. In short - sale of Palm Oil, which is located in 1 in 10 of our supermarket products (often branded as vegetable oil, and is also used as a biofuel) is driving deforestation of their habitat. in 1990 there were 200,000 Orang-utans, in 2000, 50000 left and reports are now that ~ 5000 per year are dying. It is an absolute disaster zone and something which is being driven by the first world's demand for this product. It can be produced safely, but assistance is required to put pressure on supermarkets to ensure that their suppliers use Palm oil that only comes from known safe sources.
Have a great, and hopefully sustainable, day.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
I'm gonna get ya....
Take Care
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Noah August 06
Much to write - and will be doing so shortly...
For Family & those that are interested a new clip of the little one... Noahs been really into animals and anything that has an engine i.e. Cars, Trucks, Buses, Bikes, Helecopters, etc, etc... Unfortunately he was a bit sick when we filmed this so he's quieter than normal...
Take Care
Sunday, June 18, 2006
This is great fun... Here's a snip of Tasmania
This could get addictive... Thought I'd put a little collage together of the clips from Tasmania... Probably not very interesting, but fun to put together all the same....
Tazmania...
Cheers
JT
You Tube - Is this the way forward?
Just wanted to do a test of the You Tube video service - I was hoping Flickr would come up with the same thing....
Noah in the bath - about 9 months ago...
Cheers
JT
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Have you had a Boinc recently?
Yes that the "Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing"
As they say - 'BOINC is free, open-source software for distributed computing'.
What this means is you sign up to a project of your choice, they download you a piece of 'work', and when you PC/Mac/Linux box is not doing anything, it uses the spare CPU cycles to compute the work - along with displaying a screensaver.
You divide up the work as you wish betweeen the projects. There are many projects rangings from looking for aliens, to predicting climate prediction (you might have heard of the BBC experiment?), protein folding, etc, etc... A list of which can be found here (and they are growing all the time). The BBC have made it very user friendly from here.
Basically you can become part of the largest computer in the world.
I am part of the following projects:
Which started with SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) in 1999:
Go on - donate some of your computing power to ClimatePrediction.net!
Friday, June 02, 2006
Give Switches the Flick!
Let's keep pushing our companies to do things like this...
(From the Sydney Morning Herald)...
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EVERY night the Sydney skyline is illuminated by the city's office towers, their lights ablaze.
But at one office tower, when the staff go home the lights go out.
In the largest energy efficiency upgrade to an existing office in Australia, the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers is saving power and money, and cutting its greenhouse gas emissions without flicking a switch.
Installation of a new lighting system means that each day when the first staff member walks out of the lift and to his or her desk, sensors pick up the movement and turn on the lights. When no movement has been detected for more than 20 minutes the lights go out.
The company will save 630 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions generated by 140 cars. If all office tenants in the city saved energy at this rate, it is estimated it would provide enough surplus energy to power 13,000 homes.
In the middle of a fierce national debate about the greenhouse gases associated with coal-generated electricity and the risks of nuclear power, it was a timely reminder that curbing electricity use was part of the solution to climate change, said the managing director of Big Switch Projects, Gavin Gilchrist, who managed the project for PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Economic modelling endorsed by all Australian governments showed that commercial building owners and tenants could cut their energy use by between 30 and 70 per cent, and that implementing those savings would deliver strong economic growth, jobs and big greenhouse gas reductions, Mr Gilchrist said.
"As we debate energy policy in Australia, it's well worth remembering that the cheapest way to meet future energy needs is to stop wasting the stuff in the first place."
PricewaterhouseCoopers had made a global commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions because it made environmental and business sense, said the firm's Australian infrastructure director, Jay Lomax.
"Lighting is the big-ticket item, and that is where the big energy drain is," said Mr Lomax, explaining why the firm spent $1 million over six months to upgrade the lighting in its 32,000 square metres of office space at Darling Park, where 2400 staff work.
