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Post by shaneandsimoen on Feb 27, 2010 8:51:51 GMT 10
Hello kiwijim,
if your still in Queenstown, heading north past the turn off to Strahan, not far up the road on the right there is a turn of to a hydro power station, dirt road about 10km in, ask at the Queenstown info centre, well worth a look.
Regards Shane
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 1, 2010 4:51:10 GMT 10
Howdy Shane, As we are heading South,we didn't see that particular dam that you mentioned, we did how-ever see the Hydro Power system further on towards Hobart, that's where the water is pumped straight up hill via massive pipes, these must have been at least 3mt in dia. Following that, we came across the open channels where the water flowed beside the road at a great turn of speed. Unfortunately ....no photo's of this as I had my hands full keeping the Thomson on the road and the Co-pilot was navigating with the eyes shut....again. Following are a few shots taken in the last couple of days.........       We arrived in Hobart last evening in wet and windy conditions, and with the heater blasting away in the Nissan. Calling into the Show-grounds we found it Chocker-a-block full of 5th wheelers & Motor homes, most seem to be heading to this big gathering up North in a couple of weeks. After a quick check on the computer we found a C/van Park in Berriedale a few clicks North of Hobart, This morning it's crystal clear (still dark) looks like a good day for a bit of sightseeing. More will follow, kiwijim  |
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Post by bobandjacqui on Mar 1, 2010 5:49:18 GMT 10
G'day Kiwijim, I was interested to see your photos of Queenstown as we were there a couple of years ago. It's good to see nature repairing the damage from the mining operation. We were told that only a few years ago the whole area was a moonscape. The vegetation was starting to grow when we were there but it's great to see how much it has grown since our visit. We're following your travels with interest so keep the photos coming.  Cheers Bob and Jacqui. |
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 1, 2010 12:48:55 GMT 10
Howdy B & J, Yes I can well imagine the damage that mining did around Queenstown, it's still very evident today but, a lot of re-hab work is being done as you have noticed, It also appears that the town is slowly dying, many of the shops stand empty, the local school is a vandalized wreck, the only Butcher shut his doors some months back and the only garage left operating is selling fuel at a "laced with gold" price. It now appears that the mine is a Copper mine, not Tin as some-one first told me, any-way I can't see much work being done around it, so Don't know if it is still operating or not. We are now parked in the Treasure Island C/van Park around 6km out of Hobart in the very pretty suburb of Berriedale. I have to share the following photos as it's so rare to find all these vans together in one place, they were all purchased brand new and towed from the Chesney factory to this site in the late 70's early 80's The on-site Care-taker tells me there was a total of around 23 bought new, most are still here while others are at other Parks...     This last photo is of a Fibre-glass ended and roofed early Chesney, it's near on 30 ft long and rather rare at that size, the owner didn't realize how rare it was, even after he was offered $17.500 for it a couple of years back. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2010 16:47:24 GMT 10
Love those chesneys jim
Anyone know were I might get a pair of those tail light mounts as mine are cracked and about to fall off?
Cheers Gary
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Post by millard1399 on Mar 1, 2010 20:26:26 GMT 10
garyr, these lights would have been made by Hella, but no longer sold. You have two options: 1. Narva make a similar light. Part No. 86010. Click on this link and check down the right hand side, 5th product. The chrome surround is plastic these days, but your originals may have been metal. Everything is plastic now. 2. Second option is to go to any caravan park in Australia that still has on-site vans. Stacks of these light fittings just wasting away. Do a deal with someone who doesn't need them anymore (almost 99% of owners wouldn't need them!) cheers, Al. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2010 20:14:50 GMT 10
Thanks Al
Will try the van parks to see if i can get the mounts for my tail lights but I imagine that they would be as fatigued due to weather exposer as mine may have to make up a mount?
