6am alarm was never going to work!!! 7.15 I managed to drag myself up and Kel and I went for a walk, with the rain having cleared. We headed back past the cafe and to the waterfront, which was rather pretty, even though the sky was covered in clouds. We continued on to Watersmeet (as the name implies where two rivers come together) which was fairly flowing after the previous nights rain. We spotted some
wallabies on the way back, and headed along the waterfront taking in the cloud and sun rising over the dam. Very pretty. Back for breakfast and I had a quick shower (which cost $1 but was bloody awesome!) and left by 9.30 stopping in at The Wall. This guy is amazing, carving figures (horses, people, the most realistic glove you will ever see) into wood that are so lifelike. No photos allowed so we bought postcards. It was lovely and warm with a couple of fires going too. By 10am we were on our way to Hobart. Stopped at Tarraleah Power Station for coffee for Kel and I checked out the hydro scheme. I drove on, loving the steam coming up off the road through the mountains as the sun came out. Our effort to get to Hobart in a hurry was thwarted by a whole lot of slow (and rude!) caravan drivers, and pulling over for a toilet stop we were about half a minute too late and had to queue for the public toilets (the backpackers bolted as soon as they parked their car.) We did eventually make Hobart and drove around the Salamanca Markets trying to find parking, eventually paying the Rotary Club for all afternoon parking inside a locked area (which required some creative parking!). So finally we were there, and blown away by how big they were and what was on offer. We stopped for pancakes, which were quite interesting to watch and bloody yummy! We ended up having a big spend up, buying everything from postcards to key rings, prints to books. Lu
ckily they closed before we had a chance to make our way right through them (and completely run out of money) so we dropped our gear back to George and headed to the visitors centre to suss out the tours, accommodation and cricket info. Down to the waterfront where we decided to give Lark Distillery a burl, with me having the smallest of samples (which was good because some were potent), and we both fell in love with the liqueur on baileys – oh my god! Kel left there a little light headed and we continued past a wedding and into the harbour, and back over to Salamanca Place which was completely different a couple of hours later! Off to find accommodation for the night we stopped at Woolies and BWS for food and alcohol before taking our pick of caravan sites and choosing one overlooking the water. Kel sampled the XXX & Cascade Green (of which I wasn’t a big fan of either) and while I sorted George Kel did a load of washing. Time to cook up dinner and we sat outside overlooking the river while we ate, with ducklings running around under our feet. Over to do the dishes before heading off on a big walk, complete with bogans on the roads (and realised it was Friday night). Arrived back and I jumped on the internet while Kel had a shower before hitting bed at midnight.18th January
7am up and at em. We got dressed in our best Aussie attire and after bringing in the washing and topping up the water we set Millie for the Pickled Frog Backpackers – good job Millie! Put some stuff in the fridge and walked down to the bus terminal. Info Centre had said platform B,
however that wasn’t due to have a bus until midday. I tried to make a call to find out time, just as a bus rocked up and pointed us to the right platform. Jumped on and a bloke (Corey) started chatting to us, to find out that him and 13 of his mates had made the trip from Perth to be there... Perth Launceston that is! Arrived and got into the ground to look for merchandise, with no such luck. No shirt for Kel or calendar me. We looked for any place big enough for both of us, eventually walking most of the way around the ground to the family friendly area – so no alcohol (ohhhh) but a great view of Punta’s deep square leg shots... and wicket! After making a good start we had a flier when Marsh and Punta was in, looking like making 290, when the loss of a few wickets slowed down the run rate, with the brothers being a bit reserved. Made 249 after the 50 overs, and we were sick of standing up so just before the break we headed around for a