Each group of employees is in a zone controlled by one sensor. When that zone has been empty of staff for more than 20 minutes the lights go out.
Electricity is saved not just overnight and at weekends but also during the day when staff are away from their desks at meetings or working off-site with clients.
The project entailed removing 8000 ceiling tiles, dragging 40 kilometres of cable through ceiling spaces and installing 1600 sensors. Electricians plugged in 4800 electrical connections to finish the job.
Mr Lomax said it would take five years to recoup the $1 million spent on the system, but in the four months since its installation the firm had already cut its energy use by 15 per cent.
Refits were also being carried out at the company's office towers in Perth, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane.
"The reaction from staff has been really positive. They understand why we are doing it and the benefits to the broader community."
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Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Saturday, May 06, 2006
What's that - again?
Big News...
We are due again.
Little Blobinina (maybe a girl, we don't know) is due in October. Not planned, and well, we have not been able to talk too much about it, as Jac was just quite getting used to a bit of normality. But in reality, it's going to be great, if tough for a while. Second time round is so different from the first. We are chuffed. Pics soon.
The other news for JT is that I've finally been awarded Chartered Engineer status from the Institure of Engineering and Technology (formerly the Institute of Electrical Engineers - IEE, the primary professional engineering body in the UK), and have also embalked (about 8 weeks ago... hence being v. busy) on taking the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Masters (or Managers) programme from OGC which means lots of study for the exams in mid June. ITIL is essentially the defacto best practice framework for IT service management... essentially how to run an IT department. Covering... Incident, Problem, Change, Configuration, Release, Service Level, Financial, Capacity, Availability and IT Service Continuity Management.
The way I see it is best practice Information Security (ISO/IEC 17799/27001) and best practice IT (ISO/IEC 15000) make for a good combination.
Take Care out There
Wombeyan Caves
Hi All - again a bit of a delay in posting, it's just been so so busy, and these posts will explain why.... So we'll post separate blogs for separate things.
Please find attached pics of our Easter Camping Trip to the Wombeyan Caves with Paulie, Rowy & Saskia, and Tony, Jess & Spencer.
The Caves are about 3-4 hours drive South-East of Sydney towards Canberra and are at the Southern part of the Great Dividing Range. The last 1.5 hours are along a virtually single dirt track road (not for the feint hearted in the rain) with sheer sides, but end up in a valley full of native and 'exotic' trees.
My, was it bloody cold at night - got down to -3 deg, which was, if truth be told, a little too cold - like 2 duvets, 3 rugs, long-johns, hats, scarves and all in the same bed. But on the bright side, we had a 24 hour fire with masses of wood, and as soon as the sun appeared in the morning, the temperature soared. Personally I like that 'we made it through the night' feeling. Others, perhaps not...!
We also had to try out our new Faaaamily OzTrail 'Villa' tent.
Perhaps a bit ambitious, but the reason and size will become clear soon (or in the above posts)... I said to Jac that we would give it 2-3 go's and then sell it on eBay if it does not work out. It's about 6 x 4 mtrs including the 'Sun Lounge' area, and 25Kgs....
I also was breaking in my new Akubra - the only Aussie hat to be
seen in. Very proud of it actually - does exactly what it says on the tin, and is top quality fur felt. I went for the 'Plainsman' - which sort of fits my image, no?
We went with great intentions of fishing, and visiting the caves. Alas there were water restrictions, and no water in the rivers. Never mind - the boys could keep themselves happy 'Chopping, Sawing, and Firepoking'.
Next time - the Sea, fishing, surf and warmth! Cheers
Monday, March 13, 2006
Noah's 1st Birthday
We celebrated Noah's 1st Birthday down at Clontarf, a lovely little park/beachy area inside the Harbour near the Spit Bridge. 
The photos are uploaded to flickr - check out the link...
Thanks to all who came to cebrate this special day! He was really chuffed and loved all his presents... such as...
