Nelson Bay ,

The most westerly part of Tasmania. Beautiful camp here. This is the view

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Nelson Bay ,

The most westerly part of Tasmania. Beautiful camp here. This is the view

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Burnie

The weather now looking better and will head of to Nelson Bay on the East Coast for a few days. A strong chance there will be no phone connection.

Strahan

Strahan village, salmon cages, view on train ride.

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Strahan

Strahan village, salmon cages, view on train ride.

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Strahan

Strahan village, salmon cages, view on train ride.

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Crayfish at Strahan

The fishermen get $100 per kg for these crays. They are twice the size of ours in the west.

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Burnie

Hi folks, my phone seems to have fixed itself now we are in Burnie on the north west coast. I have just looked at the blog and it is all over the place .I guess the  Telstra connection not so good on the south west. Anyway, we had a beautiful time in Strahan. It it a fishing town and tourism. If it wasn't for tourism here in Tasmania the place would die. We partook of two really well done activities. The first was a boat cruise up the Gordon River wilderness country. So serene. In spite of the day being drizzly it didn't matter. We disembarked st Sarah Island which was a convict jail. No escaping from there. The crew did a tour and walk around. They told stories and had some tourists participate. At one point Reece was big Richard someone a convict. Lots of humour. They did it really well. Then back onto the boat and next stop was a walk in the rain forest. Photos don't do it justice. Lunch on board salad and mountains of Tas smoked salmon. Strahan is in a very large harbour Macquarie and we passed many salmon farms. The fingerlings are in the cages for more than 12 months before they are harvested then to Devonport for processing. A very good day and really remote. 

Monday we drove early to get to Queenstown by 0815. It is less than 50kms but difficult windy/ ie winding road, as all roads are here except the main hwy up the middle from Launceston to Hobart. It took 45 mins. Another really great day on a steam train with again good fun commentary with lots of incredibly beautiful scenery and rain forests.

Yesterday we had a long drive here to Burnie. Not too far in kms but again narrow roads through many hills. Stopped on the way for lunch and then at Hellyer Gorge for a wander. Burnie on the coast. Sun shining. Perfect for the washing. I have defrosted both fridges in van, two loads of washing. It's all go here. Reece has been to physiotherapist this am for his shoulder and has some exercises to do. He gets some pain in his bicep. Car service tomorrow. New auxiliary battery yesterday. Will have two more nights here then off to Stanley or Boat Harbour. The beach here is calm. No surf in Burnie and about a three foot tide. Not warm enough first a swim. A nice waterfront with restaurant and children play areas. S big harbor here too. Now I can send some pics through.

Hope you are all ok. Love Pen

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Launceston

I did a little boat trip up the river to Cataract Gorge. Rowing regatta in progress. 

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On the Tamar River , Launceston

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Steam train ride Queenstown.

Phone

FYI I am having phone probs and not too sure if SMS is working

We are at Strahan. Beautiful today after lots of rain yesterday. We are going on river cruise tomorrow and on Monday a train trip from Queenstown to the wilderness. On Tuesday we might go to Macquarie camp area just 15 km along the beach. Strahan beautiful town on the coast with lots of fishing boats . Great big southern crayfish. The fishermen get $100 per kilo....
Gotta watch the final episode of Doc Martin.... She leaves!!!!!!!!!

Missed The cradle

H all, on our way to Strahan and now stopping at Roseberry which is covered in a blanket of fog/ cloud. Very slow driving as it is very windy and lots of road work, but so pretty and diverse country. Beautiful open plains and now we are in rainforest. We did not stop at Cradle Mountain as it is drizzling and foggy so can't see anything and too uncomfortable for the walk. Around Dove Lake. Pen apps another time..

Bye for now

Shedfield to Strahan

Lake Barrington. We have a sail boat too.....

Kayak lake Barrington

Lake Barrington

Hi All, just had a couple of beautiful nights free camping at Lake Barrington. View straight onto the lake from our site. Now in Sheffield having a coffee on our way to Strahan. We will do Cradle Mt on the way back. I had a lovely time in the Kayak on the lake yest. Pics coming. My phone need a technician so I can't send pics from it. So sending vie iPad and sometimes boot clever enough to send more than one pic at a time.
We were out of range so sorry mum it kept dropping out and Liz the connection went completely. Not too sure if there will be connection as we plan to free camp further south of Strahan tonight , but we are slow to get away today so really might not even get there.. Doesn't matter...

Check

Just need to check that you are all still getting the blog. Could you email and let me know. Thanks

Very un attractive

Great Lakes

Lunch by Great Lake, Tas

Longford to Deloraine

Just had a lovely drive from Longford to Deloraine via the Central Highlands and Great Lakes area. Amazing scenery and fantastic lakes. We were hoping to camp on the lakes, but it is very windy. So unfortunately Reece won't be able to try for a trout in the kayak on the lakes. So we are now in Deloraine and camped by the Meander River. Love the name Deloraine. Reminds me of some cowboy town in Texas!! Will go for a wander about town after the washing is done.

Poatina, Tas.