toilet stop, beer and chair, in that order. Had some lunch before we decided to try our luck at finding somewhere to park our backsides. Squeezed in right on the rope line and spent the arvo in the sun, drinking Carlton Mid watching the cricket (and listening to the boys on the hill go through their songs... and there were a lot of songs! It was blowing out until the last over, when Hilfy was hit for 6 – 8 required. Luckily (or with good bowling/field placing) they only scored a single, leaving 7 to get on the last ball (under arm... under arm was the chant). Game won Kel and I made a dash to the Bellerive Yacht Club, where the boys had said they would be. Very quiet (but cheap beer) we had one looking over the water before moving around to the ‘happening place’ (Waterfront Hotel) and finding the boys... along with frozen cocktails. Turns out Sex on the Beach with Hawaii Blue makes a great drink – Sex at Hawaii. 3 of those before Kel, Mark and I caught the water taxi across to Hobart – very cool, and considering my weak stomach I was surprised I wasn’t more affected by it. Walked back to back packers and checked into the room. I got ready to head out while Kel decided she wasn’t up for the pub so w
as going to stay in. Got chatting with a couple of boys at the bar in the backpackers and convinced them to come along aswell, so we jumped in a cap (and I love Hobart taxis – 15 minutes, give your mobile 2 rings when they arrive and gave us a discount for good behaviour!) The Metz was packed and going off. While Brett ordered I looked around, and saw some boys who looked a bit familiar.... oh, actually it was Warner, and Mike Hussey, and wait, it’s also Haddin, Hopes, Hilfy, and JK!!! I was star struck (and the boys knew it, but still edged me closer). They weren’t as tall as I expected! I said I knew Hilfy (through a friend) so they pushed me in closer and asked him for a kiss (the boys asked him to give me a kiss, which he declined) and I said that was fine, but I did know one of his old school teachers, Scott Bird, and got the blankest, dumbest look ever, so cut my losses and walked away. We stayed drinking and talking (mainly about cricket) until it was time to head off, so Steve and I decided a walk would be good... would have been better if we’d know where we were going. So after walking for a bit, and looking up some ridiculous sized hills, we decided a taxi might be the go and ended up fining one to take us back. Said goodnight and made it to bed around 2pm..... slept like a baby!
7am up and at em. We got dressed in our best Aussie attire and after bringing in the washing and topping up the water we set Millie for the Pickled Frog Backpackers – good job Millie! Put some stuff in the fridge and walked down to the bus terminal. Info Centre had said platform B,
however that wasn’t due to have a bus until midday. I tried to make a call to find out time, just as a bus rocked up and pointed us to the right platform. Jumped on and a bloke (Corey) started chatting to us, to find out that him and 13 of his mates had made the trip from Perth to be there... Perth Launceston that is! Arrived and got into the ground to look for merchandise, with no such luck. No shirt for Kel or calendar me. We looked for any place big enough for both of us, eventually walking most of the way around the ground to the family friendly area – so no alcohol (ohhhh) but a great view of Punta’s deep square leg shots... and wicket! After making a good start we had a flier when Marsh and Punta was in, looking like making 290, when the loss of a few wickets slowed down the run rate, with the brothers being a bit reserved. Made 249 after the 50 overs, and we were sick of standing up so just before the break we headed around for a toilet stop, beer and chair, in that order. Had some lunch before we decided to try our luck at finding somewhere to park our backsides. Squeezed in right on the rope line and spent the arvo in the sun, drinking Carlton Mid watching the cricket (and listening to the boys on the hill go through their songs... and there were a lot of songs! It was blowing out until the last over, when Hilfy was hit for 6 – 8 required. Luckily (or with good bowling/field placing) they only scored a single, leaving 7 to get on the last ball (under arm... under arm was the chant). Game won Kel and I made a dash to the Bellerive Yacht Club, where the boys had said they would be. Very quiet (but cheap beer) we had one looking over the water before moving around to the ‘happening place’ (Waterfront Hotel) and finding the boys... along with frozen cocktails. Turns out Sex on the Beach with Hawaii Blue makes a great drink – Sex at Hawaii. 3 of those before Kel, Mark and I caught the water taxi across to Hobart – very cool, and considering my weak stomach I was surprised I wasn’t more affected by it. Walked back to back packers and checked into the room. I got ready to head out while Kel decided she wasn’t up for the pub so w
