Mar 15h - 31st
15th March
Awoke to an amazing sunrise over the Great Oyster Bay this morning! Great to see - even from the warmth of our bed (Well Mike saw it anyway!) Had a morning chat with Pop and Carol and after seeing the weather decided to move on from here as the site is very dry at the moment but rain is forecast and the nice dry sites will turn into a mud pit!
Packed up camp and said our farewells to Marg, Bill and Jill as they are staying on here. Hit the road and stopped at the Spiky Bridge built by convicts - a funny looking bridge with a spiky top and it appears for no real reason!
Got into town and stocked up the bus with supplies at the supermarket. John and I got told off for leaning against the window of an old blokes shop! Such a cranky old bloke - I don't think he was happy because we had parked the bus outside his shop on the street so people passing by couldn't see his signs!
Left town heading for Lake Leake but Pop and Carol had left earlier than us and had made it into the site and said it was terrible and that the only good sites were taken. Decided on the side of the road that we would continue north and have a look around Bicheno.
Went to the Tourist info centre in Bicheno and spoke to a really nice guy behind the counter and he recommended a couple of spots nearby where we could camp without any hassles although not actually camping areas, and were we would also be able to try our luck at some bream fishing.
Had a quick look at the Blowhole near the Gulch and left town with the intention of coming back in the morning for another look around. Filled our tanks with water and headed for the camp area. Pop and I had a go at Bream fishing - there were plenty there but all of them were about the size of your average goldfish!
Retired to the bus for a dinner of sausages after our fishing was unsuccessful!
16th March
Pop and Carol left for town early as they had some mail to collect, we made a slow start to the day and headed into town after breakfast. Pop and Carol had to wait for their mail and we had all thought of heading to the Freycinet Peninsula to see wineglass bay so it was decided that we would head down first to see if we could get a camp spot down there and to see if dogs were allowed into Wineglass Bay.
There were campsites in the area but they were pretty awful and we couldn't get into Wineglass Bay with the dogs (Carol and Pop have a dog 'Tasha' too) So Bec and I had lunch overlooking the bay and headed back for Bicheno and ultimately further north in search of another free camp!
Pop and Carol needed some supplies and had already left town so Bec and I stopped in town to stock up and meet them later at the camp spot they had found in the Bay of Lagoons at Lagoon Beach.
Found a nice area near Carol and Pop and Mike decided it was a good spot to do the bus oil change. So out he went and got nice and dirty. Whilst underneath another couple come over and told us they had a Hino like ours. What an experience the lady was the most irritating person we have ever met! She was just so full on she most defiantly wore the pants in that household.
Cooked dinner on the BBQ and shared a few drinks (A fair few of Pops Moonshines were consumed) After dinner we continued drinking and the annoying lady with the Hino came back over to ask Mike a few more questions about the bus - whilst explaining something she turned away from Pop so he pretended to kick her up the bum which had us all trying to contain our laughter - But Bec just couldn't hold it in and managed to start cracking up laughing with a mouth full of drink which came out rather rapidly through her nose!! What a crack up! Needless to say the lady caught on and rapidly disappeared back to her bus!!
17th March
Another extremely relaxing day around camp - but still a "Busy" day - stoking fires, reading books, walking dogs and drinking a few quite beers!
Some of the day was spent oiling and seasoning our new camp oven so that Bec could cook her first bush meal - a Chicken Casserole!
Bec started cooking her feast around 3 with lots of vegetables and seasoning with chicken - she cooked it all on her own with only a few tips from Carol - what a great meal it was - very hearty and very very tasty she did herself proud!
Pop and Mike continued drinking well into the night but this time deciding to sample a few different drinks from Pops collection of home brew spirits - Wild Turkey, Black Jamaican Rum, Cocoanut Rum, Jack Daniels and Scotch Whisky!
A fun night with more than our fair share of drinks!
18th March
Today we all have decided to move on.
Pop's and Carol where up at sun up and packed to leave by the time that Bec had just awoken from her slumber - 8.30! They headed off in the direction of St Helens but had spent the last week or so by the ocean so they weren't too concerned if they made a bit of ground and headed all the way to Scottsdale.
We on the other hand headed to St Helens, checked out the town and then headed to the numerous camping sites just up the Binalong road and toward Binalong Bay - Oh if I had a $1 for every time Pop's and Mike told me that they think they might have ' been along' this road before I'd be a millionaire!! It’s funny how when you're drunk something can seem oh so humorous in an indigenous Australians accent!! So up the Binalong road we went and we decided that Cosy Corner north was the pick of the crop so we set up for the day/night.
