More new photos…Busy morning booking future plans…

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It was challenging to take a good photo of this body of water when we couldn’t stop on the narrow road due to traffic.

This morning I surprised myself by jumping out of bed at 7:00 am, much earlier than my usual start. Since I tend to stay up quite late most nights, early mornings are not always my strong suit. But today I woke up with a sense of purpose and a little burst of energy, eager to get started on cleaning the house.

We both like to keep the place tidy, especially when we are staying somewhere as lovely as this. It feels like a small way of showing respect for the home and also makes the space more enjoyable for us each day. Tom tackled the vacuuming and gathered up the trash while I worked my way through the bathroom and kitchen. After that, I dusted every surface I could find. It always amazes me how quickly dust appears, even when we feel as though we have just cleaned.

A reservoir on a farm. 

By the time we finished, the house felt fresh and comfortable again. There is something deeply satisfying about completing those simple chores. Laundry will have to wait for another day. Today is cool and very overcast, only about 60F (16C). We have learned that doing laundry here is best saved for a sunny day when everything can dry properly outdoors. There is no rush. One advantage of our lifestyle is that we can wait for the right weather rather than forcing things along.

Food preparation today was blissfully simple. We still have plenty of delicious leftovers waiting in the refrigerator, so the only task in the kitchen was to prepare a large salad to go with dinner tonight. After the busy morning of cleaning, it felt good knowing that cooking would be easy.

Once the house was sparkling again, we sat down together in the lounge room, overlooking the sea, with our laptops to tackle something far less exciting but very necessary. It was time to begin booking our flights to South Africa.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Penguin, Tasmania, was officially opened on March 7, 1909. Based on this date, the church is 117 years old as of March 2026. The foundation stone for the King Edward Street building was laid on October 18, 1908.

Our departure will be from Minnesota after two special family events that we would not miss for anything. Our grandson Miles will be graduating, and shortly after that, we will attend another graduation celebration for Megyn, the daughter of our son Greg’s girlfriend, Heather. It will be wonderful to be there with both of the kids as they celebrate these milestones. Those moments with family are priceless.

Since we are staying a few extra nights in Minnesota to attend Megyn’s graduation party, we were grateful to use our Marriott Bonvoy points to cover those additional hotel nights. That felt like a small victory amid so many travel expenses. Thankfully, we had already paid for the main hotel stay and the rental car in Minnesota earlier, so those costs are behind us and do not hit quite as hard right now.

With our revised departure date set for June 9, we focused on flights from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Nelspruit, South Africa. That airport is the closest gateway to Marloth Park, where we will spend several months once again. As we searched through the options, we quickly noticed that the prices were higher than in past years.

View of a huge tree and penguin trash cans on Main Road.

The total airfare for both of us came to about US $4200, roughly AUD $5740. That is several hundred dollars more than what we have paid in prior years. Still, after looking at all the options, it was clearly the best route available, so we booked it. This time we won’t have that awful nine-hour layover in London; instead, we will have a 3½ hour layover in Atlanta, a much easier option.

There was one bright spot in the process. Through the flight booking, we were able to add a rental car for our first three months in South Africa for an additional US $1350, AUD $1954. That works out to only about US $450, AUD $642 per month. In the United States or most other countries, that price would be almost unheard of, but in South Africa, we have consistently found rental cars to be much more affordable.

Soon, I will sit down and enter all of these updated details into our Cozy Calendar. It is the shared family calendar we have used for years to keep track of all our travel plans, bookings, confirmations, and important dates. With so many flights, hotels, and reservations scattered across different countries, having everything organized in one place has saved us countless headaches.

What may have been lush green hills are now brown due to the lack of rain in the spring.

Tomorrow, we will make a trip back to Ulverstone to do our grocery shopping. After that, we will stop at the butcher shop in Penguin to pick up the barramundi fish we ordered. We absolutely love preparing that fish. I coat the fillets in egg, then dredge them in seasoned coconut flour before gently sautéing them in coconut oil. The subtle coconut flavor pairs beautifully with the mild taste of the barramundi.

I suspect we will order it again before we leave.

With only thirty-four days left here in Penguin, we are savoring every moment. Tasmania has been as wonderful as we remember from ten years ago, in so many ways. This little town, with its quaint charm and relaxed pace, has truly captured our hearts. Each day we look out over the ocean and feel grateful for this chapter of our travels.

The stunning views, the friendly community, and the peaceful atmosphere of life here make this a special and memorable time we will not soon forget.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 9, 2016:

We got a kick out of watching these cows wander back and forth through the barren vineyards at Okurukuru  Vinyardin New Zealand… a great way to fertilize the soil. For more photos, please click here.

Out and about taking photos…Food photos…Why is cooking so much fun in Tasmania?…

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Plains, tall grasses, and mountain-scape, typically seen in Tasmania.

Something is refreshing about simply getting in the car with no particular destination in mind, other than the hope of discovering a few worthwhile photo opportunities along the way. That’s exactly what we did yesterday—heading out for a leisurely drive through the countryside surrounding Penguin, camera ready, curiosity leading the way.

