2nd January
Yes, I was not impressed by the alarm, although I had been awake just before it went off. Got changed, did my hair (it was wet from the night before, although I am starting to wonder if this obsession with my appearance was going to last out of Melbourne) and took a load down to the car. Breakfast (although it wasn’t much) and the second load I had left by 7.30am and had a really easy run to the ferry terminal. On board by 8.30am I tried to find my sea-sickness bands with no luck, so took a travelcalm tablet. (if there was any doubt about whether I’d be able to get some sleep this would certainly do the trick.) We departed at 8.49 and just seemed to drift out from the jetty, not a bad effort for a boat... err ship... of this size. There were some big black clouds in the distance, and you could see the rain, so it wasn’t a bad day to be headin
g out, although it was rather chilly, and I was beginning to wonder if sending home some of my warm clothes was such a good idea! ‘Ratatouille’ was the first of the movies today, and whilst not a bad movie it was just a really good chance to sit in a dark room, and catch some shut-eye. Out for a look as we approached the heads, it wasn’t and different than the trip from Portsea to Queenscliff, although I could look back at both and think about the last time I had been there. Back for the end of the movie, I left and found a window seat and read and updated the blog until just after 12, when it started to get a bit rough. I had my sandwiches and another tablet. I went for a walk upstairs, but that seemed to be rougher, so went back downstairs and had another nap until 3pm. More blog before watching the end of the movie and then headed upstairs to get some shots of Tassie. It was extremely windy, and just as I was heading back inside my hat blew off and over the ship – crap! We docked, I found the car (eventually) and after passing through customs and collecting my gas bottle I was out, with mum and dad waiting at the gate. The apartment was about 2 minutes away, so arrived and had a cuppa before heading down to the restaurant for dinner. Back to the rooms for ‘Pearl Harbour’ and an early night.... or so we thought, except the movie didn’t finish until after midnight!
3 January
Alarm at 7.30 on the intention to go for a run, which didn’t really come off. 8am and I packed and cleaned up the van before heading upstairs to mum and dad’s room for breakfast and a shower. We were gone by 9.40am, and headed for the cherry factory. That didn’t interest me much, however the next stop was cheese, and much more up my alley. I was very good however and resisted the urge to purchase any. Next we headed for morning tea, and the ‘best bakery in Australia’. Well that remained to be seen, however morning tea wasn’t bad, and they had some fantastic photos of Tassie. We drove onto Liffey Falls, although had some
concerns with the signs that said ‘short wheel based vehicles only’, but without being able to find an alternative we took our chances. The falls were magnificent, but took a trip across the river to get ‘that shot’, which nearly put me in the river on the way back when I was undecided about the last 5 metres. Back to George for lunch (and the cricket – day 1 of the Sydney test) before heading off for Hobart. Stopped in at the Steppes Stones along the way, and arrived at the motel about 4.30pm. Not sure where to park the car I picked room 23, which just so happened to be the one mum and dad were booked into. 4.50pm and we thought we’d best hurry to Coles for some food and milk, only to find them open until 10pm (even Tassie’s got late night trading!!!). I got stuck chatting on the internet when I got back before heading off on a run downhill to the waterfront and then back again (16 minutes there, 17 back, considering the hills and lack of training wasn’t a bad effort). Chicken and salad for dinner before updating the blog online (finally!), shower and bed.
4th January
After a night in the van, I got a ‘tap tap tap’ on the window at 8am – mum was chasing bowls for breakfast. Luckily I was awake (once again the best intentions to go for a run had slipped by) and not long later we were ready (finally) to head down to the waterfront for the Taste of Tassie
– part of the reason I was there in the first place. We walked down to the waterfront, which was pretty quiet, but it was still early. A beautiful day we basked in the sun as we walked around the harbour and through Salamanca Place. After the folks had morning tea (yes, dad can’t walk past a bakery) we walked over to the Elizabeth St Warf, but couldn’t work out where the entry was. Spoke to a guy standing on a gate, who said it was all over, finished yesterday, council stuffed it up, finished a day early. Excuse me???? We checked the sign (right next to where he was standing – yes, 28th to the 4th – Are you sure it’s finished??? Yep, they’ve screwed up again. Absolutely devastated we wandered back home, stopping briefly to watch the cricket (Pup and Mitch still in – doing a sterling job) on the big screen tv. We got back, had lunch (most of which was frozen from the fridge) and headed off for Mt Wellington (1270 m high), and found Mt Nelson (by mistake) along the way. Both had great views, with the semaphore station information at Mt Nelson, and the communications tower, organ pipes, information centre and lookout at Mt Wellington. The long windy road through the mountains would have 
been more interesting had I not been sitting in the back and gotten a bit car sick. In through town (with no Millie mum was giving dad directions... and needless to say I was glad I was staying out of it in the back!) and back to the apartment we checked out where to head for dinner, and decided on Thai. We found the restaurant and went inside – it was packed! I could have ordered without the menu – green chicken curry for me! It was good curry too, and I drank lots of water! Left half for ron and decided to walk back to the unit, so I set off and mum and dad drove home... with the map of town. I followed the main street until I thought I’d gone far enough, and chucked a right, and walked a bit more, and chucked another right, and back up another street, and over another one. How far had I gone? I couldn’t even see the highway, which ran parallel with the road we were on, that I’d forgotten the name of. CRAP! Eventually I walked past the shopping centre we had been at the night before. I headed right again and came across Park St – yeah, it was something like that, that must have been it. Finally I saw the sign for the motel, and then a phone call – dad checking to make sure I was ok. See you soon I said. Sat outside on the computer (too hot in the apartment) until I cooled down a bit. Went to bed about 11pm, but wanted to finish my e-mail update, so was up til 12.30am before I got it done.
