Well we have been home for a little while now and our travelling companions are home also. If you have been following this Blog you will have noticed that there have been a few "little" incidents along the way which have given me the chance to take the micky out of my mate from time to time (nearly every day actually).
Well Alan this time is completely innocent but he got the blame anyway; you see I have a digital camera and Alan has a digital camera and Maureen being a old fashioned girl at heart still uses one of those old fangled things called a film camera. Now I would never be one to rubbish the film camera which has served mankind well for many decades but on this trip things have turned out a little different.
You see Maureen has been busy taking photos all over Tassie and often snapped a scene that neither Alan or I got. When she arrived home she decided to get the film developed but found she was having trouble getting the film out of the camera. Of course Alan being the gentleman that he is offered to help and proceeded to unload the roll of film; - it was during this manly deed that he discovered that there had not been a film in the camera and all the many photos taken by Maureen had in fact not been photos after all.
Of course Alan got the blame for not loading a new film in when the last one was taken out. You naughty boy Alan, you should know better. Well we all had a good laugh as the story was being told but alas we will never know just how good a photographer Maureen actually is.
Please enjoy the many photos I have posted below from Maureen camera
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Friday, May 14, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Home again and it is so strange.
Well we left Ian and Julie's place and proceeded east along the Princess Highway to Bairnsdale before turning north towards Omeo. I seemed a bit strange with all the traffic and hustle and bustle around us compared to the last three months and we were glad to get onto the less travelled roads again. We pressed on to Bruthen for the night where we stayed a a small caravan park on the river. Late afternoon saw us hit with a storm but no damage fortunately. Apparently it had hit Melbourne and caused some damage there.
I could see Wendy was getting itchy feet now that her nose was pointed towards home so the next morning we travelled to Omeo and across Mt Hotham which scared the &;^%$# out of Wendy. The climb up the mountain was not two bad even though it was raining but the climb down the northern side was "interesting" with rain and heavy cloud, winding road and low visibility. An average speed of 30/40kph was the order of the day. Wendy reckons she never wants to see another mountain in her life time.
Anyway we survived and settled into Harrietville for the night and boy was it cold with the rain and dropping temperatures. The Autumn leaves of Harrietville were spectacular as was Bright just 25k away. At this stage I was outvoted and the decision was made to head for home without too much further meandering.
The next day we headed north via the Kiewa Valley Highway to Albury where we had morning tea before taking the back roads once again via Culcairn, Henty and The Rock to Wagga Wagga, arriving at Coolamon for the night. There is a great little council owned park here, very expensive at $10 per night with power and brand new amenities, free use of laundry etc. We like this place so much we decided to rest up for a day and booked for two nights.
Now we had managed to avoid much rain during our whole trip but Coolamon started to pour it on with the second night producing constant light to moderate rain. We took off next morning in rain and it got steadily heavier all day, heading north to Temora, a town that surprised me with it's size, then east to Young for a break and a cuppa. The rain even eased off while we stopped. From Young with the rain still coming down we headed for Cowra and Blayney on our way to Bathurst. Just outside Blayney we came across our first serious accident on the trip when a ute appeared to have skidded off the wet road and rolled a few times. Emergency service were on the way so we did not stop to avoid more congestion at the scene as there were already many people assisting.
We had hoped to make Mudgee for the night but on the spur of the moment detoured via Kandos and Rylstone on a road we had not travelled before. To our surprise there is a major quarry at Kandos supplying material to a cement company which has had a major manufacturing plant there for over 100 years. Amazing what you find when you get off the beaten track. We stayed at Rylstone, a very historic town for the night.
Next morning the rain was back so we decide to make as much distance as we could that day, not really the way to travel in a motorhome but it is not much fun being a tourist in the rain. We heading north again via Mudgee, Gulgong and Coolah before heading to Tamworth to go home via the New England Highway, stopping at Uralla for the night and the rain finally stopped as if by command the moment we set up camp.
The next morning we left fairly early and enjoyed a pleasant drive up the New England with the beauty of the Autumn leaves changing colour. The last time we were on the New England Highway was in the old non turboed coaster and it was amazing the difference in this vehicle with the turbo, hills which previously had been a real climb were now just a gentle cruise, some we were able to go over in overdrive which would have been third gear in the old coaster.
We got through to Crows Nest just north of Toowoomba where we settled for the night (and it was cold) before heading home on the final leg via Yarraman and the Burnett Highway to Bundaberg.
Was it good to be home, well sort of after four months on the road but it was a strange feeling walking into the house and having so much room around you after living in confined spaces for so long. I think we both had mixed feelings and the silent question was "where to next". Who Knows! BUT, I hope it won't be too long before we start talking about it. Did we have a ball, you bet! Things don't always go as you anticipate but that is the beauty of having your home on wheels, changes in plans, directions and itineraries really don't matter and taking life day by day sure has it advantages. Both Wendy and I have lost weight on the trip despite all the vanilla slices, and the walking and daily activity sure has been good for us. Good reason to hit the road permanently, but I had better not bring that up just yet.
I'll probably only make one more post on this blog with my "looking back" thoughts on Tasmania (when I gather them)
I could see Wendy was getting itchy feet now that her nose was pointed towards home so the next morning we travelled to Omeo and across Mt Hotham which scared the &;^%$# out of Wendy. The climb up the mountain was not two bad even though it was raining but the climb down the northern side was "interesting" with rain and heavy cloud, winding road and low visibility. An average speed of 30/40kph was the order of the day. Wendy reckons she never wants to see another mountain in her life time.
Anyway we survived and settled into Harrietville for the night and boy was it cold with the rain and dropping temperatures. The Autumn leaves of Harrietville were spectacular as was Bright just 25k away. At this stage I was outvoted and the decision was made to head for home without too much further meandering.
The next day we headed north via the Kiewa Valley Highway to Albury where we had morning tea before taking the back roads once again via Culcairn, Henty and The Rock to Wagga Wagga, arriving at Coolamon for the night. There is a great little council owned park here, very expensive at $10 per night with power and brand new amenities, free use of laundry etc. We like this place so much we decided to rest up for a day and booked for two nights.
Now we had managed to avoid much rain during our whole trip but Coolamon started to pour it on with the second night producing constant light to moderate rain. We took off next morning in rain and it got steadily heavier all day, heading north to Temora, a town that surprised me with it's size, then east to Young for a break and a cuppa. The rain even eased off while we stopped. From Young with the rain still coming down we headed for Cowra and Blayney on our way to Bathurst. Just outside Blayney we came across our first serious accident on the trip when a ute appeared to have skidded off the wet road and rolled a few times. Emergency service were on the way so we did not stop to avoid more congestion at the scene as there were already many people assisting.
We had hoped to make Mudgee for the night but on the spur of the moment detoured via Kandos and Rylstone on a road we had not travelled before. To our surprise there is a major quarry at Kandos supplying material to a cement company which has had a major manufacturing plant there for over 100 years. Amazing what you find when you get off the beaten track. We stayed at Rylstone, a very historic town for the night.
