Peter and Brenda’s Adventures

Towering over the River Derwent and Hobart is the Shot Tower in Taroona. Built by Joseph Moir in 1870, this 58 meter tall structure was the tallest in Tasmania for almost a century. Workers hauled lead ingot up the 259 steps to the top of the sandstone tower. There the lead was melted and dropped through a colander into a pool of water below. In the process of falling the lead formed rounded pellets to be used in guns.  The views from the top of the tower were tremendous. 

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery was a great way to learn a little about our host community.  We were delighted to learn about the Muttaburrasaurus who graced this area many years ago and saddened to learn about the now extinct Tasmanian Tiger. The last of these stripped dog like creatures died in 1937.  Exhibits of local art and history entertained and enlightened us. 

 The partial rainbow waivered on the horizon as we approached Horbart. adding to our anticipation of the wonders of Tasmania. 

 It was very early when we left to catch a flight to Hobart, on the southern Island of Tasmania. The rising sun cast a pink glow over our first glimpse of Tasmania. Soon rugged coastine and pristine forested lakes greeted us with a promise of exciting times to come. 

Originally referenced as Sows and Piglets, the limestone formations known as the Twelve Apostles never featured twelve rock stacks. While erosion has caused several stacks to topple, rough ocean waves continue to form new caves, which become arches and eventually new stacks.  A short drive from the Twelve Apostles is Loch Ard Gorge, the site of the Loch Ard shipwreck in 1878. While we cannot see the underwater wreck, we appreciated the thunderous waves that may have cause the disaster. 

 At Maits Rest in Great Otway National Park we enjoyed a brief walk into the past.  Three hundred year old beech trees towered over the fern trees in this cool temperate rainforest.  Relatives of some of these trees existed with the dinosaurs. 

Extending south and west of Melbourne the Great Ocean Road offers thrilling vistas of the Pacific Ocean as it travels through many little towns and hamlets. The longest war memorial in the world, this road was built by returning solders between 1919 and 1932, and dedicated to those who did not return. Because blasting created war memories for the soldiers, the work was completed with pick and shovel.  Now it is a popular tourist destination bringing people to the beautiful beaches and surfing destinations. 

We were treated to a match of Aussie Rules Football, Carlton vs Geelong. An exciting fast passed game played on an oval field, players score 6 points for kicking the ball through the middle uprights and one point for getting the ball through the side posts. In the end the Geelong Cats out scored the Carlton Blues 118-105.  We learned later that we were part of a record breaking crowd this evening. 

One room. Ranging in size from 60 to 80 square feet, these colourful boxes line Brighton Beach. Most are decorated and used by beach goers. There is no running water or electricity at these cute sites. Word is that a single box can sell for $400,000. 

What was to be a quick stop on our way to Melbourne became a morning of natural wonders.  Raymond Island is a quick two minute ferry ride from Paynesville, but it is a world like no other. A colony of about 200 Koalas live among the eucalyptus trees on the island. While it took a little time to spot our first one, koala-spotting became so much easier with experience…just look for the brown/gray thing in the trees.  Often they were curled up asleep against a tree branch However, other koalas were awake to great us We were delight by the added bonus we spotted this kangaroo.

 We went for the boardwalk and stayed for the surf.  Today is ANZAC Day, a day to remember the service and sacrifice of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. While it is touching to see so many people involved in services to remember, it also meant that many shops and services were closed.  As a result we sought out activities that allowed us to enjoy the outdoors without needing to purchase a ticket or amenities.  Our stop in Narooma took our breathes away.  On one side the surf roared towards the beach with tall, powerful waves.  While on the other schools of fishes  a playful seal and a pod of pelicans enjoyed the calm waters.

 We left Sydney behind this morning.  The busy streets of Sydney soon gave way to the 2.3 km long Sydney Harbour Tunnel, which connects North and South Sydney traversing under Port Jackson.  It is disorienting to travel drive that distance in a tunnel.  While navigating the Grand Pacific Drive we stopped to stretch our legs at the Sea Cliff Bridge. At 665 metres in length, this is actually two bridges (one is cantilevered and the other in incremental launching) that were built to carry vehicular and pedestrian traffic along the Illawarra escarpment.  Sadly, low tide and a quiet ocean meant that the Kiama Blowhole did not deliver when we visited today.  A stiff Pacific wind and cloud cover blocking the sun combined to limit our time on the brilliant white sand beach of Jervis Bay.  The winning moment of the day came during a stop in the town of Berry where we enjoyed piping hot fresh cinnamon donut at the Donut Van. Delicious!