5th January
Awake and had just started folding the blanket when ‘tap tap tap’. Morning wake-up call. Same routine, we were on our way to Hastings Cave and Thermal Springs by 9.45. After about 45 minutes in the back of the car on the winding road (because that one was apparently shorter than the main road) and I was feeling really unwell. Stopped at a bakery (you surprised?) and I drove the rest of the way. Arrived about 11.15 and booked in for the 12.15 tour. Guys had a c
uppa before we headed off to the entrance to the cave. 9 degrees inside, so it was a tad chilly, and overfull, with two groups of 30 going through. We ended up on the second one, so had to wait for a bit. The cave was good, but not as impressive as Jennalin. We went for a look at the thermal pool and a walk around the spring, before heading back for lunch (and more cricket). Our next stop Southport, the furthest southern point that you can access on a main road. Quick photo and we were off again, stopping in Geeveston to check out the forest walk, but with the weather and neither Dad nor I really interested we had a very quick look through the visitors centre and into the gallery – that apparently you were supposed to pay for – and headed off. Still listening to the cricket our next stop was at a wooden boat museum, but by the time I got myself organised (and was happy to leave the cricket – yes I am bloody obsessed by it) they were back at the car – this is turning out to be a quick trip home! We did however spend some time in the Apple Museum out of Grove, with some really cool souvenirs and then the museum itself, which had a lable for every type of apple grown in Tassie – and there were a lot of boxes! We were then given a demonstration by an American of how they used to core and peel apples in the ‘olden days’, and a bit of a run down on the history of the Apple Isle, along with a few samples. They had some other really interesting plaques there too, and had it not been shutting down I’m sure we would have stayed longer. Back in the car and time for some petrol and to fill up the gas bottle before dad drove us back to Hobart, getting lost along the way (no Millie in sight of course!). I decided it was time for some more exercise so I headed off to the pool, where they had underwater hockey on in the main pool, so I swam in the fast lane (because the medium and slow were really really slow) which was hot and hard work! No doors on the showers so I went back to the car wet and drove home. I got back and mum and dad left for dinner (which ended up being Pizza Hut), while I feasted on left over thai – still good! Some tv before it was time for bed.
6th January
6.30am – is diving really worth it??? We were ready to go at 7.30am as scheduled anyway. We were told it would take an hour, and even though we had a great run it was always going to take more than that. Just before we reached Eaglehawk Neck there was a sign pointing to a dive shop, and as none of us could remember the directions we took a stab and headed there, to find that wasn’t the one, so back on the main road and a phone call back to the dive s
hop with directions, and at 8.50am we arrived at the shop, which was a heap of fibro rooms and a shed that seamed deserted, although there was a boat and dive gear ready to go. We eventually found someone, and they pointed us in the direction of the rest of the crew, so gear out of the van and said goodbye to the folks, who were heading to Port Arthur for the day. We then wasted about an hour waiting for others to arrive and doing paperwork (my 1 form and three signatures took about 30 seconds, everyone else had about 6 forms to do). So by 10am we were finally ready, geared up and on our way. We headed around to the Blowholes, sorted the boat and headed out to Twin Peaks Bommies, a deep dive in 30+ metres of water. While the advanced students did their ‘nark’ tests I went for a swim around a bommie, and was swimming back when they all came around and met me. I was in my semi-dry suit with a hood and gloves and the water was still bloody freezing – 12 degrees. Wasn’t a whole lot to see, and the guys chewed through their air so we weren’t down for long. Boat ride back to shore for a change of tanks, lunch and a pit stop (you can’t pee in a semi-dry suit!!!). Out for dive 2, and the boat trip was almost worth the money for the dive – it was incredible, going past Devil’s Kitchen, through Paterson’s Arch and ending up at Cathedral Arch, where we dove. Amazing dive site, although not much to see it was beautiful swimming through a massive cave. The guys caught some abalone and apparently there were crays. Saw a couple of nice starfish, red lipped morwong and a couple of unknown fish but not a whole lot there. Good experience though, it was a pitty the visibility was so bad. Back to the shop to clean gear and update log books before mum and dad picked me up and headed to accommodation for the night – where i actually had a choice of 3 beds to choose from!!! Dinner at the pub next door before a walk to take some photos (and some illegal trespassing on properties to get near the water) before facebooking it up (instead of booking accommodation for Melbourne like I was supposed to.). Bed at 11.30, but only cos mum and dad said so!
7th January
Awake around 7.30am it was breakfast and half re-packing our gear as we had to relocate rooms. Gone by 9.30am and headed to Coal Mine, where convicts had come to work from the mainland to mine coal. It was really interesting, taking 2 hours to do the circuit and see the old crumbling buildings and the spectacular views over the bay. Some of the stories made you wonder how the convicts survived, and some of them didn’t, but the conditions must have been horrendous. Highlight however was not the buildings or the views, but the sighting of a couple of echidnas, the first in the thick bush (that disappeared when dad came along and tried to go find it, although he had no idea where it was, just made a racket through the bush), with the other at the base of the quarry, coming out of one hole and heading over into another. They must have fantastic hearing, and I know Nikon cameras are renowned for having noisy shutters, but every time I went click he’d bury his head in the hole. Back to George and while the olds had a cuppa I checked the cricket score – 3 wickets down in the morning session, 5 or 6 to go, depending on whether Smith was capable of holding a bat. We finished and headed around to the Blowholes, stopping at a cafe on the way for lunch, so didn’t arrive until after 2pm. Dad was spewing that he’d had two courses for lunch, as the kiosk there sold icecreams, but he was way too full. The Blowholes were rather unspectacular, mainly because the seas were too calm for any great surge. Then down to Tasmans Arch and the Devils Kitchen before driving up to the parking lot at the start of the walk to Patersons Arch and further on to Waterfall Bay. I took off to see both, with the folks only going as far as Patersons. So I charged on to the end, and photographed on the return. Some spectacular cliffs, however nothing on seeing them from the water. From there we headed to Maingon Bay (still getting cricket updates along the way – 6 for, 7 for) and a quick walk down to the viewing platform. Back in the car and the cricket was now getting really exciting – 8 wickets down, 1 maybe 2 required. Driving back and we took the 9th wicket, when Captain Smith came in, cast off his broken hand, in excruciating pain with his elbow, to try and survive less than 10 overs. All of a sudden there was an urgency to get back to the unit, so my ‘conservative’ driving turned into a bit more like dads! With about 4 overs remaining we got back, and after watching 2 overs had to get myself a drink – I just couldn’t handle it. Next ball our mate Mitch Johnson bowled Smith, it was all over and we’d saved ourselves from humiliation of a series whitewash at home. Into the cheese and biscuits and more wine while the presentations were on, before mum and dad took off for the shops for dinner. No luck, they came back and mum and I raided the van and found enough for us to get by... for about a week!!! With the rain pouring we set ourselves up inside for the night... and mum and I were just hoping we had enough wine! A load of washing while we watched some tv and I blogged and looked for more accommodation in Melbourne.
