Ronnie in Lonnie.

[drron]

After our lunch at Beauty Point we decided to visit Bridestowe Estate.We both love hydrangeas and there was a beautiful specimen.

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But it is lavender you come to see and although early in the season we hadn't come here in flowering season before.

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[drron]

In flowering season there is a $10 a head entrance fee.A lot of people there but at least 90% were Chinese.They have really taken to Tasmania and it could well become more as Chinese airlines want to begin flying to Tassie.

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Nearly all the Chinese visitors had a lavender ive cream.We opted for a coffee,jam,cream and lavender scones.Couldn't taste the lavender though.

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[Denali]

Must admit that we tried the lavender icecream at Port Arthur and nope, did not enjoy it at all.

We're heading to the lavender farm this morning

 

[JohnM]

A bit of a lullwith mrsdrron here.We are mainly eating rather than exploring.But I thought you might like this film on Launceston in 1966.Begins with the the arrival into LST by TAA and the TAA coach into town.Also some footage of the 1965 Australian Grand Prix on the Longford circuit from approx 12.30 mark.

Brilliant find @drron.

And plenty more to bring back '60's memories where that came from: Life in Australia series | NFSA

Good that they don't have plummy narration .

 

[Denali]

I'm exhausted .

Started with the lavender farm. Dr Ron was lying. It's not approx 90% tourists from a certain region, it's got to be at least 95%. Advise is to get there approx 10mins before opening because immediately after they come and you won't get a shot like this because of all the people in the rows.

Hubby foolishly tried the lemon lavender sorbet. Don't do this

Then to Seahorse World, which is near Beaconsfield, which I last visited about 25yrs ago as my friend was born/raised there


Seahorse nursery


Next door is the Platypus House with echidnas, don't think I've every seen a living platypus before (Hubbys Tshirt)


Gave the Beaconsfield mine centre a miss and went 1hr out of our way back to Ashgrove so hubby could get another 10 packets of these. He's addicted.

 

[RooFlyer]

In flowering season there is a $10 a head entrance fee.A lot of people there but at least 90% were Chinese.

Reason: the ( current) President of China visited the Bridestowe lavender farm a few years ago, with full Chinese media contingent. The rest, as they say, was history. Massive export of purple, lavender scented teddy bears there, too. After a Chinese model posed withone and did the social media thing.

The Chinese have discovered Tasmania

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

I'm exhausted .

Started with the lavender farm. .....
Gave the Beaconsfield mine centre a miss and went 1hr out of our way back to Ashgrove so hubby could get another 10 packets of these. He's addicted.

View attachment 148061

So what do they taste like ??

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

RooFlyer - do you know what flower this is ? I saw it when we were at Corrina but now I cant remember what it is !! I blame those nz sav blancs knocking off my brain cells !!

 

[Denali]

So what do they taste like ??

Hubby says: What twistees dream they could be. Made from real cheese, real flavor and no msg. It's not like eating a chunk of cheese, it's lighter.

Only 45 mins from the Launceston and you can visit Hillwood for strawberries on the way

 

[VPS]

RooFlyer - do you know what flower this is ? I saw it when we were at Corrina but now I cant remember what it is !! I blame those nz sav blancs knocking off my brain cells !!View attachment 148094

It looks like a Lemon Myrtle but not sure if it grows down there

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Hubby says: What twistees dream they could be. Made from real cheese, real flavor and no msg. It's not like eating a chunk of cheese, it's lighter.

Only 45 mins from the Launceston and you can visit Hillwood for strawberries on the way

I have never liked twistèes and i dont like flavoured chips- so if they taste like real cheese i might give them a try !

 

[Denali]

I have never liked twistèes and i dont like flavoured chips- so if they taste like real cheese i might give them a try !

Gives you an excuse to have a pie with relish and or icecream. Lots of cheese samples to enjoy as well

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

We have been to Ashgroves many times - the first time at least 12 years ago. Their range expands each visit ! When in tassie only use their milk and cream.

 

[RooFlyer]

RooFlyer - do you know what flower this is ?

Had to look it up. Think it might be a 'Whitey wood' Acradenia frankliniae.

 

[drron]

Good to see orchids on the cover of your book Rooflyer.

After our lunch at Evandale we set off on Logan road out of town expecting to hit a road back to Lonnie.Realised after hitting the gravel it was turning south so turned back.Turns out it splits into 2 the eastern part ending up in Derby,the western part in Fingal.Both a long way from Lonnie.But we came upon an interesting old shearing shed which has a bit of a history with a couple of bushrangers and a murderer meeting their end near here.The murderer was caught by John Batman,one of his native workers and the Evandale copper.It holds sheep events from time to time.

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And the sheep in the paddock.

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Back in Lonnie I stopped at this historic ground.

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It is the Northern Tasmania Cricket Association ground and before the first Launceston race course.
The history is that it is where the first First Class cricket match in Australia was played.on the 11/12th of February 1851 between a Van Dieman's land team and the Port Phillip District.So Victoria v Tasmania.Overs were 4 balls,the Victorians bowled overarm and the Tasmanians underarm.Victoria was favourite but the Tasmanians won by 3 wickets.
Van Diemen's Land v Port Phillip, 1851 - Wikipedia

 

[drron]

We then went to the movies to see Bohemian Rhapsody.Loved it.The most convenient time for us was at the refurbed Art Deco cinema The Star.
Star Theatre Launceston | History
A theatre from 1937-1969.A Vinnies store until bought by the present owners ~ 2015.Resurrected as a theatre.

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Comfortable seating with lounges,armchairs and even bean bags.

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And art deco touches.

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They have a cafe/bar as well.A different experience.

 

[JohnM]

I'm generally no movie or TV watcher but I have to say I also really enjoyed Bohemian Rhapsody when I decided to go after reading the review in The Australian. But I didn't get to see it in such a retro place...

 

[drron]

The last of Christmas Day in Lonnie.

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Flowers at the Uniting Church on our way back from dinner.

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These are all from the one plant.We love the modern hydrangeas but our attempts to grow them in the tropics have failed.
Then another nice flowering shrub.

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[drron]

Boxing Day in Lonnie so time for the Hot cross buns to make an appearance.

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A bit of exercise with a stroll around the streets near the hospital.Looking down on old factories.This the old Patons factory now shops,apartments and a church.

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Next to the Cancer centre on the old LGH site a good show of Hydrangeas.

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[drron]

Continuing the walk near the hospital.First the Allambi building housing a lot of health services including Palliative care.It was an aged care building in the 50s.

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But now some houses with character.

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A renovators delight.

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And a couple a little similiar to Queenslanders.

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