Next morning the rain was back so we decide to make as much distance as we could that day, not really the way to travel in a motorhome but it is not much fun being a tourist in the rain. We heading north again via Mudgee, Gulgong and Coolah before heading to Tamworth to go home via the New England Highway, stopping at Uralla for the night and the rain finally stopped as if by command the moment we set up camp.
The next morning we left fairly early and enjoyed a pleasant drive up the New England with the beauty of the Autumn leaves changing colour. The last time we were on the New England Highway was in the old non turboed coaster and it was amazing the difference in this vehicle with the turbo, hills which previously had been a real climb were now just a gentle cruise, some we were able to go over in overdrive which would have been third gear in the old coaster.
We got through to Crows Nest just north of Toowoomba where we settled for the night (and it was cold) before heading home on the final leg via Yarraman and the Burnett Highway to Bundaberg.
Was it good to be home, well sort of after four months on the road but it was a strange feeling walking into the house and having so much room around you after living in confined spaces for so long. I think we both had mixed feelings and the silent question was "where to next". Who Knows! BUT, I hope it won't be too long before we start talking about it. Did we have a ball, you bet! Things don't always go as you anticipate but that is the beauty of having your home on wheels, changes in plans, directions and itineraries really don't matter and taking life day by day sure has it advantages. Both Wendy and I have lost weight on the trip despite all the vanilla slices, and the walking and daily activity sure has been good for us. Good reason to hit the road permanently, but I had better not bring that up just yet.
I'll probably only make one more post on this blog with my "looking back" thoughts on Tasmania (when I gather them)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Back in "Australia"
Well we had a super smooth crossing on Saturday night and arrived in Melbourne(stepping forward twenty years in time) and unloaded at 6.30am. Said our goodbyes to Alan and Maureen as we were heading in different directions. I had been teasing Alan about not getting lost trying to get out of Melbourne and guess what, I got lost and ended up in the car park of the entertainment centre while trying to get on the freeway to the east.
Anyway we got out of the 6.30am Sunday morning rush hour and stopped at Nar Nar Goon for breakfast before making our way along the Princes Highway calling in to every town along the way. At Morwell we turned off the freeway and headed south to our friends Cuppa and Mrs T on their property 600 meters up in the hills overlooking the Latrobe Valley. Along the way we passed through much of the country which was devastated by the Victorian fires and the devastation is still very apparent with many hills still bare and some of the trees sprouting new growth in a desperate attempt to survive but they tell us that many of there trees will die within the next couple of years.Only three houses of 59 in this area survived the fire and many people died. One can only imagine the fear and terror that must have been in the area as this disaster descended on them. The word miracle comes to mind as you talk to Cuppa about how the fires divided and went around both sides of his property, The heat was so intense the the grasses were withered dry and the cattle could not eat it. It is indeed a miracle that they did not loose everything.
We will spend today with Ian and Julie and tomorrow descend down the mountain to make out way north to Bright before heading east to work out way up the east coast.
Anyway we got out of the 6.30am Sunday morning rush hour and stopped at Nar Nar Goon for breakfast before making our way along the Princes Highway calling in to every town along the way. At Morwell we turned off the freeway and headed south to our friends Cuppa and Mrs T on their property 600 meters up in the hills overlooking the Latrobe Valley. Along the way we passed through much of the country which was devastated by the Victorian fires and the devastation is still very apparent with many hills still bare and some of the trees sprouting new growth in a desperate attempt to survive but they tell us that many of there trees will die within the next couple of years.Only three houses of 59 in this area survived the fire and many people died. One can only imagine the fear and terror that must have been in the area as this disaster descended on them. The word miracle comes to mind as you talk to Cuppa about how the fires divided and went around both sides of his property, The heat was so intense the the grasses were withered dry and the cattle could not eat it. It is indeed a miracle that they did not loose everything.
We will spend today with Ian and Julie and tomorrow descend down the mountain to make out way north to Bright before heading east to work out way up the east coast.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The Last Last Post From Tassie
I know I said the last post would be the last BUT I just could not resist this. You know I have been travelling with a "mate" who has been inclined to be accident prone. Well this morning on our last day on the Island he was getting his bus down from the levelling blocks and guess what? You guessed it, another little "incident", he managed to run over not one but two of his buckets.
Lucky for him we are parting company once we get to Melbourne and I won't be around with a camera to record the rest of his journey.
Ah well, life wasn't mean to be simple.
Lucky for him we are parting company once we get to Melbourne and I won't be around with a camera to record the rest of his journey.
Ah well, life wasn't mean to be simple.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Last post from the "Little Island"
Well here it is Thursday pm and this will be my last post while we are in Tasmania. Just settling down to have a couple days rest before heading to the Ferry on Saturday.
Yesterday we woke up to cooooool breezes blowing off the mountains at Sheffield and it was interesting sitting in my seat watching poor old Alan outside putting his car on the trailer in the freezing conditions. If I had been a real mate I would have volunteered to go and help him but there are limits to mate-ship. I may look silly but I'm not stupid.
Alan and Maureen had once again decided to follow us ( I think he is scared of getting lost) and we decided to head towards Penguin where we had just passed through in the early part of the trip. I have discovered the joys of back road travel and found the longest way possible in the back farming country possible and he came across some magnificent views as we climbed hill and dale. We finally hit the coast at Forth and had morning tea and Turners Beach where I almost got Alan stuck in a one way street. That will teach him to follow me!
We found a nice spot at Penguin at Lions Park and camped with several other motorhomers and conditions were perfect with the deep blue of Bass Straight and lush green of the parklands around us. The local ranger called in to apologise for the toilets not working as they had been vandalised by the locals. A lot of local councils could learn from this council. Beside providing quite a few free camps along the coat they call in every morning and place a note under your windscreen wipers, welcoming you to the area and advising you where the camps sites and caravan parks are and also advising of dump points in the area.
We left Alan and Maureen at Penguin arranging to meet at Latrobe where we will celebrate Maureen's birthday tomorrow. I had advised Alan that the camp site was behind the IGA store and true to form Alan managed to find the wrong IGA and drove unto a car park where he could not get out of with the car on. I guess he is determined to go out in a blaze of glory just like he started this trip. How many times it now that you have have to unload the car Alan????? LOL!!!!! AGAIN!!!
A lot of people must be thinking the same as we are and resting up before the trip, there are at least 5 in camp that are booked on the ferry on Saturday.
Alan is planning to make a quick trip home by the shortest route and we have decided to take the slow boat up the east coast with no particular plan. We are certainly getting used to this lifestyle and Wendy this morning even said "when we left home this morning" meaning the last campsite.
Packing the computer away for a couple of days now so the next report with be from the Big Island
Yesterday we woke up to cooooool breezes blowing off the mountains at Sheffield and it was interesting sitting in my seat watching poor old Alan outside putting his car on the trailer in the freezing conditions. If I had been a real mate I would have volunteered to go and help him but there are limits to mate-ship. I may look silly but I'm not stupid.
