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Attending the 13th International Echinoderm Conference in Hobart in 2009
In the first week after New Year I had the pleasure of traveling to Tasmania, the southern island state of Australia. Coming from the Swedish winter the intense sunlight was overwhelming, but wonderful. Like most of the attendees I stayed at the univeristy college up on a steep hill. The conference venue was located downhill and climbing between them was sure to increase everybody's fitness. It sure made you think carefully about the things you needed to bring, before you left your room. The accommodations themselves were comfortable and convenient. |
 College accommodations |
The meeting was as pleasant as echinoderm conferences usually are. The small number of participants (100) made for a very personal atmosphere. I met a lot of old friends and some new ones. The talks and posters had a good mixture of subjects and stimulating discussions took place during tea and lunch breaks. We also had a lot of fun in the evenings out in town. Fresh fish and chips, local beer and wine. And not to forget the wine and cheese evenings at the conference reception, poster session and visit to the Antarctic center. Tasmania also grows a lot of fruits and delicious cherries and raspberries were in season. |
 Best fish'n chips place in town |
Of course one cannot travel for a day and a half just to attend a conference, however pleasant. So I took off on three weeks of exploring Tasmania and mainland Australia. Tasmania is rich in wildlife, but many animals are nocturnal. I still managed to see many of them. The elusive platypus in a stream, echidnas crossing the road in bright daylight, oblivious of the danger, wallabies, possums and even quolls during a night watch tour. And of course the infamous Tasmanian devil, although only in a zoo, but I also got to hug and pet a baby devil. Not to forget the marine wildlife, dolphins, seals and little penguins. The landscape is very variable, from lowland eucalyptus forests to tree ferns and rainforests in the mountains.If you couldn't go this time, make sure you visit Tasmania before you die! Sabine Stöhr |
 Echidna
 Platypus
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 Tasmanian devil |
 Common dolphin |
 Tree fern and rainforest |
 Lake Dove on Cradle mountain |
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