CCheers gary
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 3, 2010 6:06:43 GMT 10
Howdy Gang, We were wandering through a shop here in Hobart yesterday, Came across this sign, it's something the Daughter has been telling us for years..........  The weather here is still fine, although a little cool..... 7 deg the other morning, Cool enough to grab a "coldie" from the cupboard instead the fridge.  ;D  kiwijim ;D |
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 3, 2010 15:02:27 GMT 10
Howdy Gang, We awoke to another "MAGIC" day here in Hobart, Clear, cool skies, warm at 10 deg. Headed off Sightseeing through Central Hobart, over the Bowen TASMAN Bridge, and up to a look-out at Roshy Park.....   ![]()  Next we returned over the Bridge and had a cuppa at the Botanical gardens............  This photo was taken from the dining room at the top of the gardens, The following pic's were taken inside the Conservatory..........    If one looks closely I think there may-be someone with a snippet of a plant in ones hand ;D  The next two pic's were taken on the down-hill run back to the parking lot......   Finally a pic of the Treasure Island C/van Pk, from the entry road...  |
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Post by atouchofglass on Mar 5, 2010 6:41:02 GMT 10
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 6, 2010 6:19:33 GMT 10
Howdy Atog, I'm glad the photos bring back some memories, although maybe they're not warm ones. I still can't get over the weather here, the day time temp isn't all that high, around the low to mid 20's most days, but being so clear I could swear it was in the 30's , "Magic" I climbed out of the Thomson yesterday morning, had a gander at Mt Wellington in the distance behind us with a transmission aerial sitting on top,  Thought it would be great to get up to the top and get some good photos, so after a climb ( or rather drive ) of 21km, we reached the summit at 1270 mt ( 4000 ft )      We're off to see the Alpine miniature rail-way tomorrow, and also get some cheap sweets at the Cadbury factory. more pic;s will follow ;D ;D ;D kiwijim |
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 8, 2010 5:23:13 GMT 10
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Post by atouchofglass on Mar 8, 2010 8:02:13 GMT 10
HMMMMM Chocolate !!!!!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Got to the Chocolate factory in 2001 Never saw the model trains Guess I'll have to go back again .... and again.... and... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D That's great Jim Keep the photos coming Not only brings back memories - it gives ideas for the next trip. Awaiting the next installment on the edge of my seat Cheers Atog |
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 9, 2010 4:07:51 GMT 10
Howdy Gang, At this point in our travels, I would like to thank a very kind couple of our Members........ Murray and Raelee from Richmond near Hobart. This couple very kindly picked us up from the C/van Pk and spent the whole day showing us all over this lovely part of the world, On our guided tour with them I think I took something like 180 Pic's, following are a few of the many places we visited.......... The Hobart Theater Royal, the lights were turned on for us by special request, thanks Raelee.........     Next we headed out to Battery Point Kangaroo Bluff.........   Then into town,to the Salamanca Markets..........    Next we headed around the Fore-shore and past the Casino, another very pretty (and expensive) part of the coast.........     Coming up are a few of the many shots I took while visiting the Model Village of Old Hobart, these will be posted as soon as I buy another Pre-paid for this money eating Computer. |
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Post by tassietiger on Mar 9, 2010 5:04:47 GMT 10
Great to see you getting out and about kiwijim. Great photos. At the risk of treading on your toes and/or offending you just a couple of changes to names. The bridge you crossed was the Tasman Bridge the Bowen bridge is further up the river and the area you visited with the old cannons is called Bellerive or Kangaroo bluff and was built as a defensive fort to ward off a possible Russian invasion during the Crimean War. Battery Point is actually on the other side of the river directly opposite where you were.
Hope the rest of your trip goes well and perhaps we can catch up when you get back from your trip south?