We spent that arvo walking along the beautiful and picturesque bay and met some back packers - he was from the UK and she was from New Zealand (hey bro). Nice enough couple who had hitch hiked their way there from Sydney!! Very Game!! A fairly quite night compared to the last few as we where again alone.
Awoke to an amazing sunrise over the Great Oyster Bay this morning! Great to see - even from the warmth of our bed (Well Mike saw it anyway!) Had a morning chat with Pop and Carol and after seeing the weather decided to move on from here as the site is very dry at the moment but rain is forecast and the nice dry sites will turn into a mud pit!
Packed up camp and said our farewells to Marg, Bill and Jill as they are staying on here. Hit the road and stopped at the Spiky Bridge built by convicts - a funny looking bridge with a spiky top and it appears for no real reason!
Got into town and stocked up the bus with supplies at the supermarket. John and I got told off for leaning against the window of an old blokes shop! Such a cranky old bloke - I don't think he was happy because we had parked the bus outside his shop on the street so people passing by couldn't see his signs!
Left town heading for Lake Leake but Pop and Carol had left earlier than us and had made it into the site and said it was terrible and that the only good sites were taken. Decided on the side of the road that we would continue north and have a look around Bicheno.
Went to the Tourist info centre in Bicheno and spoke to a really nice guy behind the counter and he recommended a couple of spots nearby where we could camp without any hassles although not actually camping areas, and were we would also be able to try our luck at some bream fishing.
Had a quick look at the Blowhole near the Gulch and left town with the intention of coming back in the morning for another look around. Filled our tanks with water and headed for the camp area. Pop and I had a go at Bream fishing - there were plenty there but all of them were about the size of your average goldfish!
Retired to the bus for a dinner of sausages after our fishing was unsuccessful!
16th March
Pop and Carol left for town early as they had some mail to collect, we made a slow start to the day and headed into town after breakfast. Pop and Carol had to wait for their mail and we had all thought of heading to the Freycinet Peninsula to see wineglass bay so it was decided that we would head down first to see if we could get a camp spot down there and to see if dogs were allowed into Wineglass Bay.
There were campsites in the area but they were pretty awful and we couldn't get into Wineglass Bay with the dogs (Carol and Pop have a dog 'Tasha' too) So Bec and I had lunch overlooking the bay and headed back for Bicheno and ultimately further north in search of another free camp!
Pop and Carol needed some supplies and had already left town so Bec and I stopped in town to stock up and meet them later at the camp spot they had found in the Bay of Lagoons at Lagoon Beach.
Found a nice area near Carol and Pop and Mike decided it was a good spot to do the bus oil change. So out he went and got nice and dirty. Whilst underneath another couple come over and told us they had a Hino like ours. What an experience the lady was the most irritating person we have ever met! She was just so full on she most defiantly wore the pants in that household.
Cooked dinner on the BBQ and shared a few drinks (A fair few of Pops Moonshines were consumed) After dinner we continued drinking and the annoying lady with the Hino came back over to ask Mike a few more questions about the bus - whilst explaining something she turned away from Pop so he pretended to kick her up the bum which had us all trying to contain our laughter - But Bec just couldn't hold it in and managed to start cracking up laughing with a mouth full of drink which came out rather rapidly through her nose!! What a crack up! Needless to say the lady caught on and rapidly disappeared back to her bus!!
17th March
Another extremely relaxing day around camp - but still a "Busy" day - stoking fires, reading books, walking dogs and drinking a few quite beers!
Some of the day was spent oiling and seasoning our new camp oven so that Bec could cook her first bush meal - a Chicken Casserole!
Bec started cooking her feast around 3 with lots of vegetables and seasoning with chicken - she cooked it all on her own with only a few tips from Carol - what a great meal it was - very hearty and very very tasty she did herself proud!
Pop and Mike continued drinking well into the night but this time deciding to sample a few different drinks from Pops collection of home brew spirits - Wild Turkey, Black Jamaican Rum, Cocoanut Rum, Jack Daniels and Scotch Whisky!
A fun night with more than our fair share of drinks!
18th March
Today we all have decided to move on.