We found a nice spot at Penguin at Lions Park and camped with several other motorhomers and conditions were perfect with the deep blue of Bass Straight and lush green of the parklands around us. The local ranger called in to apologise for the toilets not working as they had been vandalised by the locals. A lot of local councils could learn from this council. Beside providing quite a few free camps along the coat they call in every morning and place a note under your windscreen wipers, welcoming you to the area and advising you where the camps sites and caravan parks are and also advising of dump points in the area.
We left Alan and Maureen at Penguin arranging to meet at Latrobe where we will celebrate Maureen's birthday tomorrow. I had advised Alan that the camp site was behind the IGA store and true to form Alan managed to find the wrong IGA and drove unto a car park where he could not get out of with the car on. I guess he is determined to go out in a blaze of glory just like he started this trip. How many times it now that you have have to unload the car Alan????? LOL!!!!! AGAIN!!!
What do you see in this picture
A lot of people must be thinking the same as we are and resting up before the trip, there are at least 5 in camp that are booked on the ferry on Saturday.
Alan is planning to make a quick trip home by the shortest route and we have decided to take the slow boat up the east coast with no particular plan. We are certainly getting used to this lifestyle and Wendy this morning even said "when we left home this morning" meaning the last campsite.
Packing the computer away for a couple of days now so the next report with be from the Big Island
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
How Changable is Tassie
Well after a couple of days of cold blustery windy days, today has dawned cold but the sun came out and it is beautiful once again, even if the wind is a trifle cool.
We have spent the day going to Railton the topiary town and it was a bit of a disappointment, the town being a bit run down and the topiary just so so. I guess it is just a relatively new concept trying to give the town some distinction and no doubt with time it will work but at present it is a half finished town project and didn't really impress. Maybe I'm getting too fussy in my old age. Wendy did manage to get a hair cut there, probably the only customer for the day.
We came back to Sheffield and found Alan and Maureen had snuck into our camp site while we were away. We ran into them up town and had lunch together.
Sheffield is known for it's mural and they are everywhere. Just last week they held their International Mural Festival which draws large crowds. I'll let a few pictures tell a thousand stories.
We have spent the day going to Railton the topiary town and it was a bit of a disappointment, the town being a bit run down and the topiary just so so. I guess it is just a relatively new concept trying to give the town some distinction and no doubt with time it will work but at present it is a half finished town project and didn't really impress. Maybe I'm getting too fussy in my old age. Wendy did manage to get a hair cut there, probably the only customer for the day.
We came back to Sheffield and found Alan and Maureen had snuck into our camp site while we were away. We ran into them up town and had lunch together.
Sheffield is known for it's mural and they are everywhere. Just last week they held their International Mural Festival which draws large crowds. I'll let a few pictures tell a thousand stories.
This is the view from our camp siteMonday, April 12, 2010
Gee it's cold
Camped at Sheffield, looking out over Mt Roland, the wind is blowing a gale, the bus is rocking and it's freezing cold. Friends of ours are making the crossing tonight, sure glad it's not us on Bass Straight tonight.
They even had snow in Victoria last night and we've got to go through there yet.
Only mad dogs and Englishmen would live in this weather. Now I know why all these Mexicans migrate north for the winter. Anybody got a spare hot water bottle?
They even had snow in Victoria last night and we've got to go through there yet.
Only mad dogs and Englishmen would live in this weather. Now I know why all these Mexicans migrate north for the winter. Anybody got a spare hot water bottle?
Sunday, April 11, 2010
I've Been Everywhere (remember the song)
Well here it is Sunday and we are camped in the bus in the rain on a concrete surface at a a little town called Gowrie Park in the middle of nowhere and to prove we have been everwhere we have even taken a photo of of "Nowhere Else" which we visited today. I kid you not there is a place in Tassie called Nowhere Else and we have been there so I can now proudly say "We been everywhere man"
Since I last brought the blog up to date we have travelled far and wide but really haven't travelled far, just seen s a lot and enjoyed ourselves. From Beaconsfield we moved on to Port Sorell where we camped at the Boomerang Camp which is like a scout camp but with better facilities or power, dump point, showers, toilets and free use of the laundry. There were only four of us in camp and had a good chat. One couple had camped at Beaconsfield the night before us and had their motorhome stoned during the night. Luckily we didn't know about this or Wendy would have had a fit.
From Port Sorell we travelled to Devonport where I had to check something out fo the club and then we went to the Don River Railway and had a ride on a chuchu train. This dedicated bunch of enthusiast are keeping the railway alive for the next generation to enjoy. Unfortunately it had settled in to rain and we didn't get to see the best of it but I hadn't been on a train in 45 years, except for the Wilderness Railway on the west coast so it brought back memories. We decided to head to Latrobe as we knew there was a good camp site there and settled in only to have the weather improve and discover friends we had made on the this trip were also there, it being a popular site for those waiting there return journey to "Australia". We ended up going to dinner with Sandy and Mary-Jean and Gordon and Helen. This morning we woke to find Brian and Rhonda from Townsville had also joined us in camp. This truly is a small world down here.
Today we have taken a round about trip to Sheffield but we had not made it finding a nice spot at Gowrie Park for the night, getting here via Devils Gate and Lake Barrington. The dam at Devils Gate is quite spectacular and unique in design with double curvature and is one of the thinnest dam walls in the world due to its unique design. Approx 80meters in height and 130meters across the top of the wall it holds back 27kilometers of waters in it's dam. Not far from there we took a turnoff to the Lake Barrington recreation grounds with a very steep decent only to find about a million people (slight exaggeration) and a major rowing regatta in progress. Getting through the masses in narrow roads in the bus was an exercise in itself and the second gear 2k climb back to the road was "interesting".
We finally descended from the mountain country after of course visiting Nowhere Else and have now settled in for the night and the camp site is rapidly filling up with Queenslanders.
We hope to catch up with Alan and Maureen by Friday as it is Maureen's birthday and no doubt there will be a celebration.
From Port Sorell we travelled to Devonport where I had to check something out fo the club and then we went to the Don River Railway and had a ride on a chuchu train. This dedicated bunch of enthusiast are keeping the railway alive for the next generation to enjoy. Unfortunately it had settled in to rain and we didn't get to see the best of it but I hadn't been on a train in 45 years, except for the Wilderness Railway on the west coast so it brought back memories. We decided to head to Latrobe as we knew there was a good camp site there and settled in only to have the weather improve and discover friends we had made on the this trip were also there, it being a popular site for those waiting there return journey to "Australia". We ended up going to dinner with Sandy and Mary-Jean and Gordon and Helen. This morning we woke to find Brian and Rhonda from Townsville had also joined us in camp. This truly is a small world down here.
We finally descended from the mountain country after of course visiting Nowhere Else and have now settled in for the night and the camp site is rapidly filling up with Queenslanders.
We hope to catch up with Alan and Maureen by Friday as it is Maureen's birthday and no doubt there will be a celebration.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Time Is Getting Short
Well time is getting short on the Island and although we seem to have been away from home forever we only have eight days left in Tasmania.
We spent a very enjoyable night at Myrtle Park which is a great camp site in the middle of the Tasman Highway. Our drive to get there was also an experience choosing to take the back roads as much as possible and seeing country not usually seen by the "mass" travellers. The camp site is maintained by the Launceston Council and has the exorbitant fee of $3 per night with showers, toilets, fireplaces etc, etc and it was just our luck for it to be raining all night and with no TV, mobile or internet reception I was starting to have withdrawal symptoms.