- 3 Wheeled Trike / Push Along Car / Shopping Trolley (All found on the street - sssh)
- Exploding Rocket (Dad thumbs up)
- Bob the Builder Driving Set (Dad thumbs up - even more)
- Garage Set (Dad banned from playing - rating later...)
- Incredibly Funny Laughing Rabbit
- Bath/Beach Set
- Books & CD's
- Loads of great clothes
Cheers
Go Green Now!
Got to bring to everyone's attention a few great ideas (if you have not already heard of them.... thanks Phil)...
Free your home now - grants available.....
Personal Wind Turbine from www.windsave.com - save up to 1/3rd of your electricty... for around £1500...
And Solar Water Heating or Solar Electricity for around £3200 with a £1400 grant. Bargain?
Or Perhaps a Sunball? Cheaper than PV's (Photovoltaics) - Just Splash out around AS1100/£500?
And everyone needs a watertank, sorry a WaterHOG? 3 for A$880/£350
Go For It!
Monday, March 06, 2006
Been Sick as a Dog / Jac's Parents arrive
Last few weeks have been a bit rough - I've had this sickly flu/chest thing since around Christmas, think I caught it from Noah. Never really bothered me enough but just kept coughing up unwanted items....
I thought I was always going to get better, especially given that I've been on a bit of fitness craze. The thing was I kept waking up feeling devoid of energy. So I went to the chemist to by something to loosen the passageways, and then my body suddenly went into overdrive.
Last week I had to take two days off (and if anyone knows me - I just am not sick, never take days off, ever) - totally wiped me out. Thought I was finally getting over it, but this week no better. So I think - right - that's it - I'm off to the doctor.
Now here's a side thing - it's amazing how preventative private medical is in a land where one pays for medical care. Bring back the National Health Service. We don't know how lucky we were/are! OK - so I am on Private - they basically force you to be on any salary more than $60K (£25K), and with a tax break to boot - but every visit it's wop out the wallet.
Surprisingly enough - the private medical never seems to cover what you paid (unless you're on the super-duper 'Venereal Extra's option, or whatever). Then Jac's parents arrive and this Saturday we had planned, well something. Until Jac's Dad and myself got struck by the lergy/food/gastro Sat morn. Totally wiped out the weekend. Flat out, Vom/Death/Eye-Popping/etc.
And given that I'm such a diligent worker - why do these things happen at the weekend? Obviously feeling better now, and seeing how many of my friends are better blog and communicators than I am, it's inspired me to put it on paper (actually - that's another thing - in the electronic age - what do we put pen to?)
So I'm going to the doctors tomorrow, in the middle of the week, in work time. Ha Ha Ha.
PS - Noah's Walking!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Got the Stoke...
Wow - is it already Feb already?
Been keeping our heads down after the Xmas spend. Jan is always a quiet month in Australia - people take extended breaks, and pressure is off at work. Well, more correctly, you know that there is not much business coming in and there is nothing you can do about it!
Jac is back at work and getting used to life 3 days a week and juggling the part-time baby thing. She is amazing and I don't know how she does it.
Noah is great - nearly walking, more of a stagger, and gibbering/mumbling to himself all day long, pointing at things. We have great gibber conversations between each other - most fun, everyone should try it.
Thought I'd put a few words down about surfing as I really got the 'Stoke' from yesterdays effort. We made our way to 'Long Reef' a Sydney city beach with a great view of a headland, about about 20-30 mins up the coast. I've moved down from my Hawawaii 'Mini-Mal', an 8'2" board (v.v. similar to this 'Bob McTavish' Carver), down to a more short-board pointy style 'Gnesh' 7'2" - still has some thickness in the body (read buoyancy) but much more manuverable. I had been switching between the two, and then really getting into the longer board, but when I moved to the shorter board things would go wrong and I would have a frustrating surf.
