May 28, 2011 - Not Many Sleeps Left

After months of planning the time to leave is nearly here. Today Barry organised the caravan boot - very modular. I have put some of the last minute items inside the van. We have made lists on lists so hopefully nothing that matters will be left behind. I have put clothes in the van and taken some out again - not sure what Barry has done about his clothes but they are his responsibility! My pantry is extremely organised - no - everything is extremely organised! The one thing we really need but cannot seem to find at the moment is my voice!...

Apr 14, 2011 - East Coast to Hobart

Things went better than we expected. We woke from our very nice hotel in St Helens to a dry morning with no new rain overnight and so with the roads reopened, we were able to continue south down the East Coast instead of backtracking to Launceston. We did miss out on the Bay of Fires due to road closures but managed to enjoy Bicheno and Swansea through to the magnificent Freycinet National Park. Even though the skies and seas were grey the dramatic granite bouldered beaches and mountains made spectacular backdrops to mirror like coves and...

Mar 28, 2011 - Off to AS

Peter has been a great driver and our go to person for questions. He knows all about all kinds of rocks and shells. He knows why sheep all face the same direction when they eat and all other information about sheep! Alison has entertained us with her Ali-isms. Watch for a list of them at the end of our trip. New Zealand thoughts: Sheep, sheep, and more sheep, cows and deer. Maori history. Friendliest people in the world. Mountains & Glaciers. Rivers, Lakes and Beaches. Dolphins & Seals. Winding roads. A wonderful time. NZ QUIZ (Answers at...

Mar 14, 2011 - Hobart

Hobart – 28 February to7 March (7 nights) The 135km drive from Swansea to Hobart was very scenic with mountains and coastline all the way. Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and has a population of about 212,000. Founded in 1803 as a penal colony, Hobart is Australia’s second oldest capital city after Sydney. The city, initially known as Hobart Town or Hobarton, was named after Lord Hobart, the Colonial Secretary. The city is located in the state's south-east on the estuary of the Derwent River and the skyline is dominated by Mount...

Feb 24, 2011 - Hobart

der ausgangspunkt fuer unsre tasmanienrundreise, eine von antarktischen winden gepraegte, kalte aber dennoch schoene, zweckmaessige stadt mit den gewohnt sehr freundlichen australiern, einen tollen samstagmorgenmarkt, schoenen buchten und viel natur mitten in der ueberschaubaren stadt.

Feb 18, 2011 - No devil in Tasmania

After sailing the Tasman Sea for 2 days, we arrive early in the evening to Hobart, Tasmania. We are very curious to learn about this island, a state of Australia. It was founded in 1804 as a penal colony and named after Robert Hobart, the British colonial secretary. Tasmania is similar in size to Ireland; boasts the largest lavender farm in the world and the oldest brewery of Australia, Cascade, founded in 1824. Ron samples the beer and crowns it spectacular! One reason may be due to environment. Most of the 200,000 “Tassies” as they are...

Feb 18, 2011 - Hobart, Tasmania Australia

The island of Tasmania is absolutely beautiful! Rustic, rugged and one of the friendlier spots we have visited! The folks here are super friendly and welcome the chance to share their Island with visitors. "Tazi" as the locals call it, was founded in the early 1800's as a penal colonly. Remnants of those days are preserved throughout the island. Tazi is said to have the cleanest air and water in the entire world! It had a great fresh smell in the air. Our ship arrived early the night before which gave us a chance to take in some local...

Jan 30, 2011 - Battery Point and Cascade Brewery

We spent the morning yesterday doing our washing, cleaning and shopping. Whilst out we went back to Fantastic Furniture to have another look at their beds as we are a bit over sleeping on the floor. We did manage to pick up some side tables to put next to the bed but the beds were just too much money to spend given we are only staying here for 6 months. As we headed home I was checking out 'Gumtree' on my Iphone and noticed a bed for sale which was close to where we were so we called them and went round to have a look. Bingo - it was just...

Jan 19, 2011 - Day 23 - Hobart

A quiet day planned today after a big day yesterday and a few late nights. Our last day in Hobart. Breakfast was interrupted when 4 baby ducks waddled into the annex to join us. By the time we finished breakfast, washed up and showered it was around 11am. We tried our luck again and headed into the Cadbury Chocolate Factory. The good news was the queues were much shorter this time so we stayed to enjoy the demo and chocolate shop at the huge factory. When Lise went shopping in the chocolate shop after the demo she forgot that each of us...