Left home a little later than planned after having misplaced my keys. Thanks to the spare set I’m on my way. (Keys found when I opened my camping chair out)
I enjoyed fish and chips for tea overlooking Ulladulla Harbour.
On to Bateman’s Bay for the night. Evidence of the fires could be seen along the way.
It is alarming to see just how close the fires came to houses/properties and the destruction it has caused to acres of land with much of it still blackened. Wonderful to see the signs of regeneration coming through the landscape.
Although humid, the day started overcast and there was some light rain that quickly cleared. The fires came very close to Batemans Bay affecting a large amount of countryside along the Kings Highway.
Then by contrast the countryside south of Canberra is so dry that dust clouds were being stirred up by the gusty winds and visibility was poor at times.
So after a long day driving I decided to stop in Holbrook. I’m ready for an early night.
A shorter drive today, 2 & 1/2 hrs. Had shopping as well as things to do and sort out/re-arrange. Staying in Seymour tonight. Found 2 Rollers staying here as well. The girls in the tagalong from Queensland are free camping by the river I believe.
Tomorrow everyone for the Saturday AM crossing on the Spirit of Tasmania will meet and camp at the Pines Altona Scouts grounds. Only 20 minutes away from St Kilda.
I was pleased to have company to travel through the outskirts of Melbourne to our destination. The Queensland tagalong arrived about the same time. We got settled and walked the short distance to the Altona Services Club for tea. 26 Rollers heading over on the SOT tomorrow. Early start, 5:30am.
Up early to arrive at the SOT pier for loading. The group ended up on several decks depending on the type vehicle they drove. Flo’s height was a consideration so she had a spot on the side of the ship on level 5. I hadn’t done the day crossing before so was looking forward to it. Time to meet the other Rollers and have a chance to get to know each other. Apart from being a little rough when we entered the open sea it was a good crossing.
Arrived at Devonport 6:30 pm and regrouped to travel to Turner’s Beach berry farm to meet the whole group (48 Rollers) and get our tour information in a meet and greet session. Cold night, looking like rain.
Woke to a cold overcast day with misty rain. First activity on the agenda was a trip down the road to the berry farm where we picked and sampled as we filled out container with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries. Then we drove in our convoy, the group is divided into 5 groups, to the Tasmanian Arboretum to explore and have a BBQ lunch.
We did the walking trails and saw some interesting bird life and platypus.
From there we drove through some dairy farms and picturesque countryside to Sheffield where we stayed at the recreation area in town.
Very cold and it rained. Not good if you’re in a tent.
After a windy night in Sheffield we had a tour of the Tasmanian Truffle Farm, featured a few years ago when the brother and sister Henry and Anna were on MKR. Enjoyed the tour with interesting commentary and the amazing selection of samples for us to try.
Then on to Deloraine with a free afternoon to look around, shop before driving on to Bishopsbourne Recreation grounds. The weather actually was sunny during the afternoon and warm. Time to have tea and settle in for the night.
Tomorrow we head for Launceston.
Joans jottings 