Next morning we decided to break camp and head to Bridport via Scottsdale and the drive up the range was interesting to say the least with rain and thick cloud necessitating very cautious driving. When we reached Scottsdale we made a quick stop at the bakery for the usual vanilla slice and it was pouring rain, heaviest we had seen in Tassie and guess who should drive past and pull up but John and Marion. We had a chat in the rain and then went on our way to Bridport. The weather slowly improved and by the time we reached the coat it was almost fine. Bridport did not impress so we just had a look around and then headed west to lunch in George Town and then settle in for the night at Batman bridge where it again rained during the night.
This morning we crossed the bridge and headed south along the Tamar River and stopped at the Swiss village at Gridelwald before venturing further south to the Cataract Gorge in Launceston. This beautiful spot is totally unexpected in the heart of a city and we spent quite some time walking the area. The climb back up to the car park had us both puffing and sometimes I wish we had started this motorhoming adventure twenty years earlier.
The day was still young so we headed north along the East Tamar Highway to Greens Beach with it's really welcoming signs telling you there was a $500 fine if you camped outside the caravan park. Needless to say we spent nothing in this town and travelled on. I really object to councils who try to force you into their parks, what happened to free choice.
We travelled back via Beauty Point where we finally got to see a platypus or several actually at Platypus World where we did the conducted tour. There fascinating animals truly are amazing and we learned lot about this iconic animal. We then went on to Beaconsfield where we looked through the Mine and Heritage centre. The Centre now has a display of the mining tragedy and rescue and when you see the size of the cage these men were trapped in you get some idea of the enormity of this rescue.The picture at left is the actual entrance to the mine from where they emerged after their rescue
Tonight we are camped in the Beaconsfield show grounds with local Tasmanians and we had the greatest happy hour of the trip so far. I have never laughed so much with one of them being a natural comedian. The real joy of travelling is the people you meet and tonight has been one of those special nights. Long live the tradition of the happy hour.
We spent a very enjoyable night at Myrtle Park which is a great camp site in the middle of the Tasman Highway. Our drive to get there was also an experience choosing to take the back roads as much as possible and seeing country not usually seen by the "mass" travellers. The camp site is maintained by the Launceston Council and has the exorbitant fee of $3 per night with showers, toilets, fireplaces etc, etc and it was just our luck for it to be raining all night and with no TV, mobile or internet reception I was starting to have withdrawal symptoms.
Next morning we decided to break camp and head to Bridport via Scottsdale and the drive up the range was interesting to say the least with rain and thick cloud necessitating very cautious driving. When we reached Scottsdale we made a quick stop at the bakery for the usual vanilla slice and it was pouring rain, heaviest we had seen in Tassie and guess who should drive past and pull up but John and Marion. We had a chat in the rain and then went on our way to Bridport. The weather slowly improved and by the time we reached the coat it was almost fine. Bridport did not impress so we just had a look around and then headed west to lunch in George Town and then settle in for the night at Batman bridge where it again rained during the night.
We travelled back via Beauty Point where we finally got to see a platypus or several actually at Platypus World where we did the conducted tour. There fascinating animals truly are amazing and we learned lot about this iconic animal. We then went on to Beaconsfield where we looked through the Mine and Heritage centre. The Centre now has a display of the mining tragedy and rescue and when you see the size of the cage these men were trapped in you get some idea of the enormity of this rescue.The picture at left is the actual entrance to the mine from where they emerged after their rescue
Tonight we are camped in the Beaconsfield show grounds with local Tasmanians and we had the greatest happy hour of the trip so far. I have never laughed so much with one of them being a natural comedian. The real joy of travelling is the people you meet and tonight has been one of those special nights. Long live the tradition of the happy hour.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Easter is Over
Well it is Easter Monday and we are settling down for the night once again in Longford where we started our Easter break. Wendy was just commenting tonight that she thought Easter would be a bit boring being away from family with whom we traditionally get together but it has been far from so.
We spent Good Friday in Longford showgrounds and new found friends from Townsville, Brian and Rhonda who we met at Hellyer Gorge turned up and camped beside us, then Mike and Joan from Brisbane stumbled upon our campsite and spent the after noon with us. Mike and Joan decided to move camp to join us also.
On Saturday we were on the move again and travelled through Carrick, Hagley, Westbury and Deloraine where we settled in for the night and run into more friends we had met in our travels. Westbury has the famous Prean's Steam World with the most fascinating collection of old steam engines and tractors I have ever seen. The foresight of the three Prean brother to get this collection together is a marvel.
After spending the night at Deloraine we explored the area and just had to stop at the Honey Farm at Chudleigh and sample the wares. We left with the wallet much lighter and the bus much heavier. The ginger honey ice-cream was too kill for. I wanted to go back for another one but I wasn't allowed. We continued on to Mole Creek before doubling back to go to Elizabeth Town where the Ashgrove Cheese factory is situated (with their painted cows) I am sure I am going to leave this island about 20 kg heavier, they really shouldn't have all those samples on display.
We had decided to move East when Easter was over and check out some of the country be bypassed because of our need to get to the rally, and decided to backtrack to Longford once again for the night. Upon arriving in camp, pretty late in the afternoon only to find more travelling friends Sandy and Mary-Jean who we had met on the west coast also in camp. Needless to say we are still in camp here enjoying each others company.
In the morning we are heading east through Evandale to a lovely spot at Myrtle camp on the road to Scottsdale. Time is now getting short with only twelve days to go before we are on the ferry on our way home, with mixed feeling, sort of happy to be heading home but sort of feeling sad to be heading home.
Our travelling companions Alan and Maureen are still down in New Norfolk (last we heard) with Alan's son, having spent Easter with them, but he will no doubt be starting to head north again and we will no doubt hitch up again before heading for Devonport to catch the boat across the moat.
We spent Good Friday in Longford showgrounds and new found friends from Townsville, Brian and Rhonda who we met at Hellyer Gorge turned up and camped beside us, then Mike and Joan from Brisbane stumbled upon our campsite and spent the after noon with us. Mike and Joan decided to move camp to join us also.
On Saturday we were on the move again and travelled through Carrick, Hagley, Westbury and Deloraine where we settled in for the night and run into more friends we had met in our travels. Westbury has the famous Prean's Steam World with the most fascinating collection of old steam engines and tractors I have ever seen. The foresight of the three Prean brother to get this collection together is a marvel.
After spending the night at Deloraine we explored the area and just had to stop at the Honey Farm at Chudleigh and sample the wares. We left with the wallet much lighter and the bus much heavier. The ginger honey ice-cream was too kill for. I wanted to go back for another one but I wasn't allowed. We continued on to Mole Creek before doubling back to go to Elizabeth Town where the Ashgrove Cheese factory is situated (with their painted cows) I am sure I am going to leave this island about 20 kg heavier, they really shouldn't have all those samples on display.