8th January
7am my alarm went off, with the snooze at 7.05am. Mum had said she wanted to be on the road by 8.30am so I didn’t want to hold the folks up. After pottering around for half an hour with still no sign of them I jumped in the shower and by 7.45 I could hear them banging around. We left by 9am (but at least it wasn’t me that had held them up) and headed north, with a quick detour past White Beach and Dunelly (at the bakery) on our way to our first stop at the fruit and veg markets and the Woolies at Sorelle. Onto Buckland where we stopped for morning tea (at noon) and a look through the church with beautiful stained glass windows from the 14th century. Next stop was Swansea where we stopped for lunch and started making phone calls to find accommodation for the night, with very little success. Mum and dad eventually settled for a quaint motel in town, which was going to mean we were a day behind schedule and a really early start tomorrow. Headed to the Berry Farm and the Spikey Bridge, built by convicts but no-one knows why they put the spikes on top. The weather was really ordinary with a really strong breeze, so we decided the walk around the bay would have to wait, and that cooking dinner on the bbq was out of the question so a meal in town it would be. 4.30 we were inside having a cuppa and watching the tennis on tv before heading to the RSL for dinner. So full, I decided to go for a walk, so took my camera (and a map) down to the waterfront and around the bay. With the sun setting and the winds calming down it was beautiful, with the map pointing out all the historic buildings along the way. Even went for a walk through one of the three graveyards (one for the different denominations). Really interesting, and everything is so old (well, in comparison to WA, not in comparison to somewhere like Europe I guess!). Got back to mum and dad’s room where I (finally) sorted out the accommodation in Melbourne for the long weekend and read out in the common room while the folks watched tv. Went to bed about 11.30.
Inbetweenies
What day do you call it when it’s in between going to bed and getting up? Well I was awake at 12.30, and again at 3.30am, and again at 6.30am. 3.30 am I was FREEZING – it’s January and with a sheet and blanket I was still cold. So I searched for another blanket, nope, not in that cupboard. Oh that’s right, I put it riiiiiight down the back, and with the floor chockas with gear there was no hope of getting to it. So I reached for the clean washing and found a pair of light pants I could put on (knowing that now my feet would be freezing) and tried to get back to sleep.......
9th January
Ok 6.30am, could go for a run, nah back to sleep for 7am. Beautiful day, the water was magic. Pack up the bed and upstairs to the room for a shower and grabbed the yoghurt for breaky. Back and packed up the van while I ate, we were on the road by 8.30am. I drove around to Coles Bay, in the Freycinet Peninsular, in perfect driving weather. We stopped in at the Information Centre to get a run down on the ‘must do’s!’ and our maps. On to Wineglass Bay and the lookout. I packed a backpack for a serious day of walking, intending to do the loop from Wineglass Bay across to Hazards Beach. Mum and dad packed their bag, not really sure what they were going to do after the lookout! So we took off, and it wasn’t long before the steps kicked in! Stopping for numerous photos of the view we arrived at the lookout over the beautiful bay – just a pitty about the clouds! I stayed there for probably 15 minutes, with mum and dad getting a head start on the trip down to the bay itself. Caught up to them just as we reached the bottom (nearly doing my ankle about 200 metres from the bottom!) L
unch on the rocks and with the sun now out it was a beautiful day, with people swimming in the bay (I don’t think so Tim!). The sail boats came into the harbour and it was just so peaceful. Said goodbye to the folks after lunch while they returned up the steps (no thanks!) and I headed across through the bush to Hazards Beach. This was a really good flat track, and whilst I normally make pretty good progress I had two guys absolutely tear past me like I was standing still!!! I arrived at the other side and was completely blown away by the beauty of the bay – more spectacular that Wineglass Bay. It was gorgeous, with crystal blue water and white sand, random islands and the odd boat cruising past. I ambled my way up the beach, wishing I didn’t know how cold the water was to be more inclined to dunk my feet. Stopped at the other end of the bay for something else to each and soak up the beauty of the place. Time to move on, and after finding the track back through the bush it wasn’t long before I stumbled upon a couple of wallabies minding their own business just off the track. I walked for a bit up the path, wondering why they warned that only fit and experienced bushwalkers should do it, and what to tell mum and dad when I returned (as I would have rather this walk than those steps back up!!!). But it did indeed become more difficult, climbing over rocks, trees and branches, which was OK, but the kids coming down the hill on bikes were just plain crazy (and I told them so!) The view was spectacular all along the cliff edge, so there were regular stops for photos. The last section was back through the bush though, and the wildflowers along the track were really pretty. I arrived back at the car, hot and thirsty, only to find that mum and dad had decided to have a cuppa (I could have gone back up to the lookout for a photo without the clouds!). Once they were done we headed to all the lookouts and beaches on the way back out of the national park, with some amazing views (and interesting shell/rock beaches). A quick stop at the visitors centre (to get our walk books stamped and a pin) and we were on our way. 
We pulled into Bicheno and found the caravan park, where we set up in the self contained until before heading to the waterfront and the Blowholes, which weren’t bad, except the only really good spout happened right as dad walked infront of my photo – good one! We continued along the track, and the rocks that looked very similar to those at Wilsons Prom, before dad decided to veer of the track, and slipped falling on his backside. He was ok and we continued on, finding a penguin in his nest. Around at Waubs Bay and mum and dad had had enough, so I continued the walk while they headed home. The weather was turning a bit average, and as it got colder and darker I wondered what I was doing. But I made it to the end, took a quick photo of the island and headed back, with no other penguins in sight. Did find the dive shop however, and took note of the phone number. Arrived back not long before mum had the kievs ready, and we ate dinner before watching Denzel in The Seige and heading to bed.
