Up the east coast and across to Launceston

We have finally arrived in Laucenston and are sitting on the porch having a well earned cup of tea.  The temperature has dropped from the low 40's yesterday to high teens and we are feeling a tad chilled. Back to long sleeves for our morning adventures. Our first stop after the supermarket was Bay of Fires. At first the orange rocks were a bit underwhelming but after a further 11 km ride we saw the beauty of orange rocks, blue sea, grey sky and wild sea shore plants in a place called the Garden.

Moving on we stopped at Columbia falls - a local had suggested that it was worth a visit. They didn't mention the stunning walk down to the bottom of the falls.

In the evening we visited Cataract Gorge. Our little Airbnb is just up (and I really mean up) the road from this world famous place. We wandered past wallabies and watched babies move in their pouches and peacocks and peahens look after their babies (little peas?).  Had a great walk and more to explore another day. After dinner (nectarine, raspberry and sorrel side salad was the best) we wandered up the 191 steps and rather a long road back to our digs.

East coast here we come

We stopped at Richmond where the very first aussie bridge was built. Very like the little stone bridges in the UK. Over here rivers are called rivulets. We thought initially it could be another name for creek or stream but rivulets are pretty wide. Then we went to the little model village of Hobart in the 1820's and looked down the streets that were once edged by water and now by industry and shops.

 Look at the little ducks feet.

We drove through Pontypool, Glamorgan and Swansea and decided that the Welsh must have  been the first settlers here. Definitely confirmed when we drove over the Wye river (not a rivulet).  Up to a national park where we saw a sign to a water hole. What a find. Nice shaded walk to a refreshing pool (the car said it was 46 in the car park).  The wind was hot in Swansea and didn't seem to cool us down much.

I forgot to mention our stop at Orford. Beautiful golden sand. The harbour had been made with what could be large sand bags. They were fenced off with signs telling us it was prohibited to walk near them. Everyone ignored this as they were the best place to swim. There were ropes to help people clamber up, so it felt quite surreal. We disobeyed the signs too and as you can see they were more fun than just walking along the sand.

It was my birthday today. Thank you for all the birthday wishes.  Lucas and Connie both sent me videos. We had a nice dinner in St Helen's and then came back to take advantage of free wifi.

Around Hobart

It is getting warmer. Mid 30's today and our last day before we say goodbye to our noisy inner city room.  We drove up Mount Wellington. I was keen to walk but Harry suggested that the 22 km 1200 meter climb might be a bit much in 30 degree heat. I reluctantly gave in.  Amazing place looking over the river, sea and city. A bit hazy from the large forest fire in Gordontown but still worth the visit.

Then onto Mona (Museum of old and new art). We weren't sure about this place but since it was one of the few places that had a brochure at the airport and visitors centre we decided to try it. Some interesting art but the dark hallways and continual back tracking required to get to exhibits did my head in. Some interesting ones included plastic bags full of water and a black pathway that made you feel you were very high up rather than six centimeters. I liked the outdoor exhibits best particularly the concrete mixer and trampoline with bells underneath. Enough to drive any parent mad.

And then the highlight of Tasmania so far. A 2.5 hour walk in the Mount Fields natural reserve. Wandered to three waterfalls Russell, Horseshoe and Lady Barron.  Great paths, scenery and lots of steps. Reminded us once again that Tassie seems a bit of a hybrid as pongas grow beside eucalyptus trees.

Boat trip and Port Arthur

We drove down to Port Arthur today. On the way we visited the Tessalated Pavement.  Lucky it was low tide because we saw them at their best.  Caused by erosion we were reminded of the giant causeway in Ireland. Whoever said nature doesn't come in straight lines? Hundervasser? Well he was wrong.

Then on to Port Arthur. We didn't realise that the historical village was gated and you needed to pay to enter. We would have but didn't have enough time to wander around before the boat trip. Some locals have since said we have missed something special but after seeing New Caledonia and Norfolk Island we thought we would give it a miss.  The bus driver who took us to the boat implied that this was a great place to be a convict but I think history tells us a different story.  Certainly the model village in Richmond told the story of murdered aboriginal people and poorly treated convicts. But back to the boat trip where we saw amazing cliffs (dolomites like the pinnacles and more), dolphins, seals. Brown petals, albatrosses. The guide and helmsman was so excited at seeing these even after 20 years of taking tourist around.  It really wasn't like any boat trip we had had before. We were given long red gowns to keep dry and warm and there were seat belts fitted. Here is a few photos, more to come if Harry ever loads them from his camera.

Hobart here we come

After a early morning coffee with Mike we went to the airport in good time only to find the plane was delayed 90 mins. So we had breakfast, twiddled our thumbs, did some quizzes and wandered around. Sharon rang which was nice and we said hello to a sleeping Lucas. Hired car bought us to Hobart where we had envisioned our little Airbnb to be a little cottage where we could enjoy sitting on the deck and enjoy the sun. Not so. Its above a pub ie the burger haus in an old part of town - it is very clean so that is a plus.  We had to regroup a bit after feeling deflated but once we worked out we hadn't really eaten since breakfast and it was now 4 we decided food might make things look a bit brighter. We wandered down to the wharves feeling quite underwhelmed after blocks of closed shops. A bit like Lambton Quay late on a Sunday afternoon.  The wharves and piers were a hive of activity with music, food, theatre and food. A little Italian restaurant with rather good local ginger beer and even better gnocchi made us smile. We looked through brochures made a vague list of what we might do in the next couple of days and wandered back past the yachts (Sydney to Hobart). There was a great series of statues commemorating the Antarctic explorations and a moving one to remember the 13000 woman  and their 2000 children who were transported to the convict colony. A time to reflect on the sad history of the Pacific.

Question for the day. Why do car rental places always ask for info like email and phone numbers when you collect the keys rather than at time of booking.  Tired passengers off late planes wouldn't have to wait in long queues with a tad more thought.

Feeling more positive about our location if digs. Close to lots of ethnic restaurants. Car is parked in a little street with quaint old cottages - only a couple of streets away cos close by costs and that will add up quickly.

Here are some photos of our first day in Tassie.