So I decided to totally concentrate on the shorter board for at least 3 months. Well the first 6 weeks has been hard - my style, timing and technique when standing up all gone to pot. But yesterday things happened - I landed my biggest drop in on a huge wave (huge read 2.5mtr plus face - note that wave size is not the only thing - you can have a large wide wave that is easy to catch and a small sucky steep drop which is much harder as you have less time to get up. Yesterdays wave were fat, therefore much easier to catch - but the drop was still quite hairy. The ride was not so long, but the manner in which I got up, dropped down the wave and performed a beautiful right bottom turn was just inspiring.
It's just amazing how one small thing can get you all revved up. The enigma that surfing is. It can be so frustrating. If you take it up as a older person, your body (especially a slim not-used-to-swimming engleesh person) is just not used to the paddling, and compared with kids who have grown up on the ultra competative Sydney beaches, you feel like the eternal beginner. There are so many good surfers in Australia, and I realise I'll never be like them (maybe Noah eh?), but if I look back on my own personal improvement, rather than at someone who has been surfing since they were 6, I can really see that I have come on in the past 3 years.
Occasionally (and there is no reason when - except the best tips are don't be tired or hungover) it just comes together. I am crap (really) but totally hooked. I realise that this is a long journey and hope that I can get to a point that I am confident to go to any beach, including non beach breaks (i.e. reef, etc) where you have to have your 'launch' technique nailed. And believe me - every break is different.
Take care out there and remember, it's the sharks home, not ours.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Tasmania Xmas 2005
Stop Press... New You Tube Vid...
Pics from Tasmania now uploaded for those that are interested.
Interesting holiday - really enjoyed Tasmania, but we faced new holiday experiences that, perhaps next time round, we would do differently..... Namely a) Get a bigger campervan - it was a bit of a shuffle with Noah's schedule & stuff and b) understand that little ones get bored whilst driving - severely restricts the schedule. I would also not hire a surfboad for 10 days given that a) the water was 12 deg and b) there were no waves whatsoever.
The route took us from the capital Hobart, heading North up the east coast to Port Arthur (that's Port Aaaaaarrrrrthuuur with a broad west country accent), up to Wine Glass Bay, Bay of Fires, the remote Mount William National Park, then headed West inland to spend Christmas at Nigel & Jo's (my second cousin once removed) at Weegena, nr Deloraine in Mid-North Tasmania about 30mins west from Launceston.
Many thanks to Nigel & Jo, whom we had never met before, and very kindly offered us a place to stay at Christmas - brave if you'd never met someone before. My Dad knew Nigel as a child, but Nigel essentially left the UK in the late 60's to travel the world, finally ending up in Tasmania. I had met Nigel's Dad Norman (to the English)/Elwyn (to the Welsh) at my Grandmothers funeral and on another occasion - sadly Elwyn passed away the year before last, but my Dad always said we should look up Nigel if we ever made it to Tasmania.
They made us really feel welcome and (I think!) enjoyed Noah's presence at Christmas (aside from chasing the cat, food on the floor, dominating, etc, etc). Before retiring Nigel built a well known maze in Westbury. He started growing it in 1982, and it opened in 1992. That's patience for you.
Running out of time we skipped past Cradle mountain (visibility = 0), down to Strahan on the Mid West Coast to take a one day cruise up the Gordon River into the National Park / Rainforest. This follows the tale of the Huon Pine - a very rare slow growing tree that lives for up to 4000 years and never rots due to the high concentration of oil. The Huon pine was one of the reasons why Sarah Island penal colony was built - boatbuilding - and also one of the most nortorious and terrible places to be posted to. The story of the final escape of the prisoners as the island was closing (to Chile) is told in the very funny (and Tasmania's longest running) play - The Ship that Never Was. The tale of Sarah Island was told in Marcus Clarke's 1860 book - For the Term of His Natural Life, and subsequently made into a 1927 movie, then a Hollywood movie - starring Anthony Perkins, in 1982.
From there we scarpered back to Hobart via a breathtaking drive through the National Park.
Take Care.
