It's March - The van is packed, we're ready to roll.......

With just two days left in February we set off for our next adventure to see some more of this wonderful country we live in.  This time we were crossing the water and going to explore The Apple Isle for the next six weeks.  But first we had to get to Station Pier in Port Melbourne to catch the Spirit of Tasmania to bring us and our home across Bass Strait.

We had chosen a Day Sail and had to be at the Pier ready to line up between 6.00 and 8.15am.  That would mean an extremely early wake up time from home so instead we opted to drive down on Sunday and camp somewhere overnight.  Along the way we stopped in to say hello to Suzanne, Bryce and the gorgeous Alexandra.  We enjoyed a couple of hours catching up and enjoying their company before we continued on our way to find a home for the night.

At Port Melbourne we found many vans camped along the side of the road next to the beach so we joined them here and enjoyed our seaside view for the night.  We walked along the boardwalk to Station Pier and were just in time to see the ferry arrive from Tasmania.  We watched the many people board as it got ready for the return journey that night.  Back at our van we spent a quiet night by the roadside and were up early the next morning for our adventure to begin.

Boarding seemed to take forever and after being checked and cleared for gas, fruit and vegetables, honey and that no one was hiding under the bed or in the shower - yes really - it was finally our turn to drive on board.  At least by being in the last lot on we were in the first lot off at the other end - bonus!  While we waited in the queue we were joined by many motorcycles and met Russell, one of the Ulysses Members going over for the AGM at Launcesten.  He was a friendly chap and we kept each other entertained for most of the trip over.  Just as we left another large cruise ship docked.  Made us look a little small.

The Spirit of Tasmania has been refurbished since our last trip in 2006 and was very comfortable.  As we were sailing in the day we just bought standard tickets and found comfy seats wherever we went.  The ten hours passed quite easily with a few walks around, coffee, lunch and chatting with Russell and before we knew it we had sailed up the Mersey River and were docking in Devonport.

Once off the ferry we drove straight around to our home for the next two nights, Mersey Bluff Caravan Park, and discovered a very chilly, windy little neck of the woods.  We set up quickly and then found a shop so as to buy something for dinner, came home and cooked it and not to much later were sound asleep in bed.  Day one was done.

The next morning we found the weather was still cold and windy with a little drizzle but the forecast said it would pass so we got ready and left for Ulverstone where we were visiting friends for coffee.  It was great to catch up with Avril and Ian again and we enjoyed our visit but now it was time to explore a little.  We drove inland through Forth and up to Braddons Lookout where we had a lovely view across the lush green fields below.  

Next it was time to find a supermarket and fill the fridge.  Fruit, vegetables, fish and meat were purchased and now we can travel and cook once more.  We had a look at the city centre of Devonport and enjoyed lunch in a cute retro cafe called Stonies.  

Back at Mersey Bluff the sun was shining though the wind was still there and we walked down to the beach to watch the Surf Lifesaving kids doing their drills etc.  No way would I be in that water but they seemed to be loving it.  We walked along the track to the lookout on the Bluff and then continued on up to the lighthouse at the top.  Back at home we settled in for a quiet night planning which way to head the next morning.

Last time we saw the North Coast and a lot of the West so this time we had decided to head south through the middle and so the next morning we started our journey stopping first at Sheffield where we enjoyed a few hours wandering around town looking at the many murals it is famous for.  The very tidy town is a work of art and further enhanced by the very dramatic backdrop of Mt Roland in the distance.  We enjoyed our time there but now we had to move on to find a home for the night.

Not too far down the road we came to the little village of Chudleigh and decided the $5 fee to stay in the show grounds was a good deal and before long we were settled in and enjoying the sunshine.  

Just across the road was the Honey Shop and we walked over to check it out.  Pure heaven if you like honey!  Lots to taste and even more to buy and we left with a jar of Blackberry Honey, a Honey Salad dressing and  Leatherwood Honey ice cream each - Yum.

The next morning we continued on our way and our next stop was just a short distance away in Deloraine.  This lovely town is in The Meander Valley and is bisected by the very picturesque Meander River running through it.  

We ate our lunch here in Rotary Park with the company of some Tasmanian Native Hens and the many ducks.  Along the river banks are a number of sculptures as well as many more smaller ones in the main streets.

Before we stopped for lunch we called in to the 'information centre' and stopped here to see the famous Silk Art Mural.  These four panels have been quilted, appliquéd, stitched, knitted and so much more over eight years showing the four seasons in The Meander Valley.  Truly beautiful!

We also stayed and visited the folk museum here as well and enjoyed our look back in time both inside and outside the house.  A very well put together little museum and a lovely way to spend a couple of hours.

Leaving Deloraine we continued south towards Derwent Bridge meaning we had to climb through the Great Western Tiers and not long after we were parked in a large lookout area with fantastic views across two valleys.  We decided this would be a fine back yard for the night and so settled in and enjoyed the view.  A few people stopped to look but no one else stayed so we enjoyed our 'Penthouse Suite' all by ourselves.

We were up before the sun the next day so we could enjoy the sunrise and it didn't disappoint.  Very chilly at first but we soon warmed up as the sun showed itself.  How lucky are we to be able to enjoy these wonderful experiences.

Just a couple of hundred metres and we passed the highest point of the range and then it was down into Miena where we passed along beside The Great Lake.  An amazing body of water in Tasmania's Central Highlands though you can't help but notice how low the water is.  Looking just like our Lake Eildon you can see where the High Water mark is and how much the water has receded during the last three dry seasons Tasmania has had.  And we thought it looked so lush and green compared to home.  Apparently the outcome of some recently much needed rain.  Lets hope this winter is better for them.

From here we drove into Derwent Bridge and found ourselves a home beside one of the little rivers running into King William Lake.  A lovely peaceful spot and so here we will stay while we look at Lake St Claire tomorrow.   But first we will stop in and see the other famous attraction here - The Wall.

This wonderful artwork is a number of Huon Pine Panels which have been carved with stories of Tasmanian Heritage.  The Timberworker, The Hydro Workers, The Early Settlers and the many unique animals and insects of this region have been carved by Greg Duncan.  

While still a work in progress, when finished it will be 100 Metres long and you find it in a purpose built hall.  Unfortunately no cameras are allowed so just the picture of the sculptured eagles from outside but if you are ever here in Derwent Bridge it is an absolute 'Must See'.

The next day we made our way to Lake St Claire and enjoyed a few hours walking the three easy tracks.  Watersmeet, Platypus Bay and The Lakeside tracks are all fairly easy and we enjoyed a few hours communing with nature.  

The lake itself is the deepest lake in Australia and just such a beautiful spot.  The views, from all angles, with the sun glistening on the water were just spectacular and the mountains in the background just set it off completely.  

Back at home while we spent a quiet hour or so by our river we plotted our course for the next few days. Bill found these lovely little Dusky Robins to play with as well.  And so as our first week here in Tasmania comes to a close it has been everything we hoped it would be and we look forward to the next five with excitement.

until next time......