Pop's and Carol where up at sun up and packed to leave by the time that Bec had just awoken from her slumber - 8.30! They headed off in the direction of St Helens but had spent the last week or so by the ocean so they weren't too concerned if they made a bit of ground and headed all the way to Scottsdale.
We on the other hand headed to St Helens, checked out the town and then headed to the numerous camping sites just up the Binalong road and toward Binalong Bay - Oh if I had a $1 for every time Pop's and Mike told me that they think they might have ' been along' this road before I'd be a millionaire!! It’s funny how when you're drunk something can seem oh so humorous in an indigenous Australians accent!! So up the Binalong road we went and we decided that Cosy Corner north was the pick of the crop so we set up for the day/night.
We spent that arvo walking along the beautiful and picturesque bay and met some back packers - he was from the UK and she was from New Zealand (hey bro). Nice enough couple who had hitch hiked their way there from Sydney!! Very Game!! A fairly quite night compared to the last few as we where again alone.
19th March
This morning we woke and as the weather was beautiful we decided to head back down the beach and take some photos whilst the pups got a great run around. Whilst out we met a lovely lady called Kathy and got talking to her about her trip. We found that she's also on a year off with her hubby, Graham traveling around Aus. They're from Northern NSW and have spent the last 5 months traveling down the east coast. We later met Graham who was fishing and spent most of that day getting to know each other.
As we are recent converts to the camp oven and Carol had given Bec her scone recipe we decided to cook this arvo. The boys went and collected fire wood and then they got a fire roaring. Kathy and Graham had been given a camp oven before leaving home and had not yet used it so we showed them how it was done. We cooked the most amazing scones ever and gorged out on them. Kathy and Graham had been traveling around with another couple they had met in Tassie who later arrived at the same spot so we all had an enjoyable night getting to know each other around the camp fire.
We now headed to Scottsdale where we set up camp at a lovely spot on the river and at the foot of the Mountains called Myrtle Park. Plenty of wild life to be seen here and at sunset there was even some platypus swimming in the river. Another great camping spot courtesy of our bible 'Camps 3'
We also got chatting to a couple who have a 4 year old daughter called Hailey and who were at our same camp last night. Another great couple who are on the road indefinitely enjoying this great lifestyle.
20th March
Happy Birthday Nan - Wendy
It was our intention to get up early and get going this morning but out Mike went at about 9am and I think he may have returned at noon - so many people so little time!! Bec packed up all by herself, that'd be a first!!
We said goodbye to our new mates and swamped details so we could possibly catch up on the main land.
We headed back into St Helens and watched a police boat being launched at the harbor. We stocked up on supplies and water before bumping into Brian and Helene (people we met about a week and a half ago at Franklin) they are traveling well as last time we saw them they were waiting on some news from their daughter at home in NSW as she hadn't been well. Thankfully for them she's going ok and they didn't need to end their trip
21st March
After a slow morning around camp we fueled up and set off for Bridport. When we arrived there wasn't a lot to see and the only camping area didn't take dogs so we decided to just stop for lunch and then head off to George Town.
George Town was a nice spot so we spent some of the arvo just checking out the place. We couldn't find a camp so headed up the road only about 5km to Low Head which is where the opening of the Tamar River begins and where the pilot boat leaves from to bring ships into the harbor. We check out the lighthouse and went to go to the nautical museum but unfortunately it was just closing so we found a great little dodgy camp spot at the boat ramp at Lagoon Beach. What more could you ask for, it had bbq's, toilets and a lovely little bay!!
22nd March
Awoke early this morning and after breakie and packing up we went back to the nautical museum. We must have spent a good couple of hours checking all the exhibitions out, the place was fantastic, full of history. We both loved it but with Mike having a boaty upbringing he really found it special. The people that ran the place where extremely helpful and friendly and gave us a fair bit of insight on the area as well. After enjoying another Devonshire tea (Bec's going to start looking like a scone soon) we went back into George Town to get some washing done and then headed off in the direction of Batman Bridge.
We'd been told a lot about the camping area at the Batman Bridge and it was lovely but really hard to find a level spot so we moved on and went to Tamar Ridge Winery for a tasting - plus we'd got a hot tip from the museum guy that they had work for grape pickers. The lady we needed to speak to wasn't there but she called back later and offered us work starting on Monday. We considered it but thought that the work would be really hard and they where only paying $17 per hour so we decided to give it a miss.