We had decided to move East when Easter was over and check out some of the country be bypassed because of our need to get to the rally, and decided to backtrack to Longford once again for the night. Upon arriving in camp, pretty late in the afternoon only to find more travelling friends Sandy and Mary-Jean who we had met on the west coast also in camp. Needless to say we are still in camp here enjoying each others company.
In the morning we are heading east through Evandale to a lovely spot at Myrtle camp on the road to Scottsdale. Time is now getting short with only twelve days to go before we are on the ferry on our way home, with mixed feeling, sort of happy to be heading home but sort of feeling sad to be heading home.
Our travelling companions Alan and Maureen are still down in New Norfolk (last we heard) with Alan's son, having spent Easter with them, but he will no doubt be starting to head north again and we will no doubt hitch up again before heading for Devonport to catch the boat across the moat.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Easter is Coming
Well today we have arrived back at Longford, (we like it here) and are going to use it as our base and make day trips out from here. With Easter only a couple days away we have decided to avoid the coast which is likely to be very busy. We really enjoyed our trip down through the Western Tiers and the Lake country and then back up the Midland highway.
When we left Oatlands we headed north again along the Midland Highway taking every opportunity to sidetrack into every little town and dot on the map.At Tunbridge we saw the oldest wooden bridge still in use and the township of Ross was an absolute picture with tree lined streets, lots of history and the famous Ross Bridge built by convicts. It is great how these towns have preserved their history and plaques on building telling the story of their original use. We just had to call in at Ross bakery as Wendy had heard the legend of their pies and has been tonguing for one for weeks. Must admit they were pretty good. From Ross we had a real long journey of about 12k to Campbell Town with yet another famous bridge. Built by convicts the "Red Bridge" has approximately 1.5 million bricks in it construction. Designed for the horse and buggy era about two hundred years ago it is still in use on the main highway with dozens of B-doubles using it every day and the bridge has hardly required any maintenance in that time. Such was the standard of workmanship in those days. Just beside the bridge there is a new attraction of carved trees which has just been completed this month.
We camped at Lions Park in Campbell Town on the banks of the Elizabeth River with the river only one meter from our back window, with babbling brook and the ducks feeding at arms reach. The site was so ideal we couldn't part company and stayed for two nights with fellow travellers we met from Brisbane.. We were surrounded by fellow Queenslanders and just about every second vehicle down here seems to have Qld registration. Just by coincidence while I am typing this two vehicles have set up camp beside us, guess what both Queenslanders. While we were in camp at Campbell Town one of the locals came down to the camp site and supplied us with fresh vegetables, all free of charge, such is the generosity of the Tasmanian people.
We just had to move on this morning and slowly wound our way north, checking out the camp site at Conara and stopping at the Woolmers Estate and the National Rose Garden. The gardeners were pruning the roses and as Wendy passed by they presented her a bouquet of the most beautiful roses which now adorn our motorhome. It was quite funny as we were walking out, people were asking us were you allowed to pick them and we had to hastily explain to see the gardeners. I sure they thought we were pinching them from the National Trust.
We now only have seventeen days left on the "Little" Island and intend to spend most of the time exploring every little town and attraction in the northern part of the island. Looking back we have probably rushed the first part of the trip, not realising just how close things are together down here, and being afraid of running out of time. The leisurely pace of the past week and a half that we have been travelling solo has been refreshing and I am now convinced this is the way to go. When travelling in company, no matter how well you know each other there is always some feeling of obligation and restriction, whether real or imagined.
Think I'll go and get ready for Happy Hour before I get writers cramp
We camped at Lions Park in Campbell Town on the banks of the Elizabeth River with the river only one meter from our back window, with babbling brook and the ducks feeding at arms reach. The site was so ideal we couldn't part company and stayed for two nights with fellow travellers we met from Brisbane.. We were surrounded by fellow Queenslanders and just about every second vehicle down here seems to have Qld registration. Just by coincidence while I am typing this two vehicles have set up camp beside us, guess what both Queenslanders. While we were in camp at Campbell Town one of the locals came down to the camp site and supplied us with fresh vegetables, all free of charge, such is the generosity of the Tasmanian people.
We just had to move on this morning and slowly wound our way north, checking out the camp site at Conara and stopping at the Woolmers Estate and the National Rose Garden. The gardeners were pruning the roses and as Wendy passed by they presented her a bouquet of the most beautiful roses which now adorn our motorhome. It was quite funny as we were walking out, people were asking us were you allowed to pick them and we had to hastily explain to see the gardeners. I sure they thought we were pinching them from the National Trust.
Think I'll go and get ready for Happy Hour before I get writers cramp
Sunday, March 28, 2010
This Is A Hard Life
Well we had a second look at Richmond and walked the convict trail. There is an old convict prison there as well as the oldest bridge in Australia, still in use. They sure did know how how to build those stone bridges.
From Richmond we decided to return to Kempton for the night as it is an excellent camp site with level parking, water and power if you are luckly with showers and toilets and dump point close by. What more could the travelling RVer wish for. We were a little slow out of bed as the weather is cool and I had wrenched by back (yet again) and was in no hurry to hit the road and besides we only had a few K's to go for the day.
He headed for Jericho and the song, Joshua at the battle of Jericho came to mind as there was a wall with historic significance at Jericho. As usual, as is the norm in Tassie the signposting was non existant and we couldn't find the "mud wall" at Jericho so decided to take a back road to rejoin the highway. While driving down the small country road we came across the wall which is the only remains of what was once a fairly major convict settlement.
From Jericho we went north to Oatlands where we are now camped on the edge of a lake full of bird life. The ducks seem to know I'm a soft touch and everytime I open th door I am rushed for more bread. One of the local feeds them every day and they know her car and when she pulls up they make a hell fo a racket. Swans, seagulls, pluver and all sorts of water fowl are everywhere. We liked this spot so much we have decided to stay another night and give my sore back a chance to rest and recuperate
We had a small emergency this morning while boiling the water for a cuppa. The Gas Detector went off with a banshee howl, well at least that is what it sound like in a small motorohome when you're half asleep, and we dived for the gas tap and turned off the bottle to save what we thought must be an impending explosion. Still it wailed and we were mystified but soon the problem was solved. Wendy had been spraying some body perfume stuff around and the alarm appears to also be sensative to perfume. Much to our relief we eventually boiled the billy and had a cuppa with no more excitement.
Oatlands is noted for its topiary and there are many examples of it around the town, we even have five "animals" just outside our door on the foreshore.
Tomorrow, who know but probably north, the first signs of Autumn are upon us and the morning are getting cooler but Cambelll Town looks inviting.
I am typing this sitting in the sun at a park bench overlooking the waters of the lake with the sun breaking through a overcast sky, temperature is mild, wife by my side and the world could not be better. Eat your heart out if you've got to mow the lawn or trim the hedge today. LOL Somebody's got to do this.
From Richmond we decided to return to Kempton for the night as it is an excellent camp site with level parking, water and power if you are luckly with showers and toilets and dump point close by. What more could the travelling RVer wish for. We were a little slow out of bed as the weather is cool and I had wrenched by back (yet again) and was in no hurry to hit the road and besides we only had a few K's to go for the day.