10th January
Woke reasonably early and headed into the unit for breakfast. Made a phone call to the dive shop when they opened at 9am, who said they’d had another couple come info a dive so head down. Were there by 10am, except the other couple hadn’t turned up, and at $120 I wasn’t interested in one dive, regardless of how good it may be! Left my number in case they did and we went up to the visitors centre and then the lookout when I got a call to say they were going, great! Back down the hill to the car and to the dive shop to unload. Said goodbye to the folks, set up the dive gear and load the boat. In the back of the van (dodgy!) and down to the harbour we loaded the boat and wheeled us in –so easy!
Around the island and to the dive site – briefing and into the water, which had ice floating in it. Dropped down, when one went one way and one the other, so I stayed in the middle to keep an eye on both! So much for being led!!! We ended up following the guide (bad idea) and whilst we saw the most massive crayfish ever we completely missed the reef we were supposed to hit. At 25 metres (our deepest depth) when it was time to ascend, so spent the next 10 minutes heading up and safety stopping for 5 minutes at 5 metres. 34 minute dive. Back around the island (seriously the quickest boat trip ever) and back to the shop to wash the gear and pay. Now there were a couple of chances for me to check the price before I went out, which I didn’t, so when I was told ‘just make it $100’ I was too shocked to argue! What a bloody rip off!!! And I didn’t even get to see the reef!!! Got picked up and it was to the bakery for lunch (still fuming about the dive) which was pretty good, buying the biggest anzac biscuit for ‘ron. So thought the rain we continued north, heading for Elephant Pass, famous for its pancakes! I managed a little snooze (always the way after a dive) before we arrived, and wasn’t exactly feeling hungry after lunch at the bakery, however managed to squeeze in most of my pancakes, which were good. Their signs were fricken funny too! More rain we headed off to St Marys (more sleeping) and then into St Helens where we found the caravan park and checked in. Went for a walk down the hill (I had the map) and around to the harbour before heading back (and going the long way, up a massive hill and nearly having to go down and back up because the map showed a road that wasn’t there!). Back at the unit and it was my turn to cook, so stir fry for dinner with a glass (or two) of wine with rice (first time I’d used the rice maker all trip – but don’t tell dad that!). The rest of the evening was spent watching tv and showing mum how to use facebook, and interesting task! With dive gear strewn everywhere I went to bed....
11th January – Aunty Di’s Birthday
Awake at 6.30am with the sun shining in through the back window. Decided to get up for a run and left at 7am, passing my Paul Bishop/Ben Stewart look-alike (although I’m sure it was actually him) again as I ran out of the park. Down to the water and along the footpath – it was a gorgeous morning for a run, and being a country town everyone was quick to say hi. Arrived back just as mum and dad were getting up, so we did the standard pack-up and with a paper scissors rock for driving rights we were heading out by 9am – and yes, I was driving. Up the hill on the gravel tracks, missin the lookout but stopping for a look around the bays (with dad going on and on about the granite rocks – that’d make a beautiful benchtop...), and laughing at the family trying to cross the rocks to their boat, whist a dog ran madly around on the end. Arrived at the lookout over Binalong Bay and took photos of the the surfers in the river mouth entrance. Up to the Bay of Fires and The Gardens, although we were very unsure what part The Gardens actually was! Some nice rocks though, and looked like good diving country. Back into St Helens where we stopped the van and I had morning tea while mum and dad headed off for the visitors centre. I followed them later, and then jumped into the internet place to print off some info while they messed around (I’m sure it was important...). Next stop was Blue Tier where we parked the van and headed up the hill for the lookout, and decided that it would be just as easy to continue the rest of the walk than heading back down (which I was always going to do anyway). Which was great, except the bottom of the hill got a bit wet, so there was some creative foot work done (mum loved it!!!) to keep our shoes dry. We found the old tin mine and equipment, which was very dilapidated, along with a beautiful hidden stream that headed through what we imagined was a man made cave. Back to the car park and over to the picnic area for lunch, when I kicked the bottom of the fridge door and let out an almighty yelp! We ate the last of the bread, and dad found out the ladies who had followed us up the hill had spotted a couple of wedge tailed eagles – I didn’t really want to know that!!! Then it was time for the Goblins walk, explaining a bit about the work they’d done to get the tin out. Dad driving we headed out, and I snoozed, missing some beautiful rainforests on the winding road, but more importantly as I wasn’t paying attention to where we were going (or headed) we were well on our way to Launceston before realising we’d taken the wrong road. Whoops! So with some creative map reading and navigating from yours truly we made our way to Legerwood, with amazing trees that had been calved by a chainsaw into statues of those killed in the war. Very talented man! Onto Ralph Falls in Mt Victoria National Park, which was a very interesting (slow) trip along a narrow, gravel, winding road, so by the time we arrived in the car park we were hoping it was worth it! A short-ish walk to the waterfall, which was very high (although not a lot of water) before starting back again through the rainforests. Admiring the work of those who had HAND CALVED the mountain for the road to go through we were on our way to Launceston, except that dad had failed to mention we were getting low on fuel, and when we were 60kms out from Launny and the red light came on we were all slightly concerned! Pulled into a servo 3 minutes after it closed, so then we all had our fingers and toes crossed to make it into town. Although I figured what was the worst that could happen, we’d just have to call the RAC out. So we rolled in, literally, getting over the last hill and dad putting George into neutral all the way down the hill to the bottom, which happened to have a service station strategically placed there. Thank goodness! Programmed Millie to the caravan park and took a very scenic route to arrive, to find out it was pretty dodgy! I set up in the onsite van (which stunk) while the folks went for a walk for milk (and chips!). So it was chips in front of the tiny TV while we watched the news (to find out a surfer had been bitten by a shark, at Binalong Bay of all places – dad thought there was some big fish in the water!) and then the cricket, and nearly only the second 100 in Twenty-20 cricket from unknown Warner, before deciding about 9.30pm that we should have something more substantial and eating the rest of the chicken stir-fry while we watched Australia claim victory! Bed at midnight, very excited about Kelly arriving tomorrow!