We moved through Beaconsfield and stopped for lunch just out of there at Beauty Point. It was too a nice spot but this part of the area is really dry at the moment because of the drought so maybe not as beautiful as normal. We then moved on to Gravely Bay to set up camp at a small reserve on the river. When we arrived there wasn't too much space so we had to park quite close to another couple who had a van from WA. We later got talking to them and found that they are backpackers over from the UK. He is originally from South Africa and she is from Scotland. They have been in this area picking grapes and told us that the work isn't hard at all and that they'd worked for the winery where we'd been offered work and it was pretty cruisey - oh well we'd already knocked them back. We spent awhile chatting to them and they filled us in on their travels to date and what they had planned for the future.
23rd March
Where we stayed last night was mainly full of backpackers who are fruit picking in the local area so by the time we woke (very reasonable this morning 7.30) everyone had cleared out so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. Bec walked the dogs whilst Mike packed up and then we headed into Launceston after stopping at the local Woolies for supplies. Launceston is a lovely little place about half the size of Hobart. We went and enjoyed the scenery at the Cataract George before heading back into the main town to look around. We parked the bus up and were not impressed to find a parking fine when we returned - bloody buggers had slogged us a ticket for taking over more than the one bay. We are over 7 meters so it's a bit hard to park in one bay. Revenue collectors!!
We traveled out to a small town about 15kms out of town called Hadspen as there are no camping spots in Launceston or caravan parks that take dogs.
It's been a quite evening speaking to Mum and Dad (Dawn and Jeff) and Pete and Donna as well as updating the site - yes yes we know we've been promising everyone but we've been really busy enjoying ourselves to get around to it. Well here we are at 11pm so good night!!
24th March
Awoke in Hadspen after a late night on the computer and then broken sleep due to the local hoons doing burn outs in the car park that we were camped in - we suspect that it may have been the guys we interrupted by setting up camp here yesterday arvo!!
Headed back into Launceston for a final tour and some shopping - Bec was on the hunt for a new pair of shoes to which Mike was completely uninterested, how unusual!!
Left Launceston and traveled to Westbury. There is a camp here that we had heard a lot about as it is behind a 24 hour bakery/cafe - Mike was in heaven, lots of shiny new motor homes and vanilla slice.
Mike visited Steam World, which is a collection of steam tractors. Very interesting as there was even a Fordson that was exactly the same as Mike's Granddad's tractor. As this was not Bec's sort of thing she opted to say in the bus and finish her book.
We decided that we'd go out for dinner but after scouring the town for a nice restaurants we found that it was only the bakery on the menu - it looks like the rest of the town and its visitors had also decided to dine there so after being told that the 24 hour bakery/cafe had turned off their deep fryers for the night (what the) we settled for a burger each. It took about 45 minutes to arrive but was delicious and enjoyed at 9pm.
Tonight it was freezing so we turned in for an early night.
25th March
Happy Birthday Kel!!
Woke to a very frosty morning and whilst Bec was taking the dogs for a walk Mike made friends with yet another annoying couple. Their names are long forgotten but her farting mid conversation (without missing a beat) will be forever etched in our minds, especially considering that she thought giggling was an acceptable way to excuse herself.
Left Westbury and headed for Liffy Falls. Took the short cut in which is a very small, narrow, winding gravel road to the car park. On one very tight corner Mike clipped a road marker however luckily it was plastic and did not mark the bus. In some freak coincidence we met up with Brian and Helene (a couple we'd met South of Hobart weeks ago). They were heading back on the ship tonight so it was great to see them there. The falls where as amazing as Mike remembered from over 10 years ago and Bec also enjoyed the fantastic scenery. Mike took heaps of photos and pretty much climbed throughout the whole river and waterfall on the way back in an attempt to get a fantastic shot.
Moved on to Latrobe (an area just south of Devonport) to set up camp for the night. When we got there the local free camping area was covered in no camping signs so we moved on down the river and found a small car parking area for the night.
26th March
Congratulations Nat and Ev, their first child was born this morning. Kaia Anne weighing in at 7 pounds 3 ounces!
