Diary Tuesday 7/14/2020 Today was a long day getting away. Wearing a mask in the plane. Just a two hour flight from Brisbane to Townsville. All in Queensland. A Flight from cool to warm both still winter. This will be my third visit to Townsville. In 1999 my husband Bob, my son and I drove … Continue reading Traveling in Covid Queensland
Nature
I work in ecological restoration in Wisconsin and Australia.
Walking to Palm Grove
It is May 2020 and the Queensland government eased some social distancing restrictions. A neighbor, Lesley, and I planned a walk to a special spot at Long Timber. Lesley explained, “Wally’s Grandfather preserved these places, the gullies he said were a refuge, and the ridges with tall trees were the bank account. If times got … Continue reading Walking to Palm Grove
Writing at Long Timber
I think I Found a new desk here at Ewan creek. I’m in awe watching the ripples of the creek. The crow caws the sky is blue above the trees. I’m trying another spot. An old log moss grows in its cracks serves as a backbone for the iPad Still searching for the perfect position … Continue reading Writing at Long Timber
Staying Put at Lamington National Park in Australia
I was going off to New Zealand but that’s been canceled by the corona virus. It made no sense to go there and be in isolation for 14 days when I was only going there for five. And then when I returned to Australia I’d spend another 14 days in isolation. I’m lucky to be … Continue reading Staying Put at Lamington National Park in Australia
Stopping in Japan in the Early Spring
I studied Japanese in college fifty years ago, but never made it to Japan. My friend Judy, was living there now, and it was on my way to Australia. It was even in the same time zone as Australia, so I could get over my jet lag while I was there. I replaced the Spanish … Continue reading Stopping in Japan in the Early Spring
Living on the Edge of the Cloud Forest
The trees here in the cloud forest are amazing. Not just for their size but for the weight that they carry. I think they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. They are the home of many epiphytes, plants that live on their branches, but are not parasites, and do no harm. Many … Continue reading Living on the Edge of the Cloud Forest
Reserva Santa Elena
The town tourist map showed it was not far. My Lonely Planet Guide said it was not to be missed. So off we went on roads with bumps but no labels. We found a lovely bakery and had a snack. We'd made a wrong turn. I studied the map-I need to go the numbers that … Continue reading Reserva Santa Elena
Leaving Austin TX
I've been here for two months enjoying the trails and my grandchildren Winter here is temperate and comfortable for a light jacket. Some trees have shed their leaves, but the marvelous live oaks hold on tight until spring. Their branches dance this way and that, reaching down and up. They maintain peaceful groves throughout the … Continue reading Leaving Austin TX
Island Isolation in Minnesota
Today on an island . Motors roar on the lake. Far away across the water. Cars speed by. A breeze drowns our the world. Hush, hush, hush. It smooths and waves gentle cattails. I used to paint. Absorbing the colors and shapes Into my being.Capturing beauty with my fingers. Now I strive To put it … Continue reading Island Isolation in Minnesota
Door County Festival of Nature
Every Spring at the end of May the Ridges Santuary organizes the Door County Festival of Nature, celebrating the natural beauty of the Door Penisula. This year I went to the dinner and three of the 64 nature experiences offered. Dinner featured organic meats from Waseda Farms and local greens. We ate at the About … Continue reading Door County Festival of Nature
Visions from Two Continents. 