Touring Tasmania - Home Sweet Home
November 29, 2006HOBART & MELBOURNE — Sunday 19th Nov. The weather is poor this morning—there’s drizzle and light rain, so it is quite chilly. We’re sitting in the departure lounge of Hobart ‘International’ Airport having a coffee. The coffee isn’t great, but I needed that shot of caffeine–we were up early. Ahhhh!
The sea of faces in the lounge stare out the window waiting with bated breath for their boarding call. Most people leaving appear—like us—to be holidaymakers. How do I know? Well I don’t, but there seems to be little enthusiasm shown by anyone to be flying wherever it may be, probably home.
We’re all looking forward to seeing our puppy. It’s the longest she’s been away from us, but I’m sure that she’s been well looked after—no spoiled—at mum’s place. It’ll be a battle when we get her home to get her back into routine and sleeping out in the laundry.
Did I tell you that I’m a nervous flyer? We’re back on the plane preparing for takeoff, so I have a few nervous butterflies in the stomach. Donna is sitting with the kids, which allows me a bit of time to chill out and do some writing. She’s very thoughtful like that. Besides, she is better at entertaining the kids whilst I’m in the midst of white-knuckle fever. I have my iPod with me, but I can’t use that until we’re in the air.
Mark “Chopper†Read is on our flight. Yep, Uncle Chop Chop! Perhaps he’s masquerading as one of those in-flight security guys? Hey, I’d feel safe!
We’re making our final descent now and the reality that our holiday is over is really kicking in. It’s been really good not having the think past this week and make plans and day-to-day stuff, but my thoughts now turn towards the weeks ahead and some of the things that need doing—like picking up the bike from the shop, and stuff for work, and Christmas, and on and on, etc.
Thankfully it’s not too long until our next break, which will be the week through Christmas and New Year. We’ll be spending this time with the out-laws (oops, in-laws) at Moliagul in Central Victoria, and then we’re off again for a couple of days camping near Echuca. Back ‘on the road’ and to the “ragged and ecstatic joy of pure being.â€
links for 2006-11-29
November 29, 2006-
Services are where it’s at … software/products are a commodity. Change or perish!
Touring Tasmania - Our Last Hoorah
November 28, 2006HOBART — Saturday 18th Nov. Today is our last day in Tasmania. We headed into Hobart early and spent the morning wandering around the Salamanca Market. The market is undoubtedly one of the best street markets going—much bigger than the market along the Esplanade at St. Kilda. The variety of goods sold is remarkable, a lot of it hand-made crafts and other goods. The stroll around the market was a welcome relief from sitting in the car–even for me–and I detest all forms of shopping.
At lunchtime, we took a cruise on the Lady Nelson—a square rigger sail boat–up the Derwent River. When we set sail, there was very little wind and it looked like we were going to have to do most of the 1.5hr journey under power.  However, once out in the open waters of the river the southerly picked up and we managed to sail around the river, albeit not that quickly.
Whilst I sat on the boat and the calm waters of the Derwent, I couldn’t help but think of my friend Nick and the massive undertaking that he will shortly make on his quest to sail solo all the way to Australia from Southampton in England in a boat much smaller than the one we were on and through much more treacherous waters. I hope that his passage is as safe as our short trip up the river.
After the cruise and a quick bite to eat, we headed up to Mt. Nelson to check out the view from atop. We were a little concerned that the view would be hindered by low cloud—and had avoided Mt. Wellington for the same reason–but it turned out to be clear and we had a magical 280-degree view of Hobart and the surrounding area. It really is a nice city.
So, after six days and some 1,750 kilometres following winding, hilly roads and the occasional dirt track, our journey comes to an end. All that’s left tonight is to use up all the leftover food in the pantry and to pack our cases for the trip home. We’ll do some clean-up in the morning and head off to the airport just after breakfast and be back in Melbourne around lunchtime.
Touring Tasmania - Family History?
November 27, 2006Hobart — Friday 17th Nov. Another day spent at break-neck pace trying to make sure that we saw as much as possible. We headed over to Bruny Island today – the site of Captain Cook’s landing on January 26, 1777. After a short drive out of Hobart to Kettering (around 40km) you need to catch a ferry for a 30-minute crossing.
The highlight of the ferry trip was the sighting of a pair of dolphins following along side the ferry out in the channel. Unfortunately, the camera was in the car and by the time we retrieved it, the dolphins were no longer following. Nobody was too fussed about missing the photo—it was a thrill just to see them swim past.
Bruny Island was a gorgeous spot. There are great views out to the ocean and unspoilt beaches following the coastline. The isthmus, connecting the North and South of Bruny has a lookout with spectacular views to both the east and west. Unfortunately, it was a little early in the day to see the penguins, who apparently arrive at shore here on dusk.
While we were at Adventure Bay, I managed to twist everyone’s arm into going for a walk out to Grass Point. It ended up being a 1.5hr walk there and back. After spending nearly a week in the car, it was great to stretch the legs and get the blood pumping a bit harder. It also gives you a greater feeling of connectedness with the surroundings, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere.
We had to cut short our visit of Bruny because we’d arranged to have dinner with an old friend of the family who owns and runs a restaurant and pizza shop in Huonville. It was great to catch-up with them, although they were really busy and couldn’t spend much time with us. If you’re down this way, pop into Tower Pizza and tell Michael and Jenny I sent you. They make a great pizza (unbiased opinion)!
When we arrived back at the house, we decided to take a short walk down to the beach. It’s such a clear and bright night, and we lost all sense of the time. The kids played in the sand, chased the waves back and forth and collected shells. It was after 9pm when we left to head for a warm fire and cup of tea, warn out from another long day.
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November 27, 2006-
On the odd occasion I’ve been called a ‘Pesimist’, but I’m more of a ‘realist’. So I really liked this post because it goes to show the grass is always greener on the other side