The landscape here is a patchwork of farmland that seems to roll endlessly toward the horizon. Wide green pastures, scattered farmhouses, and the occasional cluster of trees break up the scenery, while cattle and sheep graze as if they have all the time in the world. It’s the kind of countryside that begs to be photographed. Unfortunately, the logistics of doing so are not always quite so simple.

Cattle in the countryside.

Many of the roads winding through these rural areas are narrow two-lane stretches with just enough room for passing traffic. While the views are spectacular, there are surprisingly few safe places to pull over. More than once, we spotted a perfect photo: a hillside dotted with sheep, a weathered barn sitting proudly in a field, or distant mountains framed by soft clouds, only to realize there was no practical place to pull over.

It became something of a game between us. “Oh, look at that!” one of us would say, followed immediately by, “Too bad there’s nowhere to stop.” We laughed about it more than once, accepting that sometimes the most beautiful moments are meant to be enjoyed in passing rather than captured on camera.

I took this farm photo while we were moving.

Still, we managed to grab a few photos when small gravel turnouts appeared or when the road briefly widened enough to allow us to stop safely. Even when we couldn’t stop, the drive itself was rewarding. There’s a peaceful feeling to rural roads, the quiet hum of the car, the steady unfolding of scenery, and the sense that life out here moves at a gentle pace.

In many ways, the experience reminded us that not every adventure needs to be meticulously planned. Sometimes the simple act of exploring, of wandering through unfamiliar back roads, is enough.

This coming week, we plan to venture out even more, gradually exploring some of the popular attractions scattered throughout the region. A few local vineyards have already caught our attention, and we’re looking forward to visiting them, learning a little about the area’s wines, and perhaps enjoying a tasting or two along the way.

Red Flowering Gum tree, which produces vibrant clusters of red, orange, or pink flowers. These native trees are a popular, hardy, and spectacular feature in Australian gardens and streetscape.

For now, though, we’re grateful to be here, discovering the beauty around Penguin one country road at a time. Even when the camera stays in our laps, the memories are already being made.

On another note, I find myself spending more time in the kitchen than usual these days. That may sound surprising for someone who has spent the past thirteen years traveling the world, often relying on restaurants, takeaways, and whatever simple meals we could pull together in small kitchens along the way. But here, something about the abundance of beautiful local food makes it almost impossible to resist the temptation to cook.

Close-up of blooms on the Red Flowering Gum tree.

Tasmania offers an incredible selection of fresh ingredients. Everywhere we turn, there are markets, farm stands, and local shops filled with organic produce, grass-fed meats, free-range chickens, and some of the most wonderful cheeses and dairy products we have encountered anywhere in the world. When such high-quality ingredients are readily available, it feels almost like a privilege to step into the kitchen and create something with them.

Tom has certainly been enjoying the benefits of this little cooking spree. Each morning, he starts the day with coffee topped with what they call double cream here. It is rich, thick, and wonderfully indulgent, and he looks forward to it the way some people look forward to dessert.

This dish’s recipe was featured in yesterday’s post here. It’s delicious and reheats perfectly in the microwave.

Over the past few days, I have also been making him a hearty breakfast of butter-sautéed halloumi cheese with a side of bacon. The halloumi browns beautifully in the pan, forming a golden crust while remaining soft and salty inside. The aroma alone is enough to make the kitchen feel warm and welcoming early in the morning. As shown in today’s photos, it has quickly become one of his favorite starts to the day.

Tom is not currently following the OMAD concept that I am practicing. For now, I am sticking with one meal a day, focusing on packing as much nutrition as possible into that single meal while maintaining a vigorous exercise routine. It works well for me, and I feel great doing it.

Yesterday’s anniversary dinner turned out wonderfully, and fortunately, there is plenty left for tonight and tomorrow as well. Whenever I make a more time-consuming recipe, like the recipe featured in yesterday’s post with the photo of the finished dish today, I always prepare a large enough batch to last for three evenings. It saves time later, and somehow the flavors seem even better on the second and third nights.

Tom’s breakfast of butter-sauteed halloumi cheese with a side of bacon.

Along with the dish, Tom enjoyed his with rice and a fresh salad. I kept mine a bit simpler with a small avocado, broccoli, and salad on the side. It was truly a treat.

After we finish this post and I complete my exercise routine, Tom will likely enjoy his usual nap. Early this afternoon, we plan to head out to the Penguin Undercover Market, which runs from nine in the morning until three in the afternoon each Sunday. We will be sure to take photos and share them tomorrow.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 8, 2016:

The noses and lips of the cria are pink until they mature. This alpaca cria is only 24 hours old, hugging close to mom. For more photos, please click here.

Today is our 31st wedding anniversary…Celebrating with a favorite recipe shown below…

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On our Antarctica cruise, we were drinking French champagne while on the 10-person zodiac boat with icebergs and wildlife all around us. Memorable.

Thirty-one years ago today, Tom and I stood side by side and promised one another a lifetime together. At the time, like most couples standing at the beginning of their marriage, we couldn’t possibly have imagined where life would lead us. We knew we loved each other deeply, and we hoped for a happy future, but the details of that future were still unwritten pages.

