Gidday all,

 

Back to Tassie.

 

The time had come.    We lined up at the wharf to board the barge, a worker directed us where to go and had a chat while we waited. He said we were going back to Armageddon with the restrictions and other things in place due to the corona virus outbreak.   Din tried to talk him into going on strike so we couldn’t leave, but he wouldn’t be in it.

 

 

Motoring out through the islands surrounding Flinders, we had a farewell look at the Island. With calm weather and flat seas this return trip was looking promising. A much better ride it turned out. The view of the islands passing by so close and clear blue sky was magical. And not one spew bag was used.

Offloaded at about midnight and slipped down the beach front to wait till morning. First up went to the local supermarket to get supplies, got some and decided to go to Scottsdale to get what we were missing. Soon realised the extent of what was happening as some items were impossible to get, like powdered milk, which we rely on, and even flour, pasta, and rice and of course toilet paper!??

Ended up getting as much as possible and moved on back to Forth to work out our next move. Camped on the river on our friends block where someone had left a homemade fire drum. A welcome sight, and old mate Rod turned up with gifts of fresh produce from his garden, including one of the biggest tomatoes I have seen. When sliced it overhung the slice of toast.

 

Over the next few days we carefully considered our options. The ever increasing restrictions and lockdowns meant our carefree nomadic lifestyle was at an end, for who knew how long. After considering an early departure, which meant a period of six weeks isolation going through various borders, or finding a house to rent here, another friend offered us a cottage on his farm to stay at. Finally we accepted the offer, here we sit as winter approaches. Fortunately there is a wood fire and all the mod cons, so we could be in a worse situation. Always wondered what a Tassie winter would be like, we are about to find out. Already had a few flakes of snow one morning.

Everyone stay safe and isolated, looking forward to being free again. Blog again soon.