M&M Smith: November 2022

Monday, 21 November 2022

NOVEMBER 2022 : VICTORIA : Harrietville

A few days with our Foot Club walking friends in the Victorian Alps. First stop, morning tea in Jugiong at the Long Track Cafe on the way.

Unfortunately the weather forecast is not very positive for walking this week. Rain and floods - and a little snow- still plaguing the eastern seaboard, although it is late spring.

Harrietville is a former gold-mining town at the base of Mt Feathertop.

Marmot Lodge

King Parrot

Wattle bird

Curry night

We have had to modify our planned Mt Feathertop/ Razorback walk due to the rain and lack of visibility. We set off at 9 from the lodge.

At the end of the lane..

We did a 10km return walk on the Bon Accord Walking Track to Washington Creek. We decided not to do the 8km ascent to Mt Feathertop from this track due to the misty weather and slippery terrain.

Pleasant walking mainly along the rushing Ovens River.

Wildflowers, ferns, fungi and sawfly larvae

Meanwhile Mark and Lone took a detour to town for a warming coffee and hot chocolate.

After lunch, an afternoon stroll around Harrietville.

Population 343.

Meanwhile a small contingent drove up the mountain to investigate conditions and to see whether it may have been worthwhile attempting the Mt Feathertop summit.

Unanimous decision - ‘No way. Deep wet snow strong winds and zero visibility.’

Final meal

And evening entertainment provided by Joe.

Return journey

Coffee at Yackandanda

M&M

Thursday, 10 November 2022

NOVEMBER 2022 : CANBERRA : NGA : Cressida Campbell

A new exhibition at the National Gallery - everyone is raving about it.

Cressida Campbell (born 1960) is a Sydney woodcut artist who has produced a huge body of work.

With Ros, my sister, and her friends, Heather and Alexis.

Every piece was a meticulous wood cut and often the original print accompanied it. She talks about beauty in the ordinary and much of her scenes are from her homes and gardens and Sydney views.

These tryptics are large and detailed. Incredible to realise the time, effort and skill to produce these wood cuts.

Two enjoyable surprises this week, this exhibition and a fabulous concert on Sunday as well.

Tuesday, 8 November 2022

REMEMBERING FRIENDS

Irene Lind 1953 - 2020

Irene was a close friend for nearly 50 years. For all of those years we celebrated all our birthdays and anniversaries together. I miss our long hilarious dinners - full of hysterical stories and delicious experimental recipes.

Tricia was a school colleague from Red Hill and Lyneham days. She was the inspiration for our passion for walking. We will be forever grateful.

Teresa Wise

Teresa and I befriended each other when Ash and her son, Matthew, were at pre-school together in 1986. Between their overseas postings we reconnected and spent many happy times together. A wonderful cook, generous host, strategic bridge player and creative in so many ways.

Sadly, now she is in full-time care.