A weekend at Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania

Last weekend we headed for Cradle Mountain National Park, probably the most famous World Heritage Area in Tasmania (and perhaps, Australia). We stayed in a private lodge with a very special group of friends. This is just a very small capture of the scenery on Saturday, but I haven't yet mastered being able to include all the photos in an album to share on this blog site. It was cool and calm. Sunday it rained all day and washed most of the snow away. If you ever visit Tasmania, be sure to spend a couple of days at least visiting this area. The fresh air and scenery will do you a world of good.

Our view of Cradle Mountain, from the private lodge we were staying in.

Here's the lodge, tucked in amongst the trees.

Moi, admiring the scenery at Crater Falls.

The little old boat shed, on the edge of Crater Lake.

Crater Lake, drizzled with snow from a fall a few days old.

Panoramic capture of Cratere Lake.

Panoramic capture of the landscape, including Cradle Mountain.

Ben Lomond revisited July 2013

Ben Lomond has more snow.
The weekend just past saw the arrival of enough snow for some winter skiing. However, the tows on our ski field were not open. Those really keen for a ski walked up the slopes to make their meander downhill. Unfortunately, I didn't take my cross-country skis, to have a little dabble around.  A lot of Australians don't realise Tasmania has a ski field. We have a very small one. The other Australian ski fields are in New South Wales and Victoria.  A couple of weeks ago I posted pictures of Ben Lomond as it looked then.  Due to the fact I am still recovering from whooping cough, which came upon me in early April, I don't have the energy for much physical activity. I took some crocheting up with me, as well as my eReader, while I sat in warmth and comfort, thanks to friends at Ben Lomond Snow Sports and their winter refuge. I am currently not to talk, so I have to find ways to amuse myself.It was really nice to get out of the house for several hours today. Several of the following photos I took while travelling in the car (it's okay, I was the passenger. My husband David was driving).

Toboganning was very popular with families.

Outside Ben Lomond Snow Sports. Not a popular resting spot today, but the views are great.

Skiing on Ben Lomond requires skill. This is not Silver Star, Canada.

The blue sky is just amazing.

Coming home, down Jacob's Ladder. The weather has clagged in.

 

Looking toward the Village Pub

panoramic shot from the village

Taboganning area and Northern Tasmanian Alpine Club in the background.

The clouds begin rolling in after lunch.

Another panoramic shot from the village.

Travelling from Launceston to Ben Lomond. Beautiful day. It's about an hour's drive from home.

The drive up Jacob's Ladder is so spectacular.

Waterfall bend on Jacob's Ladder. The waterfall is frozen.

Ben Lomond has huge rock boulders.

Part of the scentic tour on our drive up Jacob's Ladder.

On top of the plateau, Ben Lomond.

Part of Jacob's Ladder, going home. Not a drive for the faint-hearted. Mist has rolled in.