Mission Beach, Queensland

A pleasant area is Mission Beach, it's away from the cities and is much quieter.  Populations of about 1,000 people and several resorts to stay in if one wishes.

Crocodiles are present in the Mission Beach area, as it's considered 'croc country' in tropical Queensland, with both freshwater and estuarine species living in the region's waterways, around all water bodies, especially after high tides or heavy rain.  Swimming, yes you can but be aware of those 'stingers' that are in the sea water in the months of summer.  It's fairly safe to swim between the flags on patrolled beaches there. 

You can see Dunk Island, Bederra Island, Wheeler Island, Coombe Island, and Bowden Island, and I think there are a few more as well.  

Where all the markers are is where Mission Beach is.

Bluebottles.

The Bluebottle jellyfish, but not really a jellyfish, (Physalia utriculus) is a regular visitor to Tasmanian waters, especially the east coast.  Of course, they can be found in many parts of Australia too and in other parts of the world but mainly on the east coast of Australia.

Bluebottles live in the open ocean, and they drift along according to the winds. As they drift downwind, their long tentacles float beneath them.

While the tentacles can give swimmers a nasty sting, they are not dangerous.

In the past I've spent many hours at the beach and in the sea and I've only ever seen two!

How to treat a bluebottle sting.

1. Do not rub the sting area.

2. Remove any adhering tentacles.

Rinse the area really well with seawater (not freshwater) to rid of the stinging cells.

4. Place the sting area in hot water for 20 minutes (e.g. hot shower, as hot as can be tolerated).     

5. If the pain is unrelieved by heat, or if hot water is not available, apply cold packs or ice in a dry plastic bag.

6. Seek medical aid if symptoms persist.

The size of the bluebottle is typically 6 to 10 cm long, though it can reach 15 cm, with trailing tentacles that can grow up to 3 meters.

Photos from the Internet.

Lavender Time

A look back at Bridestowe Lavender Farm/Estate at Nabowla towards the north-east of the Island where I Iive in Tasmania, Australia.  Time for the lavender to bloom is December through to January making a pretty picture and attracting so many bees which is good.

Bridestowe Lavender Farm/Estate runs over 260 acres and is the world's largest privately owned lavender farm.  It is estimated 650,000 plants are growing there and the lavender stretches for approximately 200 kilometers in total. 

The Denny family from England settled in the Lilydale area, they brought with them Lavender seeds from the French Alps, Lavandula Angustifolia (the true French Lavender.) before their journey.  They chose Lilydale due to it's climate similar to where Lavender was grown in France.  Eventually the farm was moved to it's present site which is not that far from Lilydale at Nabowla.

There is a shop near the gate where you can have lunch, morning and afternoon tea or just a lavender icecream.  There is another shop there where you can buy many items relating to lavender such as soap, oil and so on. 

The red doted area is Nabowla where the Lavender Farm is in Tasmania, Australia.  It's not too far home Launceston and it's a lovely drive.

Farmland

We went to buy some cherries at a cherry orchard north of home here in Launceston, Tasmania.  Then ventured onto a strawberry farm and bought some, and off for a drive we went down the Tamar River way.  Firstly the photos are taken from the Windermere Road on the way to Swan Bay.  It was a warm day but being in the car with the air conditioner was much better than being home sitting with the air conditioner on.  We were gone 3 hours, called into the supermarket on the way home and got a few items that were on special.  I don't always buy specials only if I need them. 

A name of a property and the number.

Cassowary

I found both my camera charges thank goodness.  They were in a calico bag, and I had placed two light jumpers on top of the bag :) Thank you all for caring. ❤️

Cassowaries, well what a bird!  Was fortunate to get just one photo of it when up in the tropics a while back in the Daintree forest, Daintree far north Queensland.

The Cassowary is a bird, specifically large, the 3rd largest in the world, a flightless bird related to emus and ostriches, known as Australia's 'rainforest gardener' for its vital role in dispersing seeds.  Despite its heavy body, coarse black feather, and impressive casque (head helmet), it's very much a bird with strong legs, vibrant colours, and dinosaur-like features.

They are a dangerous bird and can rip you to pieces.  

There is a good walking pathway through this area in the Daintree trouble is it's easy to get bitten by insects such as sandflies, oh my so itchy, the next day.  Trouble was that I forgot the next time we visited and had the same trouble but however, we didn't come across a Cassowary that time.

The Mangroves where I found the Cassowary which you certainly don't walk on.

Below photo is borrowed from the Internet.  The Map, you can see where they live in Australia.

Patterns.

My gosh, I've misplaced my charger for both of my camera's, the Canon, the Nikon.  They are in a calico bag somewhere within the house, searched high and low but alas!  They will turn up eventually.  I'll just have to use my phone if needed.

When the tide goes out we see these odd markings in the sand - the sea is certainly a mystery.  I researched what these designs could be and came up with this explanation. I had already taken the photos, and my curiosity got the better of me.  

The markings and shapes in the sand when the tide goes out are primarily caused by the interaction of water flow (waves and currants), gravity, and sometimes wind and marine organisms, all working to move and deposit sand grains.  These patterns are collectively known as 'bedforms'.

How many of you who have visited the sea seen any shape like these?

Another year gone, a new one has begun!

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year. 

Be safe, take care and know that I do appreciate you all. 

Love and best wishes.