Leaving Launceston

Hi all, the TV just told me it is Sunday 16 th March. I am lying in my comfy bed watching ABC news. It is just 0800 and Reece has just arrived back with the Sunday papers. I have been awake for a while sending email to William and Wilson. Seems I sent some pics to William rather than Wilson... Had a little banter with William on email this morning. He must be on night shift. He does have such a wicked sense of humour.
We were keen to see first thing this morning who had won the Tas election, and as predicted it was a landslide for the Liberals. The labour had been in power for 16 years, so well and truly ready for a change, without the greens causing issues. It has been interesting to listen to the ABC radio each day with the election issues. They are all the same issues as we have except the forestry. But no one can really explain to me what goes on there. Seems the industry is falling apart. Such a stuff up in WA having another ballot soon. Not sure how we will vote as unable to get a postal vote as we don't have anywhere in Tas to send it. I spoke to the electoral commission last week. I will ring again this week as they told me we can go to polling booth in Tas but they didn't know where that would be, but this week they will.
We had fun with Viv... Mayfield Beach near Swansea was perfect. Campsite very protected from the afternoon breeze, view to the ocean an perfect to observe other campers who were very entertaining. Reece went fishing, Viv and I walked along the beach, and had a refreshing dip each day. Water cool... But lovely and clear.we had a wander around Launceston before Viv left on Tuesday, then Reece and I had a drive to Evandale. Another pretty village. Friday night was fun. We stayed at the Sebel hotel in town and went to Birthday dinner for friend Jill.it was an Italian restaurant very similar to the Roma. I loved meeting Jill's friends. We will catch up with them on the road. Jill and Joe are picking up a new caravan in Melbourne this week then setting off indefinitely. We enjoy their company. Sat morning we went to the Launceston Harvest Market which is like the Albany market in that only local produce is sold by they growers. So we did buy some yummy goats cheese and beautiful fresh veg and berries. Then I went on a short river cruise on the river while Reece went off to the kayak shop. Such a beautiful day on the river as there was a big rowing regatta and the cruise boat weaves its way along the course.
Last night it rained and rained. It is so cosy with the rain. I have my windows open so I have lovely cool air wafting in and the sound of the rain fab. Today we will tidy up as we are leaving Longford tomorrow and heading to the lakes then will do the north west and depart Tas on April 17.
Wow what a fantastic win by the Dockers on Friday. Looking forward to a stellar season.
We are hooked on my kitchen rules TV programme. So 7.30 each nigh sun to wed we watch it.....
Better make a move now.
Looking forward to my raspberries and blackberries on my cereal.
Lots of love to everyone,

Penelope

Picnic at Coles Bay

Launceston

Beautiful selection of produce at the Harvest Market in Launceston this morning

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Evandale

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Pretty town nearby famous for the annual penny farthing race.

Perth

Hi,

I have just booked tickets for Perth.
I arrive April 24 and depart May 1.
Mum departs Perth with me on May 1 for Sydney and she will return to Perth on May 11.
Sisters can we arrange a special time for us, please..

Quiet day here in Longford, arranging tickets, looking where we will be in the next few months. Booking caravan in for service in Brisbane...etc etc... Washing clothes and hair.. Tidying up etc. so a real home day. Weather cool. I have jeans t shirt and singlet on, so nothing like the heat in Perth...
I seem to have had another with emails not going from my phone so not so many photos on the blog.
We are going on a tour of the forest on Segway tomorrow. I remember Rozza you had such fun in USA on one. Then on Friday we will stay in Launceston Sebel Hotel as we are going to a birthday party!! Will leave here on Sunday and go to the west, via the lakes area. We are booked on the ferry for Melbourne on April 17. Then we will be in Sydney on April 21( Easter Monday) then we will leave Sydney on May 12 and go to Brisbane. ... Then we want to get up to Cape York via inland route. Once we have done the cape we will return to Sydney via the coast. S that takes up all the year!!!!!

Hope you are all well. Missing you Viv. Your bed is still outside !!!!!
What news from you all.

Love Penelope

Mayfield Beach with Viv

It had been gorgeous having Vic with us. The weather perfect. Swim and walk in the morning before the breeze comes in. Reece fishing in his kayak. Nice drive to Coles Bay and Swansea yesterday. Enjoyed our dinner by the campfire with our neighbour Bill. Blowing a lot this arvo so we are all on our beds. Viv and i played a game of Sequence. She has taken up residence in the Swag... Very cosy. Phone connection dodgy. Dear friend Chris Hurley sent over with Vic a delicious panforte. Thanks Chris
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Emails

We have had a great time with Viv and by now she will be back in Cottesloe.

Last night with Viv

Farewell champagne

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Farewell champagne

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Spare room

Viv prefers the swag.......

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Mayfield Beach, nr Swansea

Great spot. Busy campsite as it is a long weekend. Viv and I have been entertained by the other campers. One particular lady very pushy and into the beer at 10am. Just had a nice drive to Coles Bay now time for gin.Reece enjoying his kayak. One flathead today.

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Mayfield Beach, nr Swansea

Great spot. Busy campsite as it is a long weekend. Viv and I have been entertained by the other campers. One particular lady very pushy and into the beer at 10am. Just had a nice drive to Coles Bay now time for gin.Reece enjoying his kayak. One flathead today.

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