Today, as we celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary, those pages have filled into a story far richer than either of us could have predicted.

In many ways, our marriage has been a journey, both figuratively and literally. Long before we ever packed a suitcase to travel the world, we were already navigating the many twists and turns that life naturally brings. Careers, family milestones, unexpected challenges, and joyful celebrations all shaped the path we walked together. Through it all, one constant remained: we faced everything side by side.

When I look back over these three decades, what stands out most is not any single event or accomplishment. Instead, it’s the countless ordinary moments that quietly built the foundation of our life together. The early mornings, the late nights, the shared meals, the laughter over something silly, the comfort of knowing someone understands you completely, even when you don’t say a word.

Those small moments are what truly create a marriage.

Of course, life isn’t always smooth sailing. Like any long-term partnership, we’ve experienced our share of challenges. Health scares, stressful moves, unexpected detours—each one testing our patience and resilience. Yet looking back now, those same challenges often strengthened our bond in ways we couldn’t see at the time.

Marriage, after all, isn’t about perfection. It’s about commitment. It’s about choosing each other again and again, even on the difficult days.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable chapters of our story began thirteen years ago, when we made the bold decision to sell everything we owned and begin traveling the world. At the time, many people wondered if living such an unconventional lifestyle would put stress on our relationship.

In truth, it did exactly the opposite.

Traveling together has given us the gift of shared discovery. We’ve watched sunsets on beaches halfway around the world, as we do today while in Tasmania, wandered through ancient cities rich with history, and found ourselves laughing over language barriers and unexpected mishaps. We’ve lived in homes across continents, met fascinating people from countless cultures, and learned that the world is both much larger and much smaller than we ever imagined.

But perhaps the greatest gift of this lifestyle has been time.

Time to talk. Time to reflect. Time to truly enjoy each other’s company without the constant rush that often defines modern life. When you live this way, you quickly learn that experiences matter far more than possessions. And when those experiences are shared with someone you love deeply, they become even more meaningful.

Over the years, we’ve also learned the importance of gratitude. Gratitude for good health, even after a serious health struggle I experienced in 2019, for the opportunity to explore the world, for the kindness of strangers who often become friends, and for the quiet comfort of simply being together.

As I write this today, I’m reminded that our marriage has evolved just as we have. The love we felt on our wedding day was genuine and strong. Thirty-one years later, that love feels deeper, steadier, and more resilient. It has been shaped by time, by experiences, and by the simple act of sharing life day after day.

I sometimes think about that younger version of us standing in front of a justice of the peace with three of our four kids standing beside us, all those years ago. If we could somehow tell them what the next years would hold—the adventures, the laughter, the challenges overcome—they might find it hard to believe.

And yet here we are.

Thirty-one years later, still walking this road together.

We may not know exactly what the next chapters will bring. Travel plans will continue to evolve, new places will capture our curiosity, and life will undoubtedly offer both surprises and lessons along the way.

But one thing remains certain.

Wherever the road leads next, we’ll continue traveling it side by side—just as we have for the past 31 years.

And for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Tonight’s special dinner:

Jess’s Low-Carb Sausage, Mushroom, and Chicken Casserole

● Prep Time: 20 mins
● Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
● Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS

3 -4 cups diced cooked chicken

1 lb cheesy sausages

1 stalk celery, chopped fine

1 tablespoon onion, chopped

1/2 lb mushroom, sliced

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

16 ounces frozen cauliflower, cooked well and drained

8 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded

1 cup unsweetened coconut cream (in a can)

2 tsp salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

DIRECTIONS  (8 servings)
1. Brown the sausage with the celery, onion, and mushrooms.
2. Stir the softened cream cheese into the sausage mixture until well blended.
3. Coarsely chop the cooked frozen cauliflower.
4. Mix all remaining ingredients and spread in a greased baking dish.
5. Cover with grated Parmesan cheese
6. Bake, covered with foil, at 350º for about 30 minutes.
2. Uncover and bake until hot and bubbly and the top is lightly browned, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 7, 2016:

The sun was peeking through the clouds, casting a glow on a beach in New Zealand. Of course, the scene would have been more impressive had it not been so late in the evening. For more photos, please click here.

How to avoid getting kicked-off a flight!…

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Have you ever experienced this?

Middle East airport closures…

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Flight information board showing cancelled flights to Seoul and Doha
Cancelled flights to Dubai and Doha are shown on the flight information display at Hong Kong International Airport on March 2, 2026, in Hong Kong, China. Credit: Sawayasu Tsuji/Getty Images

Important news from Travel + Leisure online magazine here:

“Middle East Airspace Closures Trigger Global Flight Disruptions—Here’s What Travelers Should Know

Widespread airspace closures are impacting travel across the UAE, Qatar, and beyond. By Michael Cappetta, published on March 2, 2026

The Middle East was thrown into chaos over the weekend following a war that broke out in Iran and escalated to the wider region with retaliatory attacks, forcing airlines to cancel flights and damaging some of the busiest airports in the world.