as going to stay in. Got chatting with a couple of boys at the bar in the backpackers and convinced them to come along aswell, so we jumped in a cap (and I love Hobart taxis – 15 minutes, give your mobile 2 rings when they arrive and gave us a discount for good behaviour!) The Metz was packed and going off. While Brett ordered I looked around, and saw some boys who looked a bit familiar.... oh, actually it was Warner, and Mike Hussey, and wait, it’s also Haddin, Hopes, Hilfy, and JK!!! I was star struck (and the boys knew it, but still edged me closer). They weren’t as tall as I expected! I said I knew Hilfy (through a friend) so they pushed me in closer and asked him for a kiss (the boys asked him to give me a kiss, which he declined) and I said that was fine, but I did know one of his old school teachers, Scott Bird, and got the blankest, dumbest look ever, so cut my losses and walked away. We stayed drinking and talking (mainly about cricket) until it was time to head off, so Steve and I decided a walk would be good... would have been better if we’d know where we were going. So after walking for a bit, and looking up some ridiculous sized hills, we decided a taxi might be the go and ended up fining one to take us back. Said goodnight and made it to bed around 2pm..... slept like a baby!19th January
Hmmmmm morning........ headache....... big drive ahead. All these things combined is not a good thing. Shower to feel half human, breakfast (and a big mug of tea), out of backpackers just after 9.30am, with the parking inspector hovering around outside. Arrived at Port Arthur just before
11am with slight rain about. Over to the Asylum for a coffee before meeting our group leader for the free walking tour, to give us some of the history of the place. Then it was out on a boat trip (where I struggled to stay awake) and some more info on the different islands and landmarks. Back on land and it was time for lunch, so I headed out for a sandwhich (and V) while Kel ordered from the cafe. Back out again and through the rest of the buildings, some with some really interesting stories (not all particularly pleasant!). A few phone calls to fine somewhere to spend the night and ended up at the caravan park at White Beach. We eventually left about 5pm exhausted, and headed for the Blow Hole and Devil's Kitchen before going back to Mussle Bouys, next to the dive shop I'd been to. For someone who may have had 4 or 5 mussles in my entire lifetime I think I had been seriously missing out, because they were absolutely beautiful! Amazing. And with the sun setting over the water it was just gorgeous (and we even stopped for photos on the drive home). Kel and I chatted and 
gossiped a bit more before it was time to leave, and with Millie seeming a bit confused we set off in a direction I wouldn't have picked, and ended up on a dirt track (that I was pretty sure I knew ended up on the other side of the island). Being dark though not only was I negotiation the gravel but the animals, with wallabies everywhere (having to seriously slam on the brakes once!). We finally made it out the other side, and all of about 3 kms from the restaurant - good one Millie! So by the time Kel had stopped being scared we were home. Kelly headed off for a shower while I did some star gazing, and we were in bed by 11.30pm
Hmmmmm morning........ headache....... big drive ahead. All these things combined is not a good thing. Shower to feel half human, breakfast (and a big mug of tea), out of backpackers just after 9.30am, with the parking inspector hovering around outside. Arrived at Port Arthur just before