He headed for Jericho and the song, Joshua at the battle of Jericho came to mind as there was a wall with historic significance at Jericho. As usual, as is the norm in Tassie the signposting was non existant and we couldn't find the "mud wall" at Jericho so decided to take a back road to rejoin the highway. While driving down the small country road we came across the wall which is the only remains of what was once a fairly major convict settlement.
From Jericho we went north to Oatlands where we are now camped on the edge of a lake full of bird life. The ducks seem to know I'm a soft touch and everytime I open th door I am rushed for more bread. One of the local feeds them every day and they know her car and when she pulls up they make a hell fo a racket. Swans, seagulls, pluver and all sorts of water fowl are everywhere. We liked this spot so much we have decided to stay another night and give my sore back a chance to rest and recuperate
We had a small emergency this morning while boiling the water for a cuppa. The Gas Detector went off with a banshee howl, well at least that is what it sound like in a small motorohome when you're half asleep, and we dived for the gas tap and turned off the bottle to save what we thought must be an impending explosion. Still it wailed and we were mystified but soon the problem was solved. Wendy had been spraying some body perfume stuff around and the alarm appears to also be sensative to perfume. Much to our relief we eventually boiled the billy and had a cuppa with no more excitement.
Oatlands is noted for its topiary and there are many examples of it around the town, we even have five "animals" just outside our door on the foreshore.
Tomorrow, who know but probably north, the first signs of Autumn are upon us and the morning are getting cooler but Cambelll Town looks inviting.
Friday, March 26, 2010
On The Road Again
Just like the title of the song we hit the road again and headed for "them thar hills" to the south west of Longford.via Poitina where there is a hydro electric power house. The engineering works that must have been done to develop this hydro scheme is amazing bringing water from the lakes on the top of the mountains down to the lower levels where it is used several times in different power stations to generate electricity.
The climb up the Poitina Pass is quite a drive climbing what appears to be a vertical cliff from below and the Coaster was in third gear for most of the way, fortunately there was the occasional part where I could pull over to let the long suffering cars through but once near the top the views over eastern Tasmania were magnificent.
We stopped at Cramps Bay on the Great Lake for lunch where there is a village of fishermen's shacks but not much else. Reckon it would be EXTREMELY cold in winter but we were having a beautiful day. The Great Lake is about 3000+ ft above sea level and the area is covered in snow in winter.We continued on to Lake Arthur (must have been named after me) and stopped at Pumphouse Bay but decide it was a bit early to camp and moved on. We saw a sign to sculptures in the middle of the bush at Steepes and turned in to find a display of sculptures attached to rocks just in the middle of the scrub. It was a little like Stone Henge in the UK but was dedicated to the people who protect the Steppes country both now and in the past.
As we came down out of the mountains the scenery changed dramatically into fertile plains and rolling hills. We passed through Bothwell and on the spur of the moment decided to checkout a camp site at Kempton where to our surprise we ran into Alan and Mazie who had pulled in for the night and we were followed into the camp by folks we had camped with at St Helens. This really is a small island.This town has done us proud with a beautiful camp site, they sure know how to attract the RV traveller in Tassie.
Had a call from Allan and Maureen and they are currently up north at Batman Bridge checking out the Tamar region.
Today we are going back to Richmond for a second look as we felt we rushed this area a bit and want to explore more.
The climb up the Poitina Pass is quite a drive climbing what appears to be a vertical cliff from below and the Coaster was in third gear for most of the way, fortunately there was the occasional part where I could pull over to let the long suffering cars through but once near the top the views over eastern Tasmania were magnificent.
We stopped at Cramps Bay on the Great Lake for lunch where there is a village of fishermen's shacks but not much else. Reckon it would be EXTREMELY cold in winter but we were having a beautiful day. The Great Lake is about 3000+ ft above sea level and the area is covered in snow in winter.We continued on to Lake Arthur (must have been named after me) and stopped at Pumphouse Bay but decide it was a bit early to camp and moved on. We saw a sign to sculptures in the middle of the bush at Steepes and turned in to find a display of sculptures attached to rocks just in the middle of the scrub. It was a little like Stone Henge in the UK but was dedicated to the people who protect the Steppes country both now and in the past.
As we came down out of the mountains the scenery changed dramatically into fertile plains and rolling hills. We passed through Bothwell and on the spur of the moment decided to checkout a camp site at Kempton where to our surprise we ran into Alan and Mazie who had pulled in for the night and we were followed into the camp by folks we had camped with at St Helens. This really is a small island.This town has done us proud with a beautiful camp site, they sure know how to attract the RV traveller in Tassie.Had a call from Allan and Maureen and they are currently up north at Batman Bridge checking out the Tamar region.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Rally Is Over
Well here it is a week later and you have probably have noticed that I haven't been keeping the blog up to date. We have been flat out at the rally, supposedly having break but that is not how it worked out.
We were parked just two sites away from our good friends from Gin Gin, Alan and Maizie and just down the row were Keith and Silvia from Toogoolawah (?) while Alan and Maureen got into the site late and were right across the paddock from us about 800metrs away. We had a good time at the rally meeting up with old friends and people we had met on the road during this trip. There never seemed to be enough time in the day.
After a total debacle in my seminar not being on the program it was slotted in and was very successful from the feedback I received. I spend the next two days loading data onto to GPSs and got no time to ourselves.
We have escaped today back to Longford Showgrounds where we have done the washing and having a rest but not sure how much rest there will be as there are about 30 motorhomes on site and it is like a mini rally all over again. Heard today the Ivan and Hazel Woolmer have had vehicles trouble and had to return to the Big Island to have things fixed. We haven't seen them since we came over on the same boat together.
We have parted company with Allan and Maureen with them going north and us going south to the Lakes District, will probably meet up on the ferry as we are both booked on the same day unless we bump into (not literally I hope) on the road.
We have four weeks to go now until we embark for the Main Land and the weather is getting a little cooler, hopefully we will see a little of Autumn before we leave but these winds are a bit hard to take, particularly when they like to go straight through you and not around you.
Just to show you how big the rally was I am enclosing a photo to give you some idea, hear various figures but about maximum of 940 on site.
We were parked just two sites away from our good friends from Gin Gin, Alan and Maizie and just down the row were Keith and Silvia from Toogoolawah (?) while Alan and Maureen got into the site late and were right across the paddock from us about 800metrs away. We had a good time at the rally meeting up with old friends and people we had met on the road during this trip. There never seemed to be enough time in the day.
After a total debacle in my seminar not being on the program it was slotted in and was very successful from the feedback I received. I spend the next two days loading data onto to GPSs and got no time to ourselves.
We have escaped today back to Longford Showgrounds where we have done the washing and having a rest but not sure how much rest there will be as there are about 30 motorhomes on site and it is like a mini rally all over again. Heard today the Ivan and Hazel Woolmer have had vehicles trouble and had to return to the Big Island to have things fixed. We haven't seen them since we came over on the same boat together.
We have parted company with Allan and Maureen with them going north and us going south to the Lakes District, will probably meet up on the ferry as we are both booked on the same day unless we bump into (not literally I hope) on the road.
