Gidday all,

Well still in Campbelltown, had to wait one day for the butcher to restock his coldroom with venison, not a problem. We used the time to do some washing and get it dry. Got the goods now, just have to decide where to go and hide from the easter campers next weekend.

Good view of the moon eclipse last night. Camped next to a nice little stream with wild blackberries along one bank, desert tonight.

                         

Gidday all,

From Ben Lomond we snaked our way down to RINGAROOMA, yes it is a town, came across some trees carved into memorials for their sons lost in the war, amazing. Then on to the pub in the paddock, nice old pub with a warm fire in the bar, complete with a beer swilling pig out back called Pinkie. Next stop Campbelltown to stock up on some venison sausages, steaks and roast from the local butcher.

                                               tree carving outside RINGAROOMA

                                                 St. Columbia Falls near pub in the paddock

                                                            the pub in the paddock

                                              winding down forestry track near St Helens

                                                        more carvings in Campbelltown

Historical buildings in Campbelltown

Gidday all,

Headed down the Tamar river and passed through Launceston, interesting old buildings, liked what we saw. Heading east we turned off the Hwy and climbed the hills to Ben Lomond, 1527m high. Got to the top, in the clouds on a cold drizzly Tasty day, but was still worth the drive. It reminded us of the alps of Switzerland, great road to the ski village too. Went down the mountain a bit and camped for the night.

 

                         

                                                  Rodney cooked up a pav at Loongana

                                                                    into the pizzas

                                                       the Tamar river near Launceston

                                              views from the camp grounds at Ben Lomond

                                                         up the mountain a bit further

                                                      ski lodge at the top of Ben Lomond

                                                   it's a long and winding road to the top

                                                        summer view of Loongana

Winter view of Loongana

Gidday all,

From Loongana to Devonport to pick up a new starter battery for the truck, one was getting a bit tired, prefer to get one now rather than out in the middle of nowhere.

Going to head east to Pyengana, another cheese factory and the pub in the paddock. Then who knows where. Intend to head for the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur.

                                                           The Loongana fire shed

                              mail boxes down at the fire shed, guess which one belongs to the shed.

                                                                 this ones our favourite

Just checking on her sisters

Gidday all,

Long time no blog.

Another great stay at Loongana, called in for a couple of days and left over a week later. Gladly took the time to help out with a few odd jobs around the property. Woke up the other morning to 3 degrees temp, stayed in bed a little longer.

Gidday all,

Headed inland front Freycinet, change of scenery from the coast, into Campbell Town and up to Perth. Called into a local cheese factory and sampled some awesome cheeses, ended up buying some and a local wine.

Winding through the hills again we decided to detour to our friends at Loongana as we were close. Pulled up in Forth, a tiny town not far from them, it started raining and did so all day, so we camped up and headed over to the local pub and stood around a huge wood heater out back and met some locals, was a good arvo. Next day the weather cleared up and we headed up to the mountains. Will visit for a few days and continue on.

Well it’s now 3/April, and still up at Loongana, well down at Ulverstone doing some shopping. Will stay a couple more days then head off again.

 

 

                         

 gone fishing at Freycinet Peninsula

 shells on the shoreline

 cows at the cheese factory

 got the pizza oven fired up

 pizzas cooked in three minutes

 wallabies having a snack

Gumby on his evening visit

Gidday all,

Down to Bicheno and came across a wildlife park, went in to have a look. Up close and personal with a devil and wombat, snakes and birds, was good. Then on to the Freycinet Peninsula, more beautiful blues and spectacular beaches.

Booked our Bass Straight passage tickets, first available, on 20/May. Not a problem, just have to be home by July to get ready to fly to Switzerland in August. Such is life.

 

 

                         

                                                         mother with a pouch full of legs

                                                         giving you that devil look

                                                                devil of a smile

                                                                such a cute wambat

                                                   Din admiring the wombats cute little feet

                                                                Tasmanian tiger snake

                                                                   time for a snooze

                                                       more beautiful colours in the sea

                                                     on the coast at Coles Bay, Freycinet

                                             Coles Bay, The Hazards in the background

Beautiful clear water

Gidday all,

Stocked up at St. Helens, an old tin mining town, around the bay of fires with it’s fascinating red tinged rocks. Down along the coast we camped at Dianas basin. The ocean along the shoreline is a wonderful aqua blue colour, and the water is so clear.

Summer is now over, average temps are dropping, as if they weren’t low enough already. Now looking into booking our return ferry tickets, but still have a bit to see yet

 

 

                         

                             rest area around the bay of fires with shelter complete with fireplace

                                                                just outside St. Helens

                                                         red tinged rocks all along the coast

                                                            the tin dragon at St. Helens

Beautiful blues in the ocean, the photo doesn't do it justice