11am with slight rain about. Over to the Asylum for a coffee before meeting our group leader for the free walking tour, to give us some of the history of the place. Then it was out on a boat trip (where I struggled to stay awake) and some more info on the different islands and landmarks. Back on land and it was time for lunch, so I headed out for a sandwhich (and V) while Kel ordered from the cafe. Back out again and through the rest of the buildings, some with some really interesting stories (not all particularly pleasant!). A few phone calls to fine somewhere to spend the night and ended up at the caravan park at White Beach. We eventually left about 5pm exhausted, and headed for the Blow Hole and Devil's Kitchen before going back to Mussle Bouys, next to the dive shop I'd been to. For someone who may have had 4 or 5 mussles in my entire lifetime I think I had been seriously missing out, because they were absolutely beautiful! Amazing. And with the sun setting over the water it was just gorgeous (and we even stopped for photos on the drive home). Kel and I chatted and 
gossiped a bit more before it was time to leave, and with Millie seeming a bit confused we set off in a direction I wouldn't have picked, and ended up on a dirt track (that I was pretty sure I knew ended up on the other side of the island). Being dark though not only was I negotiation the gravel but the animals, with wallabies everywhere (having to seriously slam on the brakes once!). We finally made it out the other side, and all of about 3 kms from the restaurant - good one Millie! So by the time Kel had stopped being scared we were home. Kelly headed off for a shower while I did some star gazing, and we were in bed by 11.30pm 20th January
Awake before 7am it was time to go for a run. I left Kel sleeping and headed to the ablutions to get changed before heading down to the beach. It was an overcast by still morning, and considering the lack of running/physical activity I had done of late (other than walking) I was surprised how reasonably well I felt... until someone ran past me like I was standing still!!! Just over half an hour to run to the end of the beach and back it was nearly 8am when I returned and woke up Kel. Breaky, showers, organise George and off to the Tasmanian Devil Conservation park, with a stop for fuel along the way (which was cheaper than in Hobart, and they fill it up for you ... go figure!). Park was good, learning lots about the Tassie Devil. W
e saw them feed – my god, if you thought you shouldn’t stand between a pregnant lady and food you haven’t seen anything til you see these guys! They go at it, leaving nothing behind (bones, fur, the whole lot).Saw the birds (including a Wedgey, who we felt very sorry for in a small cage, however they are building him a new one.)possums, kangaroos and wallabies. The bird show, with some very clever birds (and fast – the peregrine falcon has been clocked at 380kms!!!). The show finished and we bolted to the car – midday and we had about 75 minutes to get to Cascade for our tour. Didn’t get held up for too long along the way, and had some good downhill runs to make it to the brewhouse by 1.20pm – excellent! Tour at 1.30pm and we found out about the history of Cascade, the first brewery in Tasmania. Through the factory and it was interesting knowing what Boags do to see another one in action. Finished just before 3pm and it was onto the important stuff... the tastings! Had a Blonde each, a traditional blonde in that it’s a wheat beer, not a low carb beer. Then we split our last two and trie
d the pale ale, premium, draught and first harvest. Premium and draught came up trumps for me – and all went down very well with some wedges. We then sampled their non-alcoholic beverages, with the nicest apple juice, some interesting green stuff and some better than average creaming soda, sparkling apple juice and orange juice. Sitting outside enjoying the day and gardens – most relaxing! Back through town, via Battery Point and Kelly’s Steps (that’s what they are actually called) before stops at the visitors centre and woollies before heading back to the caravan park in Berriedale for the night. Time for dinner and to cook up the rest of the vegies we prepped in the van but with the sun shining through the back window it was really hot so cooked over in the camp kitchen – thai green curry. Yummy! Dishes and then a big walk to Cadbury and back. Arrived home just before 10pm and it was time to blog, write cards, mail cd’s and organise luggage. Another early night... at 11.45pm.