As of Monday morning, hundreds of flights had been canceled in and out of the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, according to flight tracker FlightAware. Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite international airports and recently named the busiest in the world, had to cancel at least 80 percent of incoming and outgoing flights.

Both DXB and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) sustained damage, according to Reuters. DXB said it expected to resume “limited operations” on Monday, but told travelers to first check with their airline.

“Passengers must not travel to the airport and are advised to contact their airline directly for the latest flight updates,” the airport wrote on its website. “We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as soon as they are available.”

In Qatar, flights to and from Hamad International Airport (DOH) remained suspended. The airport wrote that it was “working closely with government stakeholders and airline partners to look after passengers who have been impacted.”

Airspace also remained closed in Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, and Iraq, CNN reported, while Jordan partially closed its own airspace from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.

The closures and flight disruptions have also had a wider impact, affecting flights as far as India and Europe. At least 8 percent of all inbound and outbound flights had been canceled out of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) as of Monday morning, according to FlightAware. London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) canceled 4 percent of all incoming and outbound flights.

“The Middle East corridor is India’s largest westbound corridor, and this [disruption] will impact Indigo and Air India heavily,” Sajay Lazar, the CEO of Indian aviation consultancy Avialaz Consultants, told CNBC.

In the United States, domestic airlines, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, issued flight waivers for travel to the Middle East.

For its part, the U.S. Department of State updated travel advisories for Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar over the weekend, classifying all three as Level 3, advising Americans to “reconsider travel” there due to “armed conflict.” Israel is also listed under Level 3 “due to terrorism and civil unrest.” At the same time, Iran remains listed at Level 4, the highest advisory, with a “do not travel” warning attached.

Travelers who do plan to head abroad can sign up for the State Department’s free service for real-time travel alerts, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).”

We feel an immense sense of gratitude that, at least for now, none of our immediate travel plans requires us to navigate the increasingly uncertain routes affected by the war. After so many years on the move, we have learned that flexibility is not just helpful, it is essential. Still, the situation gives us pause. If any of the typical pathways to South Africa become disrupted, we will need to sit down together and thoughtfully map out a safe and sensible alternative for our June departure, now only three short months away.

In the past, many of our long-haul journeys have included layovers in the Middle East. Under current circumstances, those familiar stopovers are no longer on our list of options. It is a sobering reminder of how quickly the world can shift beneath our feet.

For now, we watch, we wait, and we remain thankful that time is still on our side. As always in this nomadic life, we will adapt, adjust, and move forward with care and intention, wherever the safest path may lead.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 5, 2016:

This was our first photo of the dung beetle in action. The female often sits atop the ball of dung, while the male moves it along with his back legs, his front legs grasping the ground for stability. The female lays eggs in the ball, so she tags along as he rolls the ball, as they search for an adequate hole in which to bury the ball. The ball is used as sustenance for both of them as well as for the maturing larvae. For more photos, please click here.

Travel warnings today…

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Getty Images A crowded check-in line at an airport (Credit: Getty Images)
Not our photo. Credit: Getty photos.

The news has been difficult to ignore lately. For those of us who have spent years crossing borders with a certain quiet confidence, the latest global travel warnings tied to the escalating conflict involving Iran feel different. Not just another headline to scroll past, but something that settles heavily in the chest of anyone who has built a life around movement.

Over the past week, governments around the world have issued increasingly urgent advisories. The United States has told its citizens to leave large parts of the Middle East immediately, citing missile and drone attacks and rapidly deteriorating security conditions. At least a dozen countries in the region are now under heightened warnings, with several closing their airspace entirely. For travelers, that simple phrase we have learned to respect, “airspace closures,” carries enormous weight. It means rerouted flights, sudden cancellations, and sometimes the uneasy reality of being stranded far from where you planned to be.

Australia has also updated its advice. Through Smartraveller, officials continue to warn Australians not to travel to Iran and to leave if it is safe to do so, noting the risk of reprisal attacks and further escalation across the region. Even for countries not directly involved in the conflict, the ripple effects are already being felt.

For those of us who live this nomadic lifestyle, these moments always bring a pause. Travel, at its heart, is built on a fragile kind of trust. Trust that planes will fly. Trust that borders will remain open. Trust that the world, while imperfect, will stay navigable.

Right now, that trust feels a little more delicate.

Across Asia and Europe, governments are lining up with similar guidance. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have all urged citizens to defer nonessential travel to Iran and monitor developments closely. Several European nations have gone further, advising their nationals to leave Iran while commercial routes remain available and warning that the situation could deteriorate quickly. When you see this level of global alignment, it tends to signal that officials are genuinely concerned about what may come next.

And it is not only about Iran itself. The wider Middle East is feeling the tremors. Airlines have already canceled hundreds of flights through early March, citing unacceptable security risks. Even travelers simply transiting through major Gulf hubs are being advised to keep a close eye on their itineraries.

For seasoned travelers, this is where experience quietly steps in.

