tassie

Tasmania! Unexpectedly wonderful! I went for the purpose of seeing a dear friend that I knew in high school, but was pleasantly surprised to find that the Island is in itself a lovely holiday destination.

Nov 16

After another boring flight (in terms of danger and seat mates) I was standing at the baggage carousel waiting unsuspectingly for my bag when I was bear hug attacked from behind. This very warm welcome from Leannie was a great start to this excellent leg in my journey.

Leanne and I met Leo (her charming husband) for hot chocolate affogatos. Affogato is traditionally a scoop of icecream in a glass which comes with a shot of espresso which you pour over the icecream for a delightful mix of hot and cold goodness. Substitute hot chocolate for the espresso and you have my new favorite dessert beverage.

Dinner was a fancy affair put on by Leo, which was followed by homemade chocolate macaroons.

Nov 17

While Leannie was working I took the opportunity to explore downtown Hobart. Hobart is small and built on a hill. It's a great workout to explore it. I had a nice coffee at Retro, then took the ferry over to MONA the museum of old and new art. The ferry ride was lovely. The museum which had been highly recommended, I found to be dark (both in mood and lighting as there was no natural light) and depraved. Much of it was semi-pornographic as it showcased many items through many mediums of nudity and mutilation, often in combination. I left shortly after arriving.

I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring downtown, shopping on Elizabeth st., and eating gelato. This decadent day was followed by a most enjoyable dinner out at a small, family owned Italian restaurant called Solo. Make a reservation, we were very lucky to get a table.

Later, Leanne and Leo took me to their dance class. Ceroc dancing is somewhat like swing dancing, but no rock step. I'm not so good at it because the rock step has become automatic, and I like to bounce. 

Nov 18

A rainy morning curbed my more adventurous enthusiasm, so I looked around at some shops on the harbour front. I ducked into an antique shop to see if I could find some treasures, and was indeed lucky though not in an expected way. The shop keeper exclaimed as I entered that I must know him, otherwise why would I be smiling so at seeing him. He invited me in and bade me sit at his desk while he grilled me on North American trivia. I found that he had recently been to Ireland, and that he was quite a keen story teller. He instructed me in the art of joke telling, "the secret" he said "is writing down the punch line" and so handed me a card and thence began regaling me with Irish and Australian humour.

Seriously, ask me for a joke, I've written down the punch lines for just such an occasion. A diverting 45 minutes were spent in his company. I have no idea how he sells anything, I didn't even get a chance to look at the antiques.

While I was in the area, I thought that I might as well check out the displays in the local art school. I was not disappointed. I had been so uninspired by the previous days' "art" that I found I was not in a humour to tolerate that which did not please me. However, happy was I to wander and wonder at the skill, effort and artistry in what had been displayed.

That evening Leanne, Leo and I packed a picnic dinner and headed to the beach in Kingston. Despite being a chilly evening, it was beautiful to eat out of doors with the waves crashing on the beach and the sun setting in the foreground.

Nov 19

Funny, since it doesn't feel like it, but it is indeed time for such secular events as the santa clause parade. Leanne and Leo dance with Le Bop dance troupe, and they danced in intersections for the crowds waiting to see the parade. It was hot and sunny, and I had to be fully saturated with SPF 30. I did not envy the guy in the big red suit.

After the parade we rehydrated and revived ourselves with water and lunch, and then hit the Salamanca markets. There was a terrible terrible band playing the only three songs I presume they knew. I'm not sure if there was rotten fruit involved, but I do know that they didn't last more than three repetitions. Exploring the markets took the better part of the afternoon, so many treasures and trinkets!

This followed by a well deserved quiet evening, and the rare privilege of an encounter with the six fingered sword.

Nov 20

Since being in Australia, I had not had the opportunity to go to church, so I was so delighted to accompany Leanne and Leo to their church this lovely sunny Sunday morning. The speaker spoke of true humility and trusting in God rather than any earthly thing or human trait or ability. It was refreshing to my soul to be among my church family and worship with them.

After a quick bite to eat from a local bakery, we headed off to Port Arthur which we explored as throughly as we could between violent downpours. Despite its' sad and unquestionably terrible history, Port Arthur is a beautiful place which feels both peaceful and restful. Ruins of the prison, the barracks, the infirmery sit on lush green hills surrounded by trees and fronted by a small port bay.

Nov 21

I'm only slightly embarrassed to say that I spent much of today in pajamas.

I did however also climb the historic shot tower. This is a tower that was built specifically for the purpose of making shots (the lead balls used in very old firearms). "How is this done?" you may wonder out loud. By melting lead at the top of the tower, and spooning it into a seive with holes the size of the desired shot and letting the lead cool and harden as it plummets the height of the tower to plop unceremoniously into a barrel of water at the base of the tower, perfectly formed and ready to fire.

Nov 22

You may say that making up for lost time precipitated the speed warning I was given this morning in my small rented car. Today was a day of fervent prayer, as I drove on the left and faked my way around traffic circles, making my way from Hobart up towards Freycinet National Park. A scant hour from Hobart I was booked by a friendly copper who started our exchange with:
"I noticed that this is a hired car"
(abashed affirmation)
"I take it you're not from Tassie"
(no sir)
"Do you know what the speed limit signs look like?"
(red circles around black numbers on a white sign)
"Look, I'm not going to book you this time, but next time you speed you're going to get booked. Please keep an eye on the speedo"
(thank you sir)

Right, so back on track. I am happy to tell you that I was diligent in the extreme regarding speed for the remainder of the trip.

Freycinet National Park is beautiful. Many lovely bushwalks, gorgeous views (a lot of postcards originated here), and ideal looking beaches with aquamarine waters and fine white sand. It was a grand adventure.

On the drive home "Sheila" my GPS unit provided me with the "shortest route" home. While the distance was shortest, the road was a "c" grade road. Highways are grade "a", main roads are grade "b", dirt track narrow farm roads are grade "c". Like I said, a day of fervent prayer. Breathtaking, not just beautiful.

Nov 23

Leanne and I drove to the top of Mount Wellington, where it was cold enough to host a bit of leftover winter snow in the crevices between rocks. On a clear day Mount Wellington is well worth ascending for the yodellers eye view of Hobart and surrounds. It was freezing up there, despite our beanies (toques), so after snapping as many pictures as we could before our fingers were no longer functional, we redescended.

A tasty lunch at Golden Tulip energized us for our following expedition. South down the coast to Hastings Caves and "tepid" springs. The caves we extraordinary! And very fun for echoes. There was some singing involved.

Nov 24

Leo took the day off, and all three of us took the ferry to Bruny Island. Cheese, wine, olives, fresh bread, fresh berries, all eaten from various excellent picnic spots, followed by homemade surf n' turf of perfectly cooked steak and fresh garlic butter scallops. Need I say more? A delectable day!

Nov 25
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. And after a somewhat salty farewell and so long, I flew to Sydney...