Headed to the local caravan park to have a long hot shower and so that Bec could wash her hair. When we got there the owner wanted to charge us $12 to have a shower but it was only $16 to stay so we decided to stay the night and use the park as our base for exploring. Had a lovely hot hot shower, washed and blow dried the hair and then toured the town on foot. A really nice little country town filled with lots of character and a beautiful river at which we found two young boys fishing for mullet which their dad would later use as shark bait. The boys kept us amused for an hour or so as they were catching lots of fish and killing them by smacking them against a big tree. (We know it sounds awful but it was one of those have to be there moments) The area was full of wasps which were delighted to have the dead or semi dead mullet to sting for the next hour. One of the boys was persistent that he wanted Bec to pull in a fish but she had different ideas as there was no way she was getting stung by a wasp.
Another cold night so we retired to bed early to keep warm.
27th March
Set off early in the direction of Penguin to meet up with our friends Carol and Pops as they will be going back to the main land on Sunday.
Meet up in Penguin and then moved on to a camping area in Riana in the hope that it would be a nice spot. When we arrived we discovered it was a fantastic park run by the CWA (Country Woman's Association or as Pops likes to say the Cranky Woman's Association) We headed into town to pick up a few supplies and by the time we'd returned Carol and Pops had moved their van and had hired 'The Lodge' a private campers kitchen if you like filled with seating, a large dining table, an open fire and all the amenities of a kitchen. It was a fantastic set up and at $5 a night who would complain.
The weather started to turn this arvo and we got some of our first rain since being in Tassie so we were all very grateful that we had the lodge to ourselves and spent the rest of the arvo relaxing, drinking and cooking in it - what a fantastic way to catch up with our friends.
28th March
After a big cook up for breakie this morning we all decided to go and explore some of the local countryside. It was amazing and how Bec pictured the whole of Tasmania to be - lots of rolling hills and small green grassy paddocks filled with animals, so much so that at one stage we got stuck behind a herd of cows being moved from one paddock to another along the main road! Mimi thought this was an absolute treat as she absolutely loves cows and we think she may have had a farming background.
We decided to check out the caves at Gunn's Plains. As the approach to Gunn's Plains is down a very steep hill Carol and Pops could see us driving down and where giving us directions over the two-way. One tour had just finished and we were the only people waiting so we were given a personal guided tour through an amazing cave. The lady who ran the tour was extremely passionate about her job and full of humor so it made it all the more enjoyable. It was only 11 degrees down there so quite cold especially considering we spent over an hour down there.
We then left extremely hungry and headed for the local road house for a homemade pie. After that it was back to the lodge for another afternoon of fun and games. This arvo we where graced by the company of a lovely lady named Jo and her husband who she called 'Ferret Face', we assume because he had a face full of hair.
29th March
The camp grounds caretakers arrived today with a chainsaw to cut down a couple of dead trees. So Mike and Pops gave the guys a hand and kept some of the wood for our fire in the lodge.
As this would be our last day with Carol and Pops until we visit them in Canberra we made the most of just hanging out and having a lazy day. The weather was extremely bad today so a great day for snuggling up by the fire and reading a book.
We also had another visit from Jo and FF today. Later in the day a large bus rolled into camp all the way from Cannington WA. Got chatting to the couple after the wife baked some hot crossed buns and brought them over for afternoon tea - yum yum. Mike and the husband compared notes as he also converted their bus - his was approx twice as big as ours and had taken him 4 years to convert but then this is their new permanent home.
30th March
Sadly it was time to leave one of the best camping areas in Tassie and we also had to say our goodbyes to Carol and Pops just up the road in Penguin.
Traveled on to Devonport as we had some business to sort out as well as some supplies to collect.
Later that afternoon we needed somewhere close by to camp so we decided to head back to our little spot on the river in Latrobe that we'd found only a week before.
When we arrived there was another couple there from WA who had the same intention as us. They were heading back to the main land on the ship tomorrow morning so this was a great little spot to camp close by the ferry terminal.
31st March
Happy Birthday Nadine!!
This morning we were shown some of Latrobe's fantastic hospitality when a local councilor decided to knock on the door and tell us in no uncertain terms that what we were doing was illegal and that we could be fined for camping here. Mike told him that he was an old coot, thanked him and sent him on his merry way.
Carol and Pops had told us about some great attractions in Latrobe and whilst we were feeling anti Latrobe we thought that we'd go and check them out. First stop a shop called Attica, which was a cool collection of all things strange and different including dolls, teddy bears, statues, costumes, Dr Who memorabilia and novelty items. This place is so hard to explain and unfortunately you were not able to take photos but it was an amazing and large shop that we spent more than an hour enjoying and exploring.