We have learned over the years that global mobility can shift overnight. One moment, you are planning routes and hotel stays months in advance. Next, you are refreshing airline apps and checking government advisories with your morning coffee. It is not panic that sets in, at least not for us. It is something more measured—a gentle recalibration.

I find myself thinking about the many times Tom and I have passed through the Middle East on long-haul journeys between continents. Not long ago, we were at the Qatar Airport for a layover. Airports that once felt like familiar crossroads now sit under a cloud of uncertainty. It is a sobering reminder that the world, for all its beauty and wonder, is never entirely predictable.

There is also the human side of these warnings that often gets lost in the logistics. Behind every advisory are families deciding whether to cut trips short, business travelers scrambling to reroute, and long-term expatriates weighing difficult choices about when to stay and when to go. Officials are even warning that a wider conflict could trigger major population displacement if instability deepens. Those are not abstract projections. They are real lives, real uncertainty, real upheaval.

For travelers watching from afar, including many of us here in Australia, the practical advice remains steady and familiar.

Check official government advisories frequently.
Avoid unnecessary travel to affected regions.
Build extra flexibility into upcoming international plans.
And perhaps most importantly, stay calm but stay informed.

If there is one thing years of world travel have taught us, it is that conditions can change quickly, but they also evolve. Routes close, and eventually they reopen. Tensions rise, and with time, many ease again. The flow of global movement rarely stops forever, even when it stumbles.

Still, this moment does call for a little more caution than usual. Not fear. Not the cancellation of every dream on the horizon. Just awareness.

Be well. Be safe.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 4, 2016:

Trish and Neil, the owners of the alpaca farm in New Zealand, had recently acquired these two pink cockatoos, a mating pair, from an elderly couple whose health is failing. This pair is living in a chain-link cage on the grounds, with plenty of space and food. To get this photo, I placed the new camera, touching the closely woven chain link cage. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…Exterior photos of our new holiday home and surroundss…A little about the history of Penguin…

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Aerial view of Sunrise at Penguin holiday home in Penguin, Tasmania.

There is something quietly endearing about the little coastal town of Penguin, Tasmania. It does not shout for attention the way some seaside destinations do. Instead, it welcomes you gently, with salty air, tidy streets, and the steady sounds of waves rolling onto the shore. Ten years after our first visit, arriving again felt less like discovering somewhere new and more like returning to an old friend who had been patiently waiting.

The walkway running along the shore in Penguin is the Penguin Foreshore Walking Trail.

Penguin sits along the northwest coast of Tasmania, about midway between Burnie and Devonport. With Bass Strait stretching endlessly before it and rolling green farmland rising behind, the setting alone is enough to slow your heartbeat. But what makes Penguin memorable is its personality.

This is a town that has embraced its name with a wink and a smile. Penguin statues appear throughout the streets and along the foreshore, playful reminders of the little fairy penguins that nest along this stretch of coastline. The most famous of these is the oversized penguin sculpture standing proudly near the waterfront, a cheerful sentinel greeting visitors as they arrive.

There are many rocky areas along the beaches, but plenty of sand as well.

Despite its charm, Penguin is not overly polished or touristy. It still feels like a real working town, where locals stop to chat on the sidewalk, and the pace of life moves comfortably below the national average.

How Penguin Got Its Name

Long before the town itself existed, this coastline was known for its population of little penguins, the smallest penguin species in the world. Early European settlers, arriving in the mid-nineteenth century, noticed the birds coming ashore at dusk and began referring to the area simply as Penguin Creek. Over time, the name shortened to Penguin, and it stuck.

View of Penguin from Terry and Fran’s home in the hills.

The town was officially gazetted in 1875, though European settlement in the area began earlier in the 1860s. Like many Tasmanian coastal communities, Penguin grew from practical beginnings. Timber cutting, agriculture, and small-scale shipping all played important roles in its early development.

What makes Penguin’s naming story feel especially fitting is that the birds are still here. At dusk, if you are patient and quiet, you can sometimes spot the little penguins returning from the sea, just as they did more than a century ago.

There’s an outdoor table and chairs on the front porch overlooking the sea.

Growth Through Industry and Community

In its early decades, Penguin served as a modest port. The surrounding region proved fertile for farming, particularly potatoes and dairy, and the town became a shipping point for local produce. Timber from nearby forests also moved through the area.

The arrival of the railway in the late nineteenth century helped Penguin grow steadily, connecting it more efficiently to larger Tasmanian centers. Even so, it never expanded into a major industrial hub. Instead, it maintained the scale and feel of a close-knit coastal community.

Another view of the shoreline in Penguin.

One thing that stands out when spending time here is how much of that community spirit remains intact. Penguin is known across Tasmania for its volunteerism and civic pride. Locals have long taken an active role in maintaining the town’s gardens, public spaces, and events. It shows in the tidy streets and the well-cared-for foreshore.

Steps down to the beach.

The Penguin of Today

Modern Penguin balances its working town roots with a quiet tourism appeal. Visitors come for the coastal walks, the relaxed atmosphere, and the simple pleasure of being somewhere that has not rushed to reinvent itself.