Yes, I was not impressed by the alarm, although I had been awake just before it went off. Got changed, did my hair (it was wet from the night before, although I am starting to wonder if this obsession with my appearance was going to last out of Melbourne) and took a load down to the car. Breakfast (although it wasn’t much) and the second load I had left by 7.30am and had a really easy run to the ferry terminal. On board by 8.30am I tried to find my sea-sickness bands with no luck, so took a travelcalm tablet. (if there was any doubt about whether I’d be able to get some sleep this would certainly do the trick.) We departed at 8.49 and just seemed to drift out from the jetty, not a bad effort for a boat... err ship... of this size. There were some big black clouds in the distance, and you could see the rain, so it wasn’t a bad day to be headin
g out, although it was rather chilly, and I was beginning to wonder if sending home some of my warm clothes was such a good idea! ‘Ratatouille’ was the first of the movies today, and whilst not a bad movie it was just a really good chance to sit in a dark room, and catch some shut-eye. Out for a look as we approached the heads, it wasn’t and different than the trip from Portsea to Queenscliff, although I could look back at both and think about the last time I had been there. Back for the end of the movie, I left and found a window seat and read and updated the blog until just after 12, when it started to get a bit rough. I had my sandwiches and another tablet. I went for a walk upstairs, but that seemed to be rougher, so went back downstairs and had another nap until 3pm. More blog before watching the end of the movie and then headed upstairs to get some shots of Tassie. It was extremely windy, and just as I was heading back inside my hat blew off and over the ship – crap! We docked, I found the car (eventually) and after passing through customs and collecting my gas bottle I was out, with mum and dad waiting at the gate. The apartment was about 2 minutes away, so arrived and had a cuppa before heading down to the restaurant for dinner. Back to the rooms for ‘Pearl Harbour’ and an early night.... or so we thought, except the movie didn’t finish until after midnight!3 January
Alarm at 7.30 on the intention to go for a run, which didn’t really come off. 8am and I packed and cleaned up the van before heading upstairs to mum and dad’s room for breakfast and a shower. We were gone by 9.40am, and headed for the cherry factory. That didn’t interest me much, however the next stop was cheese, and much more up my alley. I was very good however and resisted the urge to purchase any. Next we headed for morning tea, and the ‘best bakery in Australia’. Well that remained to be seen, however morning tea wasn’t bad, and they had some fantastic photos of Tassie. We drove onto Liffey Falls, although had some
concerns with the signs that said ‘short wheel based vehicles only’, but without being able to find an alternative we took our chances. The falls were magnificent, but took a trip across the river to get ‘that shot’, which nearly put me in the river on the way back when I was undecided about the last 5 metres. Back to George for lunch (and the cricket – day 1 of the Sydney test) before heading off for Hobart. Stopped in at the Steppes Stones along the way, and arrived at the motel about 4.30pm. Not sure where to park the car I picked room 23, which just so happened to be the one mum and dad were booked into. 4.50pm and we thought we’d best hurry to Coles for some food and milk, only to find them open until 10pm (even Tassie’s got late night trading!!!). I got stuck chatting on the internet when I got back before heading off on a run downhill to the waterfront and then back again (16 minutes there, 17 back, considering the hills and lack of training wasn’t a bad effort). Chicken and salad for dinner before updating the blog online (finally!), shower and bed.4th January
After a night in the van, I got a ‘tap tap tap’ on the window at 8am – mum was chasing bowls for breakfast. Luckily I was awake (once again the best intentions to go for a run had slipped by) and not long later we were ready (finally) to head down to the waterfront for the Taste of Tassie
– part of the reason I was there in the first place. We walked down to the waterfront, which was pretty quiet, but it was still early. A beautiful day we basked in the sun as we walked around the harbour and through Salamanca Place. After the folks had morning tea (yes, dad can’t walk past a bakery) we walked over to the Elizabeth St Warf, but couldn’t work out where the entry was. Spoke to a guy standing on a gate, who said it was all over, finished yesterday, council stuffed it up, finished a day early. Excuse me???? We checked the sign (right next to where he was standing – yes, 28th to the 4th – Are you sure it’s finished??? Yep, they’ve screwed up again. Absolutely devastated we wandered back home, stopping briefly to watch the cricket (Pup and Mitch still in – doing a sterling job) on the big screen tv. We got back, had lunch (most of which was frozen from the fridge) and headed off for Mt Wellington (1270 m high), and found Mt Nelson (by mistake) along the way. Both had great views, with the semaphore station information at Mt Nelson, and the communications tower, organ pipes, information centre and lookout at Mt Wellington. The long windy road through the mountains would have 
been more interesting had I not been sitting in the back and gotten a bit car sick. In through town (with no Millie mum was giving dad directions... and needless to say I was glad I was staying out of it in the back!) and back to the apartment we checked out where to head for dinner, and decided on Thai. We found the restaurant and went inside – it was packed! I could have ordered without the menu – green chicken curry for me! It was good curry too, and I drank lots of water! Left half for ron and decided to walk back to the unit, so I set off and mum and dad drove home... with the map of town. I followed the main street until I thought I’d gone far enough, and chucked a right, and walked a bit more, and chucked another right, and back up another street, and over another one. How far had I gone? I couldn’t even see the highway, which ran parallel with the road we were on, that I’d forgotten the name of. CRAP! Eventually I walked past the shopping centre we had been at the night before. I headed right again and came across Park St – yeah, it was something like that, that must have been it. Finally I saw the sign for the motel, and then a phone call – dad checking to make sure I was ok. See you soon I said. Sat outside on the computer (too hot in the apartment) until I cooled down a bit. Went to bed about 11pm, but wanted to finish my e-mail update, so was up til 12.30am before I got it done.5th January
Awake and had just started folding the blanket when ‘tap tap tap’. Morning wake-up call. Same routine, we were on our way to Hastings Cave and Thermal Springs by 9.45. After about 45 minutes in the back of the car on the winding road (because that one was apparently shorter than the main road) and I was feeling really unwell. Stopped at a bakery (you surprised?) and I drove the rest of the way. Arrived about 11.15 and booked in for the 12.15 tour. Guys had a c