Next it was off to the chocolate factory for a disappointing experience. The poorly laid out shop had very minimal chocolate for tasting and we were extremely disappointed.
We where now on our way to Cradle Mountain and needed somewhere to stop for the night so Gowrie Park was it. When we arrived we found that there were free washing facilities so we took the opportunity to get some washing out of the way. Bec spent the afternoon dodging the friendly wasps as she hung out the washing whilst Mike did a few jobs around the bus as we were on power.
This morning we woke and as the weather was beautiful we decided to head back down the beach and take some photos whilst the pups got a great run around. Whilst out we met a lovely lady called Kathy and got talking to her about her trip. We found that she's also on a year off with her hubby, Graham traveling around Aus. They're from Northern NSW and have spent the last 5 months traveling down the east coast. We later met Graham who was fishing and spent most of that day getting to know each other.
As we are recent converts to the camp oven and Carol had given Bec her scone recipe we decided to cook this arvo. The boys went and collected fire wood and then they got a fire roaring. Kathy and Graham had been given a camp oven before leaving home and had not yet used it so we showed them how it was done. We cooked the most amazing scones ever and gorged out on them. Kathy and Graham had been traveling around with another couple they had met in Tassie who later arrived at the same spot so we all had an enjoyable night getting to know each other around the camp fire.
We now headed to Scottsdale where we set up camp at a lovely spot on the river and at the foot of the Mountains called Myrtle Park. Plenty of wild life to be seen here and at sunset there was even some platypus swimming in the river. Another great camping spot courtesy of our bible 'Camps 3'
We also got chatting to a couple who have a 4 year old daughter called Hailey and who were at our same camp last night. Another great couple who are on the road indefinitely enjoying this great lifestyle.
20th March
Happy Birthday Nan - Wendy
It was our intention to get up early and get going this morning but out Mike went at about 9am and I think he may have returned at noon - so many people so little time!! Bec packed up all by herself, that'd be a first!!
We said goodbye to our new mates and swamped details so we could possibly catch up on the main land.
We headed back into St Helens and watched a police boat being launched at the harbor. We stocked up on supplies and water before bumping into Brian and Helene (people we met about a week and a half ago at Franklin) they are traveling well as last time we saw them they were waiting on some news from their daughter at home in NSW as she hadn't been well. Thankfully for them she's going ok and they didn't need to end their trip
21st March
After a slow morning around camp we fueled up and set off for Bridport. When we arrived there wasn't a lot to see and the only camping area didn't take dogs so we decided to just stop for lunch and then head off to George Town.
George Town was a nice spot so we spent some of the arvo just checking out the place. We couldn't find a camp so headed up the road only about 5km to Low Head which is where the opening of the Tamar River begins and where the pilot boat leaves from to bring ships into the harbor. We check out the lighthouse and went to go to the nautical museum but unfortunately it was just closing so we found a great little dodgy camp spot at the boat ramp at Lagoon Beach. What more could you ask for, it had bbq's, toilets and a lovely little bay!!
22nd March
Awoke early this morning and after breakie and packing up we went back to the nautical museum. We must have spent a good couple of hours checking all the exhibitions out, the place was fantastic, full of history. We both loved it but with Mike having a boaty upbringing he really found it special. The people that ran the place where extremely helpful and friendly and gave us a fair bit of insight on the area as well. After enjoying another Devonshire tea (Bec's going to start looking like a scone soon) we went back into George Town to get some washing done and then headed off in the direction of Batman Bridge.
We'd been told a lot about the camping area at the Batman Bridge and it was lovely but really hard to find a level spot so we moved on and went to Tamar Ridge Winery for a tasting - plus we'd got a hot tip from the museum guy that they had work for grape pickers. The lady we needed to speak to wasn't there but she called back later and offered us work starting on Monday. We considered it but thought that the work would be really hard and they where only paying $17 per hour so we decided to give it a miss.
We moved through Beaconsfield and stopped for lunch just out of there at Beauty Point. It was too a nice spot but this part of the area is really dry at the moment because of the drought so maybe not as beautiful as normal. We then moved on to Gravely Bay to set up camp at a small reserve on the river. When we arrived there wasn't too much space so we had to park quite close to another couple who had a van from WA. We later got talking to them and found that they are backpackers over from the UK. He is originally from South Africa and she is from Scotland. They have been in this area picking grapes and told us that the work isn't hard at all and that they'd worked for the winery where we'd been offered work and it was pretty cruisey - oh well we'd already knocked them back. We spent awhile chatting to them and they filled us in on their travels to date and what they had planned for the future.