Awake before 7am it was time to go for a run. I left Kel sleeping and headed to the ablutions to get changed before heading down to the beach. It was an overcast by still morning, and considering the lack of running/physical activity I had done of late (other than walking) I was surprised how reasonably well I felt... until someone ran past me like I was standing still!!! Just over half an hour to run to the end of the beach and back it was nearly 8am when I returned and woke up Kel. Breaky, showers, organise George and off to the Tasmanian Devil Conservation park, with a stop for fuel along the way (which was cheaper than in Hobart, and they fill it up for you ... go figure!). Park was good, learning lots about the Tassie Devil. W
e saw them feed – my god, if you thought you shouldn’t stand between a pregnant lady and food you haven’t seen anything til you see these guys! They go at it, leaving nothing behind (bones, fur, the whole lot).Saw the birds (including a Wedgey, who we felt very sorry for in a small cage, however they are building him a new one.)possums, kangaroos and wallabies. The bird show, with some very clever birds (and fast – the peregrine falcon has been clocked at 380kms!!!). The show finished and we bolted to the car – midday and we had about 75 minutes to get to Cascade for our tour. Didn’t get held up for too long along the way, and had some good downhill runs to make it to the brewhouse by 1.20pm – excellent! Tour at 1.30pm and we found out about the history of Cascade, the first brewery in Tasmania. Through the factory and it was interesting knowing what Boags do to see another one in action. Finished just before 3pm and it was onto the important stuff... the tastings! Had a Blonde each, a traditional blonde in that it’s a wheat beer, not a low carb beer. Then we split our last two and trie
d the pale ale, premium, draught and first harvest. Premium and draught came up trumps for me – and all went down very well with some wedges. We then sampled their non-alcoholic beverages, with the nicest apple juice, some interesting green stuff and some better than average creaming soda, sparkling apple juice and orange juice. Sitting outside enjoying the day and gardens – most relaxing! Back through town, via Battery Point and Kelly’s Steps (that’s what they are actually called) before stops at the visitors centre and woollies before heading back to the caravan park in Berriedale for the night. Time for dinner and to cook up the rest of the vegies we prepped in the van but with the sun shining through the back window it was really hot so cooked over in the camp kitchen – thai green curry. Yummy! Dishes and then a big walk to Cadbury and back. Arrived home just before 10pm and it was time to blog, write cards, mail cd’s and organise luggage. Another early night... at 11.45pm. 21st January
Kel’s alarm went off at 7am, with mine following shortly afterwards. Needing an early start to ensure we made Devonport to be on the boat we headed off for Cadbury at 8.20am, and managed to shave 5 minutes of our walk time from the night before to arrive a 8.55am. Complimentary chocolate as you walked in the door (thank you very much) we then listened to Shirley who told us all about chocolate, and she was a very passionate chocoholic! Sounding like Spencer from Some Mothers Do Have Them, the half hour presentation she gave was very informative, and with the taste of chocolates in our mouths Kel and I couldn’t wait to hit the store! With a free (small) box of Favourites on conclusion of her presentation, we headed out for hot chocolates – made using half a cup of white and milk chocolate shavings and frothed milk. OH MY GOD – this beat every other hot chocolate hands down – it was truly
amazing! Then into the shop, with chocolate cheaper than you get in the stores it was so very tempting to stock up. But knowing my new diet starts in less than a week I was quite conservative in my purchases. Then into the merchandise section where I scored some pins and a new travel mug. The walk back was slightly slower (given the extra weight we had to carry) but we were heading out just after 11am. Stopped in Richmond, firstly at the post office so Kel could post home a box of stuff while I took photos of the oldest gaol in Australia, followed by the oldest bridge and catholic church. Lovely historic town, half a day instead of half an hour would have been good. 12.30 and we set ourselves an hour of driving before having lunch, which was timed perfectly with our arrival at Ross. Another quaint bridge with roman numerals on I managed to work it out by deduction. Cooked up the stir-fry (still very good) and we walked past the church, town hall, swimming pool and down the main street, picking up some postcards and Huon pine cheeseboards along the way. An absolutely glorious day for driving our next stop was not planned, when a flock of sheep were being driven across the road. Very funny! On we went, past Perth (quaint little town... not a whole lot like home) and the bypassing Launceston we were on the home stretch, which was broken up by stops at the cheese and chocolate (yes, more chocolate... and Kelly had scoffed most of her box of favourites during the day too) factories before getting into Devonport. Parked the car and a walk around town found most shops... actually the vast majority – closed at 5.30pm (bring on Melbourne!) So it was off to Macca’s for a coffee before heading back to East Devonport and the boat... err ship. We were loaded on, packed our bags and supplies for the night and headed on up to the 8th deck and the ocean view recliners – bed for the night. Down to cat
ch up on the news while they finished loading (with Obama’s inauguration highlights – what a day for America and the free world!) before taking some photos and setting sail just after 8pm. Now I hadn’t really thought about how we were going to get out of the harbour, but when they put the thrusters on and turned the ship around in the harbour – an absolutely amazing feat!!! Staggering in fact! We sailed out of the harbour and I waved goodbye to Tasmania, knowing it could well be a very long time before I return. Up to our chairs we had some food and went through photos for a bit before heading down at 10.20pm for the movie – Narnia, Prince Caspian. Other than some skipping (and missing a scene or 2) it was a really good movie. Back upstairs we were in our chairs just before 12.30am, amazed at how smooth the trip was and hoping the whirring of the engines would block out the snoring......
