SPIRIT OF TASMANIA

The Spirit of Tasmania is a large ferry that runs daily between Melbourne, on Australia’s south coast, and Devonport in northern Tasmania. It was built in 1986 as MS Peter Pan by Schichau Unterweser, Bremerhaven, Germany for TT-Line. Between 1993 and 2002 the ship was named MS Spirit of Tasmania, owned by the Tasmanian Government and operated by TT-Line Pty. Ltd. and used on traffic across the Bass Strait. Measuring 161m long, 27.6m wide and weighing over 31,000 tonnes, the ship can carry 490 cars, plus 60 buses or trucks, with berths for 1278 persons. One of Australia’s most iconic travel experiences, Spirit of Tasmania makes travelling across Bass Strait flexible, convenient and easy. The trip on board Spirit of Tasmania takes approximately 9-11 hours.

Operating between Devonport and Melbourne, The Spirit of Tasmania is the largest ferry to carry the Australian flag.

SPIRIT OF TASMANIA

POST OREGON

Post is an unincorporated community in Crook County, Oregon, United States. It lies along Oregon Route 380 southeast of Prineville - the most historical town in Central Oregon. It is a great little town. It’s got that off-the-beaten track, locals-only, undiscovered territory kind of charm. As of 2014, Post (zip 97752)'s population is 14 people. Named for Walter H. Post, the postmaster. The post office was established in 1889. The geological marker in a field nearby: a post marking the geographic center of the state of Oregon (located in Crook County, 25 miles SSE of Prineville). This region experiences warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F. Post has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate.

The Post Store, Post Office, gas pumps and Elkhorn Tavern is located 300 yards southeast of the geographic center of the State of Oregon. The ground was included in the Indian Treaty of 1855

Postcrossing Postcard US-3113818

FISH HOEK

 One of the many popular seaside resorts along the peninsula with a fine safe bathing beach. Especially frequented by old and young windsurfers and catamaran sailors. On the other side of the beach is a popular Hobie Cat launching spot where regular regattas offer a colourful spectacle for visitors. A stipulation laid down in 1818 by Lord Charles Somerset (who also declared free fishing rights for all) in the original grant of the land that no public house be kept on the farm has been strictly adhered to. The sale of liquor is prohibited in Fish Hoek. The only teetotal town in the country. 

Peer's Cave. A rock shelter named after the man who discovered the so-called Fishhoek Man, estimated to be about 15 000 years old. 

A lovely spot for bathing. Cape Peninsula, South Africa.

CANADIAN ROCKIES WILDLIFE

The beauty of the Canadian Rockies is breathtaking. Massive mountains, emerald green lakes and rivers, waterfalls, huge forests, glaciers and miles upon miles of absolute natural beauty will astound you. Here, in a land of huge unspoiled wilderness areas, wildlife and natural beauty abound. In the Rocky Mountain towns of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, elk and bighorn sheep are a common sight wandering the urban streets, while further afield bears, wolves and more are to be spotted by considerate and careful wanderers.

Bighorn Sheep can often be seen alongside mountain roads. 

Bighorn sheep are some of the most distinctive mammals of the Canadian Rockies. Easily recognized by their impressive horns, they are often seen grazing on grassy mountain slopes or at salt licks beside the road. Bighorn sheep are particularly tolerant of humans and often approach parked vehicles.

 

The Mule Deer is a familiar sight in the Canadian Rockies.

One of the biggest attractions of the Canadian Rockies is the abundance of wildlife, especially large mammals such as moose, bighorn sheep, and bears, which are all widespread and easily viewed throughout the mountains. The animals of the Canadian Rockies are legendary throughout the world for their grandeur, mystique and beauty.
 

Grizzlies, second largest of eight recognized species of bears worldwide (only polar bears are larger), have disappeared from most of North America but are widespread throughout the Canadian Rockies. The bears’ color ranges from light brown to almost black, with dark tan being the most common.

The giant of the deer family is the moose, an awkward-looking mammal that appears to have been designed by a cartoonist. It has the largest antlers of any animal in the world. They are not particularly common in the Canadian Rockies, numbering around 400. Although they may appear docile, moose will attack humans if they feel threatened.

COCOS KEELING ISLANDS

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are located in the Indian Ocean 2950 kilometres north-west of Perth and 3700 kilometres west of Darwin. There are 27 coral islands in the group with a total land area of approximately 14 square kilometres. Only two of the 27 islands are inhabited. Australia's last unspoilt paradise lies in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, kissed by the sun and caressed by fragrant trade winds.

 

Apart from North Keeling Island (declared a National Park in 1995 and is administered by Parks Australia), which is 30 kilometres from the main group, the Islands form a horseshoe-shaped atoll surrounding a lagoon. The people of the Cocos Keeling Islands voted to become part of Australia in 1984.

 

On the stamps:

• The Herald Petrel (Pterodroma arminjoniana) is a medium-sized bird belonging to the Procellariidae family. It is a sea bird and spends much of its life on or above the ocean, only really visiting nesting grounds during breeding season.

• Home Island - located across the lagoon and just a short ferry ride away, this unique part of the Cocos Keeling Islands is a must-see for visitors. Home of the Cocos Malay people, the island offers a complete contrast to West Island.

 

Received from Cocos Keeling Islands Visitor Centre