The Sunday market draws both locals and travelers, offering everything from homemade jams to crafts and secondhand treasures. On Sunday, we plan to go to the market and take photos there to share here.

View of the garden of the holiday home.

The beachfront playground and walking paths invite long, unhurried strolls, especially in the golden light of late afternoon. Yet what lingers most after a visit is not any single attraction. It is the feeling. Penguin has managed to hold onto something increasingly rare: authenticity without pretense.

When we drive through town now, just as we did ten years ago, there is that same peaceful sense of ease. The sea still breathes steadily against the shore. The little penguins still come home at dusk. And the town itself continues, comfortably and confidently, being exactly what it has always been.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 3, 2016:

Kitty-corner crosswalks are legal in many locations in New Zealand. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…Photos of our new holiday home for the next six weeks…Sunrise at Penguin…Delightful!…

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This is the lounge in Sunrise at Penguin, one we enjoyed ten years ago and are enjoying and appreciating it as much as we did then! What a view!

Weather update: It has been raining here for many days. We are anxious to get out on a sunny day to visit some special spots and take photos. Today, we’re off to the butcher shop and then to Woolies supermarket in Ulverstone.

The well-equipped kitchen.

Stepping into this beautiful holiday home again, ten years after our first stay, felt like opening a well-loved book to a favorite chapter. Some places welcome you back without hesitation, and this one does exactly that. From the moment we arrived, a familiar sense of ease settled over us, the kind that only comes from a space that is both thoughtfully designed and genuinely cared for.

The lounge has comfortable furniture. As I write this today, I am seated on this leather sofa, overlooking the sea.

The home itself strikes that perfect balance between comfort and charm. Natural light pours generously through the large windows, illuminating the open living areas in a soft, inviting glow. Even on a cool Tasmanian morning, the space feels warm and alive. The layout flows effortlessly from one room to the next, making it ideal not only for relaxing but also for the gentle flow of daily living that comes with longer stays.

We had dinner at this table last night.

One of the standout features is the spacious living room, where plush seating invites you to linger longer than planned. It is easy to experience cozy evenings here, perhaps with a good movie or simply enjoying conversation after dinner. The furnishings are comfortable without feeling overly formal, creating a space that encourages us to put our feet up and truly unwind. After years of travel and countless temporary homes, we have learned to appreciate these small but meaningful touches.

The kitchen/dining room has many fine features.

The kitchen is another highlight and clearly designed with real living in mind. It is well-equipped with modern appliances, ample counter space, and all the cookware one could reasonably need. For travelers like us, who often prepare most of our meals, this makes an enormous difference. There is something deeply satisfying about being able to settle into a kitchen and cook as though we lived there, even if only for a short while. Everything is laid out logically, making meal preparation feel effortless rather than like a chore in unfamiliar surroundings.

There are three bedrooms. We chose this one, with the view and the most lovely sounds of the ocean.

Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining area offers a pleasant spot to savor our home-cooked meals. The table is perfectly positioned to catch the natural light during the day, making even a simple meal feel a bit more special. We have always believed that where you eat matters almost as much as what you eat, and this space proves that point beautifully.

The second bedroom.

The bedrooms continue the home’s theme of comfort and calm. Each room is thoughtfully prepared with quality linens, supportive mattresses, and enough storage actually to unpack and settle in. That last detail is one many holiday rentals overlook, but it makes a tremendous difference for longer stays. There is a quiet, restful atmosphere in these rooms that encourages deep sleep, something every traveler learns never to take for granted. Unfortunately, I didn’t sleep well last night. Hopefully, I’ll catch up tonight.

The third bedroom.

The bathroom facilities are equally well maintained, clean, and modern without feeling sterile. Good water pressure, plenty of hot water, and thoughtful extras all contribute to the sense that the owners truly understand what guests need. It is these practical comforts, working seamlessly in the background, that elevate a good stay into a memorable one.

The bathroom is a little unusual with the toilet in a separate room.

Outside, the property continues to shine. The surrounding area is peaceful and beautifully kept, offering a lovely sense of privacy without feeling isolated. Whether enjoying a morning coffee outdoors or simply taking a few quiet moments to breathe in the fresh coastal air, the outdoor spaces add another layer of relaxation to the experience. Tasmania has a way of wrapping you in its calm, and this home takes full advantage of that gift.

Location, of course, plays its part as well. The home is conveniently situated close enough to local shops and attractions to make errands easy, yet far enough removed to maintain a tranquil atmosphere. For travelers like us, who appreciate both accessibility and quiet, this balance is ideal. It allows us to settle into a comfortable routine without feeling cut off from the surrounding community.

The spacious entry room.

What makes returning here especially meaningful is the sense of continuity. So much has changed in our lives over the past 13 years of travel, yet walking through these familiar rooms brings back a flood of warm memories. It is rare to revisit a place after so many years and find that it still lives up to your recollection. If anything, this home and Penguin feel even more welcoming now, perhaps because we learned more clearly what truly matters in a temporary residence.

Above all, this holiday home succeeds because it feels intentional. Every element, from the comfortable furnishings to the well-stocked kitchen, reflects care and attention. It is not simply a place to sleep between outings. It is a place to live, even if only for a little while.