uppa before we headed off to the entrance to the cave. 9 degrees inside, so it was a tad chilly, and overfull, with two groups of 30 going through. We ended up on the second one, so had to wait for a bit. The cave was good, but not as impressive as Jennalin. We went for a look at the thermal pool and a walk around the spring, before heading back for lunch (and more cricket). Our next stop Southport, the furthest southern point that you can access on a main road. Quick photo and we were off again, stopping in Geeveston to check out the forest walk, but with the weather and neither Dad nor I really interested we had a very quick look through the visitors centre and into the gallery – that apparently you were supposed to pay for – and headed off. Still listening to the cricket our next stop was at a wooden boat museum, but by the time I got myself organised (and was happy to leave the cricket – yes I am bloody obsessed by it) they were back at the car – this is turning out to be a quick trip home! We did however spend some time in the Apple Museum out of Grove, with some really cool souvenirs and then the museum itself, which had a lable for every type of apple grown in Tassie – and there were a lot of boxes! We were then given a demonstration by an American of how they used to core and peel apples in the ‘olden days’, and a bit of a run down on the history of the Apple Isle, along with a few samples. They had some other really interesting plaques there too, and had it not been shutting down I’m sure we would have stayed longer. Back in the car and time for some petrol and to fill up the gas bottle before dad drove us back to Hobart, getting lost along the way (no Millie in sight of course!). I decided it was time for some more exercise so I headed off to the pool, where they had underwater hockey on in the main pool, so I swam in the fast lane (because the medium and slow were really really slow) which was hot and hard work! No doors on the showers so I went back to the car wet and drove home. I got back and mum and dad left for dinner (which ended up being Pizza Hut), while I feasted on left over thai – still good! Some tv before it was time for bed.6th January
6.30am – is diving really worth it??? We were ready to go at 7.30am as scheduled anyway. We were told it would take an hour, and even though we had a great run it was always going to take more than that. Just before we reached Eaglehawk Neck there was a sign pointing to a dive shop, and as none of us could remember the directions we took a stab and headed there, to find that wasn’t the one, so back on the main road and a phone call back to the dive s
hop with directions, and at 8.50am we arrived at the shop, which was a heap of fibro rooms and a shed that seamed deserted, although there was a boat and dive gear ready to go. We eventually found someone, and they pointed us in the direction of the rest of the crew, so gear out of the van and said goodbye to the folks, who were heading to Port Arthur for the day. We then wasted about an hour waiting for others to arrive and doing paperwork (my 1 form and three signatures took about 30 seconds, everyone else had about 6 forms to do). So by 10am we were finally ready, geared up and on our way. We headed around to the Blowholes, sorted the boat and headed out to Twin Peaks Bommies, a deep dive in 30+ metres of water. While the advanced students did their ‘nark’ tests I went for a swim around a bommie, and was swimming back when they all came around and met me. I was in my semi-dry suit with a hood and gloves and the water was still bloody freezing – 12 degrees. Wasn’t a whole lot to see, and the guys chewed through their air so we weren’t down for long. Boat ride back to shore for a change of tanks, lunch and a pit stop (you can’t pee in a semi-dry suit!!!). Out for dive 2, and the boat trip was almost worth the money for the dive – it was incredible, going past Devil’s Kitchen, through Paterson’s Arch and ending up at Cathedral Arch, where we dove. Amazing dive site, although not much to see it was beautiful swimming through a massive cave. The guys caught some abalone and apparently there were crays. Saw a couple of nice starfish, red lipped morwong and a couple of unknown fish but not a whole lot there. Good experience though, it was a pitty the visibility was so bad. Back to the shop to clean gear and update log books before mum and dad picked me up and headed to accommodation for the night – where i actually had a choice of 3 beds to choose from!!! Dinner at the pub next door before a walk to take some photos (and some illegal trespassing on properties to get near the water) before facebooking it up (instead of booking accommodation for Melbourne like I was supposed to.). Bed at 11.30, but only cos mum and dad said so!7th January
Awake around 7.30am it was breakfast and half re-packing our gear as we had to relocate rooms. Gone by 9.30am and headed to Coal Mine, where convicts had come to work from the mainland to mine coal. It was really interesting, taking 2 hours to do the circuit and see the old crumbling buildings and the spectacular views over the bay. Some of the stories made you wonder how the convicts survived, and some of them didn’t, but the conditions must have been horrendous. Highlight however was not the buildings or the views, but the sighting of a couple of echidnas, the first in the thick bush (that disappeared when dad came along and tried to go find it, although he had no idea where it was, just made a racket through the bush), with the other at the base of the quarry, coming out of one hole and heading over into another. They must have fantastic hearing, and I know Nikon cameras are renowned for having noisy shutters, but every time I went click he’d bury his head in the hole. Back to George and while the olds had a cuppa I checked the cricket score – 3 wickets down in the morning session, 5 or 6 to go, depending on whether Smith was capable of holding a bat. We finished and headed around to the Blowholes, stopping at a cafe on the way for lunch, so didn’t arrive until after 2pm. Dad was spewing that he’d had two courses for lunch, as the kiosk there sold icecreams, but he was way too full. The Blowholes were rather unspectacular, mainly because the seas were too calm for any great surge. Then down to Tasmans Arch and the Devils Kitchen before driving up to the parking lot at the start of the walk to Patersons Arch and further on to Waterfall Bay. I took off to see both, with the folks only going as far as Patersons. So I charged on to the end, and photographed on the return. Some spectacular cliffs, however nothing on seeing them from the water. From there we headed to Maingon Bay (still getting cricket updates along the way – 6 for, 7 for) and a quick walk down to the viewing platform. Back in the car and the cricket was now getting really exciting – 8 wickets down, 1 maybe 2 required. Driving back and we took the 9th wicket, when Captain Smith came in, cast off his broken hand, in excruciating pain with his elbow, to try and survive less than 10 overs. All of a sudden there was an urgency to get back to the unit, so my ‘conservative’ driving turned into a bit more like dads! With about 4 overs remaining we got back, and after watching 2 overs had to get myself a drink – I just couldn’t handle it. Next ball our mate Mitch Johnson bowled Smith, it was all over and we’d saved ourselves from humiliation of a series whitewash at home. Into the cheese and biscuits and more wine while the presentations were on, before mum and dad took off for the shops for dinner. No luck, they came back and mum and I raided the van and found enough for us to get by... for about a week!!! With the rain pouring we set ourselves up inside for the night... and mum and I were just hoping we had enough wine! A load of washing while we watched some tv and I blogged and looked for more accommodation in Melbourne.