We have four weeks to go now until we embark for the Main Land and the weather is getting a little cooler, hopefully we will see a little of Autumn before we leave but these winds are a bit hard to take, particularly when they like to go straight through you and not around you.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Ready for the Rally
Well it is Sunday and we are camped at the Longford Showgrounds with lots of others all getting ready to move into the rally site at Carrick which is about 15 minutes away. We have spent three nights here and it is good to have a rest from moving on each day. We have done all the washing (amazing how many dirty clothes we have), cleaned the bus, filled the water tanks and emptied the toilet, etc, all those chores which come from a period on the road.
Longford was a bit of a surprise to us being much bigger that it looks on the map, there is a meat works here who have a shop available to the public and we are told it is the best meat in Tassie. Of course we are going there on Monday morning to stock up before the rally.
This morning we woke to lots of horse trailers all around us and the local horse club is conducting a gymkhana in the show ring. Lots of entertainment, free of charge.
Ah well I had better sign off and retire to my deck chair, this is a hard life this motorhoming but I guess someone has to do it.
Hooroo!
Longford was a bit of a surprise to us being much bigger that it looks on the map, there is a meat works here who have a shop available to the public and we are told it is the best meat in Tassie. Of course we are going there on Monday morning to stock up before the rally.
This morning we woke to lots of horse trailers all around us and the local horse club is conducting a gymkhana in the show ring. Lots of entertainment, free of charge.
Ah well I had better sign off and retire to my deck chair, this is a hard life this motorhoming but I guess someone has to do it.
Hooroo!
Friday, March 12, 2010
How Time Runs Away
Well time sure runs away and my plan to update my blog daily has fallen by the way side. I reckon if there were 48 hours in a day I'd still be behind.On Wednesday morning we got the bus serviced in Scottsdale and it took a bush mechanic to solve a problem I have had ever since I have had the bus. I always complained that the bus was not firm on the road and tended to wallow around on rough roads. I have always checked my own tyre pressures religiously at home with my own compressor and set them at 70PSI. This mechanic commented that my tyres looked low and I assured him I was running them at 70psi but when he checked them with his recently checked pressure gauge they were all around 15 lbs lower than what I thought. After pumping them up using his gauge I could not believe the difference in the handing of the vehicle. It is quite apparent to me now that the gauge I have been relying on was/is faulty.
After restocking the pantry we moved on and wound our way through some lovely country to Lilydale when Wendy again restocked the pantry with what she had forgotten on the previous shopping spree that morning. We then slowly followed the back road via Pipers Creek to George Town where we called on on the Solo's rally to catch up with Wendy Purvis but to no avail as we could not find her.
We had decided to go to Batman Bridge for the night but by chance Alan was talking to a old gentleman who said no came to my place I've got lots of paddocks, we we followed him to his property on the edge of town and camped in his back yard. We were invited to come up to the house for a drink and to our surprise he had a BBQ in full swing and insisted we stay and enjoy ourselves. What an amazing host Peter and is daughter Berlinda were to total strangers and he had also invited two German tourists Rudy and Inga who were delightful company. While we were BBQing Peter's friends Fred and Shirley insisted on showing us around the town the next day and we we escorted on a sight seeing tour which lasted for a few hours. Tasmanian hospitality is second to none. Peter had an amazing obedient dog who was almost human and in the morning he came down the farm to see us, he jumped into the bus and promptly sat up on the engine cover between us and enjoyed a lift back to the house with us. He is black like the interior of the bus and is a little hard to see in the photo.
Reluctantly we left George Town and headed for Batman Bridge to spend the night camped beside the first suspension bridge ever constructed in the southern hemisphere. It was a nice spot but some of the fellow campers were a little "strange". Early this morning I rose and walked over the bridge to take some photos.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Getting closer to the Rally
Well we left Bicheno on Sunday morning to head north again to St Marys up in the mountains. Originally the highway went up to here and down the other side but there is a now a coast road where you can bypass St Marys.
We had been told such horrifying stories on how this road had 1st gear corners and switchbacks and was so narrow etc etc etc. Just goes to show you can never totally believe another's experiences. It was indeed a steep climb and interesting drive as we climbed through the clouds but we arrived in St Marys without mishap. The town had obviously seen better days but we arrived on a Sunday of a long weekend so most of the population had probably left. We decided to move on to St Helens and this was down the St Marys pass on a road originally constructed by the convicts and once again made for a slow cautious decent but arrived at St Helens under threatening skies. We were directed to the local recreation ground to camp and joined quite a few visiting and local CMCA members there for an enjoyable night.
Monday morning (public holiday) dawned raining so we decided to stay put and enjoy each others company. It rained so much I had to relocate the bus from it waterfront views to slightly higher ground. We also had the benefit of being able to plug into power for the day which was fortunate as the solar panels were certainly not seeing any solar. I spent some of the day installing camping site POI into other peoples GPSs and explaining the benefits of the club's GeoWiki
Tuesday morning dawned clear and the high water mark had receded somewhat and we packed to hit the road. We had to go into the town to restock the pantry and decide to travel alone. It can be a pain travelling in company all the time and one needs to get some space around one self every now an again. We had a lovely day exploring, found the "store in the bush" and spent some money, then detoured to a waterfall but declined the hour and half walk to see it and also made a little side tack to see the carved trees which were magnificent. (will post photos later) This work of art done with a chainsaw is a memorial to our fallen on WW1.
Tonight we are in camp at Scottsdale in a very crowded camp on the edge of town, Allan and Maureen caught up with us later in the day and turn up with Ray and Julia in tow. It's amazing who you run into in your travels. I have the Coaster booked in tomorrow for an oil change so will have to be up early. Forgot to mention Allan had another accident/incident last night, while lying in bed his glass top on his stove just exploded showering glass like a broken windscreen all around the motorhome but fortunately no injuries. I'm starting to think he is dangerous to travel with, hope his bad luck doesn't start rubbing off on us.
We had been told such horrifying stories on how this road had 1st gear corners and switchbacks and was so narrow etc etc etc. Just goes to show you can never totally believe another's experiences. It was indeed a steep climb and interesting drive as we climbed through the clouds but we arrived in St Marys without mishap. The town had obviously seen better days but we arrived on a Sunday of a long weekend so most of the population had probably left. We decided to move on to St Helens and this was down the St Marys pass on a road originally constructed by the convicts and once again made for a slow cautious decent but arrived at St Helens under threatening skies. We were directed to the local recreation ground to camp and joined quite a few visiting and local CMCA members there for an enjoyable night.
Monday morning (public holiday) dawned raining so we decided to stay put and enjoy each others company. It rained so much I had to relocate the bus from it waterfront views to slightly higher ground. We also had the benefit of being able to plug into power for the day which was fortunate as the solar panels were certainly not seeing any solar. I spent some of the day installing camping site POI into other peoples GPSs and explaining the benefits of the club's GeoWiki
Tuesday morning dawned clear and the high water mark had receded somewhat and we packed to hit the road. We had to go into the town to restock the pantry and decide to travel alone. It can be a pain travelling in company all the time and one needs to get some space around one self every now an again. We had a lovely day exploring, found the "store in the bush" and spent some money, then detoured to a waterfall but declined the hour and half walk to see it and also made a little side tack to see the carved trees which were magnificent. (will post photos later) This work of art done with a chainsaw is a memorial to our fallen on WW1.