We’d love to dine outdoors, but it’s cold here now. On a warm day, we will enjoy this lovely outdoor dining area with a fireplace.

We are genuinely thrilled to be staying here again. In the unpredictable journey with long-term travel, finding a property that offers both familiarity and comfort is a gift we never take lightly. Ten years later, this lovely home has once again wrapped us in its quiet charm, and we are grateful to be back.

The exterior of the house.

To see this listing, should you have a chance to visit this magical town, please click here.

Please check back tomorrow for Part 2, Sunrise at Penguin, with more seaviews and outdoor photos.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 2, 2016:

Elouise almost looks as if she is smiling as she sees the cria’s birth was going as nature intended, with the front legs showing. We were also relieved. For more photos, please click here.

We’re on the move…Sunrise at Penguin, here we come!…

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We’ve enjoyed watching this pair, a goat and a sheep, grazing in the paddock next to us, separated by a little fence. They’ve spent every day grazing in this area, occasionally baahing at us when we’re outside.

Aside from a few lingering items in the refrigerator and freezer, we are packed and ready to make the move to Sunrise at Penguin. It always amazes me how quickly we can shift from fully settled to nearly out the door. Living this nomadic lifestyle for so many years has taught us to move with purpose, and today will be no exception.

Before noon, which is our expected arrival time at the new house, Tom will load the little car with our neatly stacked bags. I will stay behind for the final task, emptying and cleaning the refrigerator, one of those small but necessary rituals that signal the end of a stay. Once the car is packed, Tom will drive over to Sunrise at Penguin, drop everything off, and then immediately turn around to come back for me, along with the remaining boxes of food and our assorted odds and ends. Two trips should do it, and thankfully, the drive is short and easy.

We have truly enjoyed our time at this property. The grounds have been peaceful and comfortable, and they have served us well over the past couple of weeks. Still, there is something comforting about returning to a place we already know and love. Ten years ago, we stayed at Terry and Fran’s lovely three-bedroom home, and the memory of those expansive views of the sea, the ever-changing Bass Strait, has stayed with us all this time.

One of the things I am most looking forward to is more space. At the new house, I will finally unpack everything instead of living out of my suitcase, which, while manageable, always leaves me feeling slightly unsettled. Being able to put things away properly, to open drawers and see order instead of carefully layered packing cubes, will feel like a small luxury.

At some point during this stay, I plan to lighten my load a bit. After years of travel, it is amazing how easily extra items accumulate. I intend to sort through what I no longer need and donate a few things to a local charity. It always feels good to pass useful items along to someone who can make better use of them.

Fortunately, we have enough food on hand for tonight’s dinner, which makes moving day easier. Tomorrow, once we are fully unpacked and settled, we will head to the big supermarket, Woolworth’s in nearby Ulverstone, a mere fourteen-minute drive, or to Devonport, a 27-minute drive to an even larger market. Around here, and in many parts of the world, it is affectionately known as Woolie’s, and it should provide the broader selection we have been missing.

While Henk’s IGA has been a pleasant and convenient local market, it is simply too small for all of our needs. The beef, chicken, pork, and seafood selections have been limited. Since we moved in on February 13, sixteen days ago, I have had salmon four times, shrimp four times, and chicken on all the remaining days. Tom, ever content with his favorites, has enjoyed a steady stream of beef and pork roasts without complaint.

But even the most routine eaters appreciate a little variety now and then. I was delighted to find one package of New York steaks at Henk’s, which we wisely tucked into the freezer. That will be tonight’s dinner, a small celebration at the end of moving day.

More than anything, I am looking forward to being fully unpacked, comfortably settled, and standing in front of a well-stocked refrigerator filled with fresh options. That’s it for today, folks.

We’ll be back tomorrow with photos of our new holiday home.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 1, 2016:

This particular mom, one of the largest in the herd, is very bossy, snorting and pushing the others away as I feed them by hand. It took quite a while for the alpacas to reach the point of trusting me enough to partake. Now, they seem comfortable around us. For more photos, please click here.

Why did I fall on the cruise?…Warning for wearers of certain styles of shoes…Packing for tomorrow’s move…

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I was wearing this exact style of Sketchers shoes when I fell and injured my knee on the 47-night cruise. Many other companies offer this style of shoes, which may also present a tripping hazard.

In a mere forty-five days, six and a half weeks by the calendar, we will once again be boarding the Royal Caribbean ship Voyager of the Seas, returning to familiar spaces that still linger vividly in my memory. It feels both comforting and slightly surreal to be heading back so soon after our last voyage on this very ship, the 47-night back-to-back cruise that began on October 27 and concluded in Brisbane, Australia, on December 13. That sailing gave us many wonderful moments, but it also taught me a few hard lessons I have not forgotten.

It was on that cruise that I took the fall that injured my right knee. At the time, it felt like one of those sudden, disorienting moments when everything happens too quickly for the mind to catch up with the body. One second, I was walking along, completely at ease, and the next, I was down, startled and shaken. Thankfully, my knee has improved greatly in the months since then. The swelling is gone, the sharp pain has faded, and most days I move about quite comfortably. Still, I would not say it is 100%. It remains a quiet reminder that healing, much like travel itself, is often a gradual journey rather than a quick fix.

