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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