Kel’s alarm went off at 7am, with mine following shortly afterwards. Needing an early start to ensure we made Devonport to be on the boat we headed off for Cadbury at 8.20am, and managed to shave 5 minutes of our walk time from the night before to arrive a 8.55am. Complimentary chocolate as you walked in the door (thank you very much) we then listened to Shirley who told us all about chocolate, and she was a very passionate chocoholic! Sounding like Spencer from Some Mothers Do Have Them, the half hour presentation she gave was very informative, and with the taste of chocolates in our mouths Kel and I couldn’t wait to hit the store! With a free (small) box of Favourites on conclusion of her presentation, we headed out for hot chocolates – made using half a cup of white and milk chocolate shavings and frothed milk. OH MY GOD – this beat every other hot chocolate hands down – it was truly
amazing! Then into the shop, with chocolate cheaper than you get in the stores it was so very tempting to stock up. But knowing my new diet starts in less than a week I was quite conservative in my purchases. Then into the merchandise section where I scored some pins and a new travel mug. The walk back was slightly slower (given the extra weight we had to carry) but we were heading out just after 11am. Stopped in Richmond, firstly at the post office so Kel could post home a box of stuff while I took photos of the oldest gaol in Australia, followed by the oldest bridge and catholic church. Lovely historic town, half a day instead of half an hour would have been good. 12.30 and we set ourselves an hour of driving before having lunch, which was timed perfectly with our arrival at Ross. Another quaint bridge with roman numerals on I managed to work it out by deduction. Cooked up the stir-fry (still very good) and we walked past the church, town hall, swimming pool and down the main street, picking up some postcards and Huon pine cheeseboards along the way. An absolutely glorious day for driving our next stop was not planned, when a flock of sheep were being driven across the road. Very funny! On we went, past Perth (quaint little town... not a whole lot like home) and the bypassing Launceston we were on the home stretch, which was broken up by stops at the cheese and chocolate (yes, more chocolate... and Kelly had scoffed most of her box of favourites during the day too) factories before getting into Devonport. Parked the car and a walk around town found most shops... actually the vast majority – closed at 5.30pm (bring on Melbourne!) So it was off to Macca’s for a coffee before heading back to East Devonport and the boat... err ship. We were loaded on, packed our bags and supplies for the night and headed on up to the 8th deck and the ocean view recliners – bed for the night. Down to cat
ch up on the news while they finished loading (with Obama’s inauguration highlights – what a day for America and the free world!) before taking some photos and setting sail just after 8pm. Now I hadn’t really thought about how we were going to get out of the harbour, but when they put the thrusters on and turned the ship around in the harbour – an absolutely amazing feat!!! Staggering in fact! We sailed out of the harbour and I waved goodbye to Tasmania, knowing it could well be a very long time before I return. Up to our chairs we had some food and went through photos for a bit before heading down at 10.20pm for the movie – Narnia, Prince Caspian. Other than some skipping (and missing a scene or 2) it was a really good movie. Back upstairs we were in our chairs just before 12.30am, amazed at how smooth the trip was and hoping the whirring of the engines would block out the snoring......
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