Forgot to mention that when we were on the beach last night the fires that had been burning on the other side of the bay could be seen from miles away – with flames flaring in the dark – it was pretty scary to see.Today we visited Launceston – but the Aussie’s pronounce it Lawn-seston so they did not understand what we were saying. Launceston is an odd place, a strange mix of architecture, art nouveaux, Victorian, modern, colonial and shabby. The shops were also an odd mix of really cheap £1 type shops and designer expensive shops although everything they sold seemed to be a bit out of date.
We visit Pennyworld which is a group of buildings that had been relocated brick by brick – not sure why – but included a row of cottages, a gun powder store and railway station for an old steam train.
Later we visit Cataract Gorge, a lovely location where the river tumbles down the gorge to a basin of rocks and plants. The victorians decided it was a place to be transformed into a social meeting environment so removed the swamp land and laid lawns, put in a bandstand, may poles and play areas. Today the bandstand remains but has been added to by a swimming pool, restaurant and the longest chair lift in the world which goes across the gorge. It is lovely that such a beautiful location can be enjoyed by tourists and locals but I think I would have preferred the pre victoiran version.
Later we visit Cataract Gorge, a lovely location where the river tumbles down the gorge to a basin of rocks and plants. The victorians decided it was a place to be transformed into a social meeting environment so removed the swamp land and laid lawns, put in a bandstand, may poles and play areas. Today the bandstand remains but has been added to by a swimming pool, restaurant and the longest chair lift in the world which goes across the gorge. It is lovely that such a beautiful location can be enjoyed by tourists and locals but I think I would have preferred the pre victoiran version.
Our next destination is Mole Creek and on route we spot a honey shop offering honey ice cream,. Mmmmmm delicious. The shop also sold an amazing range of flavoured honeys and Jeff could not resist the chocolate honey.
Tonight we stay at a campsite based at the foot of three mountains, the views are stunning. All the cabins have been booked out so we take the offer of a back packers two bunk room – only $20 each plus $6 for linen. The room is tiny, about 8’ x 12’ – a bit like a storage facility. It is cool at the base of the mountains and the owner’s offer of extra blankets is welcomed.
Tonight we stay at a campsite based at the foot of three mountains, the views are stunning. All the cabins have been booked out so we take the offer of a back packers two bunk room – only $20 each plus $6 for linen. The room is tiny, about 8’ x 12’ – a bit like a storage facility. It is cool at the base of the mountains and the owner’s offer of extra blankets is welcomed.
Before dinner we take a walk through the National Park and meet Joan, an aged Australian who lives “on the road” in her campervan. Joan likes to talk, but it is not keen on listening. Very quickly we get her life story – contradictory in so many ways, she tells us that she doesn’t like men but seems to have affairs with many of the tour leaders she meets on her travels, she tells us of her 'fling' with Gazza Petterson in Derby one hot summers day in 1996 – way too much information for a first time meeting for our liking so we say polite goodbyes and continue on our walk.
Strangely there is a fully licensed restaurant on site so we enjoyed an excellent meal before retiring to our store room.
However our concerns are unnecessary as its one of the best night’s sleep we have and so cosy and warm we have no need for the extra blankets.
Love and snuggles
Janet and Jeff
Xxx
Janet and Jeff
Xxx
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