Tonight we are in camp at Scottsdale in a very crowded camp on the edge of town, Allan and Maureen caught up with us later in the day and turn up with Ray and Julia in tow. It's amazing who you run into in your travels. I have the Coaster booked in tomorrow for an oil change so will have to be up early. Forgot to mention Allan had another accident/incident last night, while lying in bed his glass top on his stove just exploded showering glass like a broken windscreen all around the motorhome but fortunately no injuries. I'm starting to think he is dangerous to travel with, hope his bad luck doesn't start rubbing off on us.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Bicheno and beyond
Yesterday we left Triabunna and wound our way up the coast in a slow but steady stream of motorhomes, caravans and motorbikes who all seem to be touring the eastern seaboard at the same time. We had been told that there were special CMCA camp sites opened up for us for the rally but the club magazine has not caught up with us with details so we enquired at the Triabunna information centre and were given verbal information which was of little use when you don't know the area. Only after arriving at Bicheno did the information centre here give us a printed list of the east coast camp sites. Unfortunately we had already passed a couple of them.
Swansea was a pretty place and the main street was motorhome alley with rigs parked along a long stretch of road. I am amazed also at the number of rental motorhomes plying the road over here. I decide I was going to have a look at Nine Mile Beach but unfortunately I turned into a suburban street, following another motorhome and of course my "bumpersticker" Allan followed and we all ended up in a narrow street with no turnaround. The guy in front of me had no problem with his car on an A frame, I just backed into a driveway and did a three point BUT! Allan with his car on a caddy had to unload it to make a U turn. If I have learned one thing on this trip it is NEVER to travel with someone with a car on a caddy. You would think he would have learned after being caught FOUR times with this rig. %^$#@&^ Caddy trailers.
Anyway he laughed it off and I go grumpier and we travelled on.
Just as I exited from the Nine Mine Beach turnoff I pulled over to allow an ambulance, who was coming up behind rapidly, to pass and unfortunately we came across the scene of an accident where a bike rider was laying in the middle of the road being attended to by the ambulance.This was the first accident we had seen on the Island and most people appear to be very cautious on the roads down here.
We turned off to Coles Bay and only had a quick look as the weather was closing in all the scenery was covered in low cloud but decided to continue on to Bicheno for the night. We are currently camped in a sports ground right on the foreshore with the wind blowing and rain falling, probably the heaviest rain we have experienced so far but still relatively light. John, Kay and Gizmo (the ferocious guard dog) and Keith and Beth are also in camp here so we enjoyed a happy hour last night and caught up on the gossip that inevitably come from travelling and not seeing each other for a long time.
Swansea was a pretty place and the main street was motorhome alley with rigs parked along a long stretch of road. I am amazed also at the number of rental motorhomes plying the road over here. I decide I was going to have a look at Nine Mile Beach but unfortunately I turned into a suburban street, following another motorhome and of course my "bumpersticker" Allan followed and we all ended up in a narrow street with no turnaround. The guy in front of me had no problem with his car on an A frame, I just backed into a driveway and did a three point BUT! Allan with his car on a caddy had to unload it to make a U turn. If I have learned one thing on this trip it is NEVER to travel with someone with a car on a caddy. You would think he would have learned after being caught FOUR times with this rig. %^$#@&^ Caddy trailers.
Anyway he laughed it off and I go grumpier and we travelled on.
Just as I exited from the Nine Mine Beach turnoff I pulled over to allow an ambulance, who was coming up behind rapidly, to pass and unfortunately we came across the scene of an accident where a bike rider was laying in the middle of the road being attended to by the ambulance.This was the first accident we had seen on the Island and most people appear to be very cautious on the roads down here.
We turned off to Coles Bay and only had a quick look as the weather was closing in all the scenery was covered in low cloud but decided to continue on to Bicheno for the night. We are currently camped in a sports ground right on the foreshore with the wind blowing and rain falling, probably the heaviest rain we have experienced so far but still relatively light. John, Kay and Gizmo (the ferocious guard dog) and Keith and Beth are also in camp here so we enjoyed a happy hour last night and caught up on the gossip that inevitably come from travelling and not seeing each other for a long time.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Up the East Coast
Last night we camped in the State Forrest at Lime Bay and on the way out of the camp site we stopped at the Convict Coal Mine for a look see. The ruins are not far from the car park and if you thought Port Arthur was tough, this site was even worse with the hard work and the way the convicts were treated was appalling. The mines were eventually closed down by the government and subsequently handed over to private enterprise who could not make a go of them. I guess slave labour had it advantages when it came to running costs, no superannuation to pay either.
At Eaglehawk to turned off the highway to mix with the "real tourist" (those packed into buses and talking funny languages) to view the Blowhole, Tasman Bridge and the Devils Kitchen. It is amazing what nature can shape over a few millions years. The climb out of Eaglehawk is quite steep and we had a drag race between the Hino and the Coaster in the passing lanes. Needless to say the Coaster won hands down but I won't mention the extra ton and a half the Hino was pulling.
At Sorello we restocked and refuelled before heading north to Triabunna where we are camped with others behind the local pub. The trip was quite beautiful with some very nice mountain passes and coastal towns along the route. The drive along the river into Orford was spectacular.
One of things that has fascinated us is how you can turn a corner or climb a hill and feel you have driven into a different world, the scenery and contrasts can change that quickly.
Tonight we treated ourselves to Fush and Chups on the recommendation of another camper. If ever you are in Triabunna you just have to try the fish and chips caravan situated on the Esplanade. Fish straight from their boats to the pan and I have never tasted fish like it, and reasonable prices too.
Where to tomorrow, who knows, but most likely Swansea and Freycinet National Park.
Below is some of the photos we have taken.
At Eaglehawk to turned off the highway to mix with the "real tourist" (those packed into buses and talking funny languages) to view the Blowhole, Tasman Bridge and the Devils Kitchen. It is amazing what nature can shape over a few millions years. The climb out of Eaglehawk is quite steep and we had a drag race between the Hino and the Coaster in the passing lanes. Needless to say the Coaster won hands down but I won't mention the extra ton and a half the Hino was pulling.
At Sorello we restocked and refuelled before heading north to Triabunna where we are camped with others behind the local pub. The trip was quite beautiful with some very nice mountain passes and coastal towns along the route. The drive along the river into Orford was spectacular.
One of things that has fascinated us is how you can turn a corner or climb a hill and feel you have driven into a different world, the scenery and contrasts can change that quickly.
Tonight we treated ourselves to Fush and Chups on the recommendation of another camper. If ever you are in Triabunna you just have to try the fish and chips caravan situated on the Esplanade. Fish straight from their boats to the pan and I have never tasted fish like it, and reasonable prices too.
Where to tomorrow, who knows, but most likely Swansea and Freycinet National Park.
Below is some of the photos we have taken.
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