23rd March
Where we stayed last night was mainly full of backpackers who are fruit picking in the local area so by the time we woke (very reasonable this morning 7.30) everyone had cleared out so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. Bec walked the dogs whilst Mike packed up and then we headed into Launceston after stopping at the local Woolies for supplies. Launceston is a lovely little place about half the size of Hobart. We went and enjoyed the scenery at the Cataract George before heading back into the main town to look around. We parked the bus up and were not impressed to find a parking fine when we returned - bloody buggers had slogged us a ticket for taking over more than the one bay. We are over 7 meters so it's a bit hard to park in one bay. Revenue collectors!!
We traveled out to a small town about 15kms out of town called Hadspen as there are no camping spots in Launceston or caravan parks that take dogs.
It's been a quite evening speaking to Mum and Dad (Dawn and Jeff) and Pete and Donna as well as updating the site - yes yes we know we've been promising everyone but we've been really busy enjoying ourselves to get around to it. Well here we are at 11pm so good night!!
24th March
Awoke in Hadspen after a late night on the computer and then broken sleep due to the local hoons doing burn outs in the car park that we were camped in - we suspect that it may have been the guys we interrupted by setting up camp here yesterday arvo!!
Headed back into Launceston for a final tour and some shopping - Bec was on the hunt for a new pair of shoes to which Mike was completely uninterested, how unusual!!
Left Launceston and traveled to Westbury. There is a camp here that we had heard a lot about as it is behind a 24 hour bakery/cafe - Mike was in heaven, lots of shiny new motor homes and vanilla slice.
Mike visited Steam World, which is a collection of steam tractors. Very interesting as there was even a Fordson that was exactly the same as Mike's Granddad's tractor. As this was not Bec's sort of thing she opted to say in the bus and finish her book.
We decided that we'd go out for dinner but after scouring the town for a nice restaurants we found that it was only the bakery on the menu - it looks like the rest of the town and its visitors had also decided to dine there so after being told that the 24 hour bakery/cafe had turned off their deep fryers for the night (what the) we settled for a burger each. It took about 45 minutes to arrive but was delicious and enjoyed at 9pm.
Tonight it was freezing so we turned in for an early night.
25th March
Happy Birthday Kel!!
Woke to a very frosty morning and whilst Bec was taking the dogs for a walk Mike made friends with yet another annoying couple. Their names are long forgotten but her farting mid conversation (without missing a beat) will be forever etched in our minds, especially considering that she thought giggling was an acceptable way to excuse herself.
Left Westbury and headed for Liffy Falls. Took the short cut in which is a very small, narrow, winding gravel road to the car park. On one very tight corner Mike clipped a road marker however luckily it was plastic and did not mark the bus. In some freak coincidence we met up with Brian and Helene (a couple we'd met South of Hobart weeks ago). They were heading back on the ship tonight so it was great to see them there. The falls where as amazing as Mike remembered from over 10 years ago and Bec also enjoyed the fantastic scenery. Mike took heaps of photos and pretty much climbed throughout the whole river and waterfall on the way back in an attempt to get a fantastic shot.
Moved on to Latrobe (an area just south of Devonport) to set up camp for the night. When we got there the local free camping area was covered in no camping signs so we moved on down the river and found a small car parking area for the night.
26th March
Congratulations Nat and Ev, their first child was born this morning. Kaia Anne weighing in at 7 pounds 3 ounces!
Headed to the local caravan park to have a long hot shower and so that Bec could wash her hair. When we got there the owner wanted to charge us $12 to have a shower but it was only $16 to stay so we decided to stay the night and use the park as our base for exploring. Had a lovely hot hot shower, washed and blow dried the hair and then toured the town on foot. A really nice little country town filled with lots of character and a beautiful river at which we found two young boys fishing for mullet which their dad would later use as shark bait. The boys kept us amused for an hour or so as they were catching lots of fish and killing them by smacking them against a big tree. (We know it sounds awful but it was one of those have to be there moments) The area was full of wasps which were delighted to have the dead or semi dead mullet to sting for the next hour. One of the boys was persistent that he wanted Bec to pull in a fish but she had different ideas as there was no way she was getting stung by a wasp.