As if the fall were not enough excitement for one voyage, that same cruise delivered another unwelcome surprise. Somewhere between the buffets, drinks in the bars, dinner in the dining room, and the sea days, Tom and I each managed to catch not one, not two, but three different strains of flu. Looking back, it almost seems comical in its excess, but at the time, there was very little humor to be found. For nearly the entire 47 nights, we were coughing, sneezing, and doing our best to rest while the ship carried on around us. It was certainly not the carefree sailing we had envisioned when we first stepped onboard.

In the weeks after we returned, I kept thinking about that fall. I replayed it in my mind more times than I can count, wondering what exactly had gone wrong. Eventually, I decided to take a closer look at the shoes I had been wearing that day. They were a pair of Skechers slip-ons with a thick, cushioned sole. Comfortable, yes. Supportive, I had assumed. But as it turns out, comfort and safety do not always walk hand in hand.

What I discovered during my research gave me pause. Reports indicate that certain Skechers models, particularly the Go Walk and other slip-on styles, may contribute to tripping and falling for some wearers. The very features that make them feel so soft and forgiving underfoot can, in certain situations, work against stability.

One of the primary concerns is sole compression. Memory foam soles, while wonderfully plush at first, can compress over time. When that happens, toe clearance may be reduced, which increases the likelihood of catching the front of the shoe on the floor. It is a small mechanical change, but one that can have very real consequences, especially on smooth indoor surfaces like those found throughout cruise ships.

Another issue some users report is what might best be described as too much grip. On highly polished floors such as tile or linoleum, the outsole can occasionally stick rather than glide. When the foot stops abruptly, but the body continues forward, balance can be lost in an instant. Reading that explanation sent a chill through me, because it sounded uncomfortably familiar.

There is also the matter of overall stability. Some of these shoes use a rocker-bottom or very soft-sole design. While marketed for walking comfort, this construction may create a subtle sense of instability for certain people. For anyone with even a slightly altered gait, such as mine, or for those of us who may not lift our feet quite as high as we once did, that instability can increase the risk of ankle twists or falls.

Fit plays a role as well. Slip-on styles, convenient as they are in the hurried pace of travel days, may not hold the foot as securely as a properly laced walking shoe. When the foot moves within the shoe, even slightly, the body unconsciously works harder to maintain balance. Over time, that extra effort can matter more than we realize.

Medical professionals often suggest that individuals concerned about stability consider footwear with a firmer, more structured sole. Greater support and less compression can provide better control, particularly on smooth indoor flooring. In hindsight, throwing away that pair of Skechers felt less like an overreaction and more like a sensible step forward.

As we count down these final weeks before boarding Voyager of the Seas again, I find myself feeling both excited and wiser. Travel has always been our classroom, and sometimes the lessons arrive in unexpected ways. This time, I will be stepping on board with better shoes, a stronger knee, and a healthy respect for the small details that can make a big difference.

After all, the goal is simple. Stay upright, stay healthy, and savor every beautiful mile at sea.

Please read below if you wear Sketchers or similarly styled shoes:

“Reports indicate that certain Skechers shoes, particularly the Go Walk and slip-on models, which I was wearing when I fell, may cause tripping and falling due to design features like soft, compressible soles and high-traction outsoles. These shoes can catch on surfaces, offer less support, and cause instability, leading to potential ankle, knee, or back issues.

Key Concerns and Causes:
  • Sole Compression: The soft memory foam soles can compress excessively over time, reducing toe box clearance and increasing the risk of tripping.
  • High Grip/Sticking: Some users report that the soles are too sticky on certain floors (e.g., tile, linoleum), causing the foot to stop abruptly while the body continues forward.
  • Instability: The “rocker-bottom” or soft-soled design, according to some reports, can cause excessive instability, leading to ankle twists or falls.
  • Fit Issues: Slip-on styles may not provide enough support to keep the foot secure, requiring the user to work harder to prevent the shoe from slipping.
  • Age and Gait: Some users suggest the shoes are not suitable for those who may shuffle their feet, as the high-grip sole can catch on the floor.
Safety Considerations:
  • Usage Context: Tripping has been reported on various surfaces, including cruise ships and retail stores with polished floors.
  • Potential Injuries: Reported issues include twisted ankles, sprains, broken bones, and hip injuries.
  • Medical Advice: Some podiatrists may advise using stiffer, more stable shoes for better control.

If you have experienced issues, it is recommended to consider footwear with greater stability or, for example, to be particularly cautious on smooth, indoor surfaces.

Wow! This information was eye-opening! No more thick-soled shoes for me. This time, with plenty of Tamiflu on hand for both of us, this upcoming 25-night cruise should be more enjoyable.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 28, 2016:

Lilies are blooming in the lily pad in the huge stone pot in the yard while living at the alpaca farm in New Zealand. For more photos, please click here.