8th January
7am my alarm went off, with the snooze at 7.05am. Mum had said she wanted to be on the road by 8.30am so I didn’t want to hold the folks up. After pottering around for half an hour with still no sign of them I jumped in the shower and by 7.45 I could hear them banging around. We left by 9am (but at least it wasn’t me that had held them up) and headed north, with a quick detour past White Beach and Dunelly (at the bakery) on our way to our first stop at the fruit and veg markets and the Woolies at Sorelle. Onto Buckland where we stopped for morning tea (at noon) and a look through the church with beautiful stained glass windows from the 14th century. Next stop was Swansea where we stopped for lunch and started making phone calls to find accommodation for the night, with very little success. Mum and dad eventually settled for a quaint motel in town, which was going to mean we were a day behind schedule and a really early start tomorrow. Headed to the Berry Farm and the Spikey Bridge, built by convicts but no-one knows why they put the spikes on top. The weather was really ordinary with a really strong breeze, so we decided the walk around the bay would have to wait, and that cooking dinner on the bbq was out of the question so a meal in town it would be. 4.30 we were inside having a cuppa and watching the tennis on tv before heading to the RSL for dinner. So full, I decided to go for a walk, so took my camera (and a map) down to the waterfront and around the bay. With the sun setting and the winds calming down it was beautiful, with the map pointing out all the historic buildings along the way. Even went for a walk through one of the three graveyards (one for the different denominations). Really interesting, and everything is so old (well, in comparison to WA, not in comparison to somewhere like Europe I guess!). Got back to mum and dad’s room where I (finally) sorted out the accommodation in Melbourne for the long weekend and read out in the common room while the folks watched tv. Went to bed about 11.30.
Inbetweenies
What day do you call it when it’s in between going to bed and getting up? Well I was awake at 12.30, and again at 3.30am, and again at 6.30am. 3.30 am I was FREEZING – it’s January and with a sheet and blanket I was still cold. So I searched for another blanket, nope, not in that cupboard. Oh that’s right, I put it riiiiiight down the back, and with the floor chockas with gear there was no hope of getting to it. So I reached for the clean washing and found a pair of light pants I could put on (knowing that now my feet would be freezing) and tried to get back to sleep.......
9th January
Ok 6.30am, could go for a run, nah back to sleep for 7am. Beautiful day, the water was magic. Pack up the bed and upstairs to the room for a shower and grabbed the yoghurt for breaky. Back and packed up the van while I ate, we were on the road by 8.30am. I drove around to Coles Bay, in the Freycinet Peninsular, in perfect driving weather. We stopped in at the Information Centre to get a run down on the ‘must do’s!’ and our maps. On to Wineglass Bay and the lookout. I packed a backpack for a serious day of walking, intending to do the loop from Wineglass Bay across to Hazards Beach. Mum and dad packed their bag, not really sure what they were going to do after the lookout! So we took off, and it wasn’t long before the steps kicked in! Stopping for numerous photos of the view we arrived at the lookout over the beautiful bay – just a pitty about the clouds! I stayed there for probably 15 minutes, with mum and dad getting a head start on the trip down to the bay itself. Caught up to them just as we reached the bottom (nearly doing my ankle about 200 metres from the bottom!) L
unch on the rocks and with the sun now out it was a beautiful day, with people swimming in the bay (I don’t think so Tim!). The sail boats came into the harbour and it was just so peaceful. Said goodbye to the folks after lunch while they returned up the steps (no thanks!) and I headed across through the bush to Hazards Beach. This was a really good flat track, and whilst I normally make pretty good progress I had two guys absolutely tear past me like I was standing still!!! I arrived at the other side and was completely blown away by the beauty of the bay – more spectacular that Wineglass Bay. It was gorgeous, with crystal blue water and white sand, random islands and the odd boat cruising past. I ambled my way up the beach, wishing I didn’t know how cold the water was to be more inclined to dunk my feet. Stopped at the other end of the bay for something else to each and soak up the beauty of the place. Time to move on, and after finding the track back through the bush it wasn’t long before I stumbled upon a couple of wallabies minding their own business just off the track. I walked for a bit up the path, wondering why they warned that only fit and experienced bushwalkers should do it, and what to tell mum and dad when I returned (as I would have rather this walk than those steps back up!!!). But it did indeed become more difficult, climbing over rocks, trees and branches, which was OK, but the kids coming down the hill on bikes were just plain crazy (and I told them so!) The view was spectacular all along the cliff edge, so there were regular stops for photos. The last section was back through the bush though, and the wildflowers along the track were really pretty. I arrived back at the car, hot and thirsty, only to find that mum and dad had decided to have a cuppa (I could have gone back up to the lookout for a photo without the clouds!). Once they were done we headed to all the lookouts and beaches on the way back out of the national park, with some amazing views (and interesting shell/rock beaches). A quick stop at the visitors centre (to get our walk books stamped and a pin) and we were on our way. 
We pulled into Bicheno and found the caravan park, where we set up in the self contained until before heading to the waterfront and the Blowholes, which weren’t bad, except the only really good spout happened right as dad walked infront of my photo – good one! We continued along the track, and the rocks that looked very similar to those at Wilsons Prom, before dad decided to veer of the track, and slipped falling on his backside. He was ok and we continued on, finding a penguin in his nest. Around at Waubs Bay and mum and dad had had enough, so I continued the walk while they headed home. The weather was turning a bit average, and as it got colder and darker I wondered what I was doing. But I made it to the end, took a quick photo of the island and headed back, with no other penguins in sight. Did find the dive shop however, and took note of the phone number. Arrived back not long before mum had the kievs ready, and we ate dinner before watching Denzel in The Seige and heading to bed.10th January
Woke reasonably early and headed into the unit for breakfast. Made a phone call to the dive shop when they opened at 9am, who said they’d had another couple come info a dive so head down. Were there by 10am, except the other couple hadn’t turned up, and at $120 I wasn’t interested in one dive, regardless of how good it may be! Left my number in case they did and we went up to the visitors centre and then the lookout when I got a call to say they were going, great! Back down the hill to the car and to the dive shop to unload. Said goodbye to the folks, set up the dive gear and load the boat. In the back of the van (dodgy!) and down to the harbour we loaded the boat and wheeled us in –so easy!
