Next we followed in the esteemed footsteps of dear friends and Tasmania afficienados, Nick and Anna, to camp at Fortescue Bay on the Tasman Penninsular. We were unable to get a spot in the beachfront area but found one a bit further up the track near the jetty (squid-catchin' territory). Our neighbors were a couple of friendly blokes who were having a couple of days away between the end of the school holidays and the start of work. They disappeared fishing while we set-up (getting quicker but still an epic task!). But at sundown to our horror they cranked up the country and western - loud! Not obnoxious guys at all - just a very different approach to camping... We settled the kids down for the night and as the music was still blaring, Bill bravely volunteered to go and have a beer with them and ask them to turn the music off/down. Which he did... maybe... can't quite remember... Just remember cooking squid with two new mates at 3am. Listening to great music. Kate to go next time.
We started living on fresh squid at Fortescue bay. Nightly jetty runs for Bill and the kids. Wildlife galore - pademelons, wallabies, birds. Got to the point where even the kids didn't get excited to see them. Little blue wrens all over Tassie. So sweet.
Did an amazing boat trip around to Tasman island (thanks nick and Anna). Was too amazing to describe here. Blew the budget, but also blew out minds. Seals, dolphins, albatross and more. Spectacular cliff faces, driving into caves. Wow.
Also visited Port Arthur, complete with evening ghost tour (was great to see the old buildings at, but Zara is the only believer amongst us and Sash was more interested in the Velcro on his sneakers - ruined the mood a bit). But we spent a full day roaming the grounds and learning the gruesome facts about life as a convict. The highlight for us was when the newly outgoing sash pulled down his shorts and lightened the somber mood by wiggling his buzz lightyear undies and singing 'I like to move it, move it' LOUD, while Zara screeched 'Sasha pull your pants up!' over and over. Bill and Kate just stood 50 meters away pretending to be childless and looking on with amusement/horror with the rest of the crowd.
Back to the campsite for another dinner of squid.
Yes, if you can't beat the campers with the dance-party going on, join em, eh?
ReplyDeleteHi Guys, sounds like you are having a great time, aside from country & western to 3. Good to hear you have caught some food! How spectacular is that boat ride, did they tell you the story of the rock climber who was at the top of the totem pole (or was it candlestick??) tight rope walking back to the mainland with no safety harness??? mad?? and how cool was Tasman Island and the winch up, quite a hairy place to live.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed that you are still on the east coast, have you made it to hobart and MONA? How about cradle mountain? mt field etc What do you have time to fit in before coming back to the mainland? But I guess there is always going to more spectacular places to go to...
anna xx