Another cold night so we retired to bed early to keep warm.
27th March
Set off early in the direction of Penguin to meet up with our friends Carol and Pops as they will be going back to the main land on Sunday.
Meet up in Penguin and then moved on to a camping area in Riana in the hope that it would be a nice spot. When we arrived we discovered it was a fantastic park run by the CWA (Country Woman's Association or as Pops likes to say the Cranky Woman's Association) We headed into town to pick up a few supplies and by the time we'd returned Carol and Pops had moved their van and had hired 'The Lodge' a private campers kitchen if you like filled with seating, a large dining table, an open fire and all the amenities of a kitchen. It was a fantastic set up and at $5 a night who would complain.
The weather started to turn this arvo and we got some of our first rain since being in Tassie so we were all very grateful that we had the lodge to ourselves and spent the rest of the arvo relaxing, drinking and cooking in it - what a fantastic way to catch up with our friends.
28th March
After a big cook up for breakie this morning we all decided to go and explore some of the local countryside. It was amazing and how Bec pictured the whole of Tasmania to be - lots of rolling hills and small green grassy paddocks filled with animals, so much so that at one stage we got stuck behind a herd of cows being moved from one paddock to another along the main road! Mimi thought this was an absolute treat as she absolutely loves cows and we think she may have had a farming background.
We decided to check out the caves at Gunn's Plains. As the approach to Gunn's Plains is down a very steep hill Carol and Pops could see us driving down and where giving us directions over the two-way. One tour had just finished and we were the only people waiting so we were given a personal guided tour through an amazing cave. The lady who ran the tour was extremely passionate about her job and full of humor so it made it all the more enjoyable. It was only 11 degrees down there so quite cold especially considering we spent over an hour down there.
We then left extremely hungry and headed for the local road house for a homemade pie. After that it was back to the lodge for another afternoon of fun and games. This arvo we where graced by the company of a lovely lady named Jo and her husband who she called 'Ferret Face', we assume because he had a face full of hair.
29th March
The camp grounds caretakers arrived today with a chainsaw to cut down a couple of dead trees. So Mike and Pops gave the guys a hand and kept some of the wood for our fire in the lodge.
As this would be our last day with Carol and Pops until we visit them in Canberra we made the most of just hanging out and having a lazy day. The weather was extremely bad today so a great day for snuggling up by the fire and reading a book.
We also had another visit from Jo and FF today. Later in the day a large bus rolled into camp all the way from Cannington WA. Got chatting to the couple after the wife baked some hot crossed buns and brought them over for afternoon tea - yum yum. Mike and the husband compared notes as he also converted their bus - his was approx twice as big as ours and had taken him 4 years to convert but then this is their new permanent home.
30th March
Sadly it was time to leave one of the best camping areas in Tassie and we also had to say our goodbyes to Carol and Pops just up the road in Penguin.
Traveled on to Devonport as we had some business to sort out as well as some supplies to collect.
Later that afternoon we needed somewhere close by to camp so we decided to head back to our little spot on the river in Latrobe that we'd found only a week before.
When we arrived there was another couple there from WA who had the same intention as us. They were heading back to the main land on the ship tomorrow morning so this was a great little spot to camp close by the ferry terminal.
31st March
Happy Birthday Nadine!!
This morning we were shown some of Latrobe's fantastic hospitality when a local councilor decided to knock on the door and tell us in no uncertain terms that what we were doing was illegal and that we could be fined for camping here. Mike told him that he was an old coot, thanked him and sent him on his merry way.
Carol and Pops had told us about some great attractions in Latrobe and whilst we were feeling anti Latrobe we thought that we'd go and check them out. First stop a shop called Attica, which was a cool collection of all things strange and different including dolls, teddy bears, statues, costumes, Dr Who memorabilia and novelty items. This place is so hard to explain and unfortunately you were not able to take photos but it was an amazing and large shop that we spent more than an hour enjoying and exploring.
Next it was off to the chocolate factory for a disappointing experience. The poorly laid out shop had very minimal chocolate for tasting and we were extremely disappointed.
We where now on our way to Cradle Mountain and needed somewhere to stop for the night so Gowrie Park was it. When we arrived we found that there were free washing facilities so we took the opportunity to get some washing out of the way. Bec spent the afternoon dodging the friendly wasps as she hung out the washing whilst Mike did a few jobs around the bus as we were on power.