TT Tasmania 2007
After some 1300 miles around Tasmania we finally made our way home with this wonderful story to tell and friendships to last a lifetime. Some 10 Queenslanders Bucks, Bradfords, Davises, Dumolos and Websters (TR 4A), 4 New South Welshmen Hollidays & Lehmans and 5-6 Victorians Evendens, Walkers & Johnsons ventured out of the mainland after a large feed up, receiving our kits and a specially made TR key chain to commemorate our crossing. We departed Melbourne across five metre swells and after a sleepless night, worried about our babies, we arrived in Tassie safely to a beautiful blue sky. Blue skies continued for some 11+ days straight, each day being a hood-free day, TRiffic.
DAY 1
The start of our journey, guided by David Pearce to the North (top) and continuing along the East coast line from Devonport through Launceston and across to Scottsdale for lunch. The coast was followed down through St Helens all to way to our first and weary night at Bicheno. This was our first official night with sea views and penguin rookeries only metres away. After an enjoyable opening dinner, all ventured to bed early after a long day and previous sleepless night.
DAY 2
From Bicheno we continued our travels along the East coast to Coles Bay , where we separated into two groups. Those who wanted to walk two hours to a close view of Wineglass Bay and those who strolled along a boardwalk to take in distant views. The idea was to meet up for lunch at Swansea but this didn't eventuate after a small carby problem on the TR4A (damn Strombergs). The chase was then on, finally meeting at Port Arthur just in time for dinner. This was well planned, with a ghost tour of Port Arthur to finish the night. But along the way we did spot a spiky bridge, a devil's kitchen, a blow hole, an arch and some cuts in pavement that they called tessellated.
DAY 3
We started the day touring Port Arthur , following our convict heritage history (our past) and see if ghosts are there in the day! No ghosts anywhere. Off we went to Richmond to meet Peter Cussons in his newly restored TR3 and Max in his newly acquired TR3A from South Australia . Then to visit a cherry farm owned by Chris Wisby who was a hit with the men owing to his part restoration of a TR2. The ladies fancied his raspberry & strawberry patch. I think a few went missing that day. A big thank you to Chris for the PR of the TRs traveling Tasmania on the ABC radio. There were followers cheering us in every town. Then on to Hobart for dinner at the docks. Hummm, seafood.
DAY 4
A free day for all. Some ventured around Hobart walking the streets and some yet again toured surrounding Hobart in TRs. Peter Cussons directed us on an adventure-packed tour of Hobart, even picking up a Healey along the way and ending at the top of Mt Wellington and back to the docks for more seafood.
DAY 5
Peter helped us along the way but first we needed to go via Cadburys factory for energy / sustenance for the long day ahead and handed the reins to David & Jean Pearce as we made our way from Hobart to Strahan. This road was the talk of the town for the rest of the trip. It was a road made for TRs (I kept hearing) with twists, turns and cliffs all the way from Derwent Bridge to Strahan but peaking at Queenstown. The men, and a few women, were in their element. When we arrived the rooms and view were to die for, well worth the long windy road. More seafood.
DAY 6
This was a car free day. We proceeded to a cruise of the Gordon River and Sarah Island , followed by the West Coast Railway to Queenstown with a return by bus. (Mr. Cuss would have loved the crunching gears) this was by far our longest / biggest day but the views far outweigh sleeping on the bus.
DAY 7
Strahan to Cradle Mountain . A light day for travel but when there are only a few days a year with blue skies at Cradle Mountain we needed to make the most of it. Who would believe we would strike it lucky with two fine days? But first we stopped over in Waratah to see a waterfall in the middle of the town. Very surprising. When arriving at Cradle Mountain we all rushed to the lake to make the most of the superb views. And to walk and walk, oh yes and walk. Then to finish the night, a drop of champagne (sorry Sparkling wine) to help share the special occasion of David and Jeans 5 th Wedding Anniversary. We had been traveling their honeymoon path. How special. Anyone for more seafood?
DAY 8
A free day at Cradle Mountain . We walked and walked and yet again we walked until we couldn't walk anymore. Words really fail me to explain the mystery of Cradle Mtn. It's barren with low lying shrubs open to waterfalls and impressive lake systems with photo opportunities around every turn. A few walked some impressive 8+ hours and some flew the same route in a fraction of the time. And at the end of it all some were even pampered by massages, hot tubs, spas & some more sparkling wine. Then more seafood.
DAY 9
It started with Easter Bunny hopping through the Cradle Mountain Chateau spreading joy. Thanks Ted for making this special. We soon remembered it was Easter Sunday and hit the road to Burnie via the Nut at Stanley . For some there was a bargain or two at Penguin Market, collecting a TR Avon Cologne bottle along with many other goodies. Some continue to the Dismal swamp and encountered a challenging slide that blew us away.
DAY 10
Burnie to Launceston was another day where all went in different directions. The main group headed for Mole Creek to Marakoopa caves to see the mites / tites and glow worms. Some visited long lost friends, some headed straight to Launceston to fix a Geny or two and one lone Victorian to the airport.
DAY 11
Today's trip took us to Evendale, meeting Michael and Di Sullivan with their TR3 and with a TR special he is in the process of building. He has an impressive range of hand-built Penny farthings along with riding instructions. A special thanks to Michael and Di for their kind hospitality and morning tea. That night was our final farewell dinner never to be forgotten. The Tasmanians made this a special night, organizing a fantastic venue and the fine company of other triumph enthusiasts. But the most memorable part of this evening, that I will hold dear to my heart forever was the kind gesture by all. A thank you gift that made eyes well up and for once I was speechless. It commemorates this memorable trip, but if anyone asks I had something in my eyes. A big thank you to all.
DAY 12
Today started slowly on a somber note, knowing quite well this was our last chance to capture some of the remarkable views that Tassie has to offer. Once again this day saw all traveling in different directions. Some went walkabout through Launceston and some to Cataract Gorge, but the majority decided to drink the somber note away at Boag's brewery. Then up the west coast of the Tamar River , lunching at a winery, over a very large bridge (by Tassie standards) and up to Beaconsfield . This place is now on the world maps, and a must see. On to a chocolate stop (not that we needed more, hmmm chocolate) before boarding our boat to home the Mainland.
Well, this concludes our TR adventure of Tasmania and at the same time gives a thirst for all the areas missed. Maybe all will return to finish it. A big thank you to David & Jean Pearce for all your hard work, help with the organising and especially the tour guides who helped to make the tour relaxing for all.
Thanks to all. This trip would not have been as magical without you
.. you know who you are.
Love - Mumma
(Leonie Johnson) |