Around the island and to the dive site – briefing and into the water, which had ice floating in it. Dropped down, when one went one way and one the other, so I stayed in the middle to keep an eye on both! So much for being led!!! We ended up following the guide (bad idea) and whilst we saw the most massive crayfish ever we completely missed the reef we were supposed to hit. At 25 metres (our deepest depth) when it was time to ascend, so spent the next 10 minutes heading up and safety stopping for 5 minutes at 5 metres. 34 minute dive. Back around the island (seriously the quickest boat trip ever) and back to the shop to wash the gear and pay. Now there were a couple of chances for me to check the price before I went out, which I didn’t, so when I was told ‘just make it $100’ I was too shocked to argue! What a bloody rip off!!! And I didn’t even get to see the reef!!! Got picked up and it was to the bakery for lunch (still fuming about the dive) which was pretty good, buying the biggest anzac biscuit for ‘ron. So thought the rain we continued north, heading for Elephant Pass, famous for its pancakes! I managed a little snooze (always the way after a dive) before we arrived, and wasn’t exactly feeling hungry after lunch at the bakery, however managed to squeeze in most of my pancakes, which were good. Their signs were fricken funny too! More rain we headed off to St Marys (more sleeping) and then into St Helens where we found the caravan park and checked in. Went for a walk down the hill (I had the map) and around to the harbour before heading back (and going the long way, up a massive hill and nearly having to go down and back up because the map showed a road that wasn’t there!). Back at the unit and it was my turn to cook, so stir fry for dinner with a glass (or two) of wine with rice (first time I’d used the rice maker all trip – but don’t tell dad that!). The rest of the evening was spent watching tv and showing mum how to use facebook, and interesting task! With dive gear strewn everywhere I went to bed....11th January – Aunty Di’s Birthday
Awake at 6.30am with the sun shining in through the back window. Decided to get up for a run and left at 7am, passing my Paul Bishop/Ben Stewart look-alike (although I’m sure it was actually him) again as I ran out of the park. Down to the water and along the footpath – it was a gorgeous morning for a run, and being a country town everyone was quick to say hi. Arrived back just as mum and dad were getting up, so we did the standard pack-up and with a paper scissors rock for driving rights we were heading out by 9am – and yes, I was driving. Up the hill on the gravel tracks, missin the lookout but stopping for a look around the bays (with dad going on and on about the granite rocks – that’d make a beautiful benchtop...), and laughing at the family trying to cross the rocks to their boat, whist a dog ran madly around on the end. Arrived at the lookout over Binalong Bay and took photos of the the surfers in the river mouth entrance. Up to the Bay of Fires and The Gardens, although we were very unsure what part The Gardens actually was! Some nice rocks though, and looked like good diving country. Back into St Helens where we stopped the van and I had morning tea while mum and dad headed off for the visitors centre. I followed them later, and then jumped into the internet place to print off some info while they messed around (I’m sure it was important...). Next stop was Blue Tier where we parked the van and headed up the hill for the lookout, and decided that it would be just as easy to continue the rest of the walk than heading back down (which I was always going to do anyway). Which was great, except the bottom of the hill got a bit wet, so there was some creative foot work done (mum loved it!!!) to keep our shoes dry. We found the old tin mine and equipment, which was very dilapidated, along with a beautiful hidden stream that headed through what we imagined was a man made cave. Back to the car park and over to the picnic area for lunch, when I kicked the bottom of the fridge door and let out an almighty yelp! We ate the last of the bread, and dad found out the ladies who had followed us up the hill had spotted a couple of wedge tailed eagles – I didn’t really want to know that!!! Then it was time for the Goblins walk, explaining a bit about the work they’d done to get the tin out. Dad driving we headed out, and I snoozed, missing some beautiful rainforests on the winding road, but more importantly as I wasn’t paying attention to where we were going (or headed) we were well on our way to Launceston before realising we’d taken the wrong road. Whoops! So with some creative map reading and navigating from yours truly we made our way to Legerwood, with amazing trees that had been calved by a chainsaw into statues of those killed in the war. Very talented man! Onto Ralph Falls in Mt Victoria National Park, which was a very interesting (slow) trip along a narrow, gravel, winding road, so by the time we arrived in the car park we were hoping it was worth it! A short-ish walk to the waterfall, which was very high (although not a lot of water) before starting back again through the rainforests. Admiring the work of those who had HAND CALVED the mountain for the road to go through we were on our way to Launceston, except that dad had failed to mention we were getting low on fuel, and when we were 60kms out from Launny and the red light came on we were all slightly concerned! Pulled into a servo 3 minutes after it closed, so then we all had our fingers and toes crossed to make it into town. Although I figured what was the worst that could happen, we’d just have to call the RAC out. So we rolled in, literally, getting over the last hill and dad putting George into neutral all the way down the hill to the bottom, which happened to have a service station strategically placed there. Thank goodness! Programmed Millie to the caravan park and took a very scenic route to arrive, to find out it was pretty dodgy! I set up in the onsite van (which stunk) while the folks went for a walk for milk (and chips!). So it was chips in front of the tiny TV while we watched the news (to find out a surfer had been bitten by a shark, at Binalong Bay of all places – dad thought there was some big fish in the water!) and then the cricket, and nearly only the second 100 in Twenty-20 cricket from unknown Warner, before deciding about 9.30pm that we should have something more substantial and eating the rest of the chicken stir-fry while we watched Australia claim victory! Bed at midnight, very excited about Kelly arriving tomorrow!
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