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 9, 2010 15:20:27 GMT 10
Howdy Tassietiger, Thanks for the corrections to my typing Boo, Boo's  I have to admit that I did notice the wrong name calling when I was studying a road map this morning, I made a note to go back and correct the wrong names this morning, but, the "One Who Commands" wanted to go shopping again, Cant really complain, ended up with a new 10.5 mp digital camera, now I can really make some bigger Boo Boo's ;D ;D ;D "Yep" it would be great if every-one we know from the forum who live in this part of the world could have a get-together before we leave Hobart, hopefully something can be worked out when we return from the South in a few weeks time. Cheers kiwijim |
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 10, 2010 12:50:14 GMT 10
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Post by bobt on Mar 10, 2010 21:49:04 GMT 10
Hi kiwijim The only bad thing I can say about our trip to the apple isle...... It was not long enough...............  Pity we did not get to catchup.. hmm I missed the turn off to Richmond.... cursed and cursed afterwards.... 20k in an Austin 7 is like a 40 minute drive... longer if ya going up hill ;D ;D Take ya time and enjoy it. There are absolutely no lack of blackberries along the way and plenty of cheep camping spots... bobt |
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 11, 2010 0:47:34 GMT 10
Howdy Bobt, I can fully understand what you mean about taking forever to drive any distance around here, I don't think there is anything like a gentle climb over any hill in this part of the world  Talking of distance, we called into an information place on the way down to Hobart, asked the bird, How far to Hobart from where we were at the time...... "Oh" she said, It's only about an hour and a half May-be I should have told her we were towing a caravan ( 1-1/2 t ) and had the Nissan fully loaded another ( 2-1/2 t )......... Because it was another three days before we got here. "OOOOOHHH" those corners, and the steep winding roads...... enough to give one night-mares. We are all praise for the locals, their general attitude is very helpful and they all seem to have the time for a good chin-wag. We're off to see Port Arthur today, and have been invited to drop in on our new friends and Forum members... Murray and Raelee. A great couple, and we can't thank them enough for taking the time to show us just about every-thing that there is to see around Hobart. "Yep" pity we didn't catch up with each other Bobt, not to worry, we're coming back your way sometime in the future, so, keep the kettle on, or a lock on the ice-box ;D ;D ;D ;D Cheers kiwijim ;D |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2010 9:48:18 GMT 10
Gidday Jim and Jean, Geez you two I disappear for a couple of weeks and look what happens you go and do more sightseeing without me and make it even harder for me to possibly catch up (BUGGA  ) Well it seems that you two are certainly having fun and making the most of it. Sure looks like a beautiful part of the world down there and certainly a must to visit not sure about towing my rig though too many tight corners for the chevy and 21 footer I think, maybe a hire campervan for a couple of weeks might be better for me haha. Sounds like you have met some nice people too, bit of a shame ya missed bobt tho' but I'm sure you'll catch up somewhere. Keep the stories and piccies comin you lot it sure makes for good reading, pity I cant get internet where I'm working would love to follow it daily. Heres a couple of photos of where I'm living and working for a while. Not quite as picturesque as yours but touristy none the less. View of where I work from where I live View of where I live from where I work and my crane in front of my (house) Carl |
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 13, 2010 1:49:03 GMT 10
Howdy Carl, There's no hurry about catching up mate, we will be here in Tassie for at least another couple of months yet, Just have your rig sitting in Melbourne at Dock-side on our return, then we can join up with Bobt and whoever else thats wants to join the Classic Convey, on a trip up the East coast, into Olympic territory. ;D ;D ;D You wouldn't be out of place if you did bring your rig over to Tassie, some of the 5th wheelers getting around here at the moment must be all of 70-80 ft long combined. I was talking to the owner of one massive thing with a Chev 350 tow vehicle, he said the fuel consumption was almost a cast of how many litres per km not the other way round, As for getting these massive rigs around corners......well everything stops when they are on the hills, there's no room for anything else, makes us with the Thomson feel like we're towing a pup tent. We love your beautiful camp site, but as Jean pointed out, "Ya not cutting the lawn" ;D ;D ;D We got back from a 200km return trip out to Port Arthur yesterday, having a rest today and trying to get the arms working again, after turning about a million corners, It's pretty crook when a kiwi can't hold a coldie up to the mouth with-out support Photo's of Port Arthur will be coming shortly.......when I figure out this new camera I picked up "CHEAP" the other day. We will be pulling up pegs tomorrow morning and heading further South as far as the road will take us, kiwijim |
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 13, 2010 15:24:31 GMT 10
Howdy Gang, This is the last posting from the lovely City of Hobart, Tomorrow we head South for as far as the road will take us, more than likely out of Communication for a few weeks. In the mean time, here are some shots of the trip out to Port Arthur, Taken with our new 10.5 mp (cheap) Camera, On the way we stopped at the Sorell Fruit Farm, bought some great jams here....   The next stop was at Copping, here there is a Museum Shed full of early pioneer gear.....     Another hours drive and we arrived at Port Arthur, after paying $28.00 per head we caught the first glimpse of the Main jail......  The remains of the Hospital....  inside the main Penitentiary, it's braced up to stop further collapse....  Looking down four stories through the cells....  The Watch Tower....  The cost of entry included a boat ride out and around the Isle of the Dead, there are around 1200 people buried here, convicts (unmarked graves) and also Civilians..........   kiwijim |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2010 20:57:03 GMT 10
Gidday Jim and Jean, Nice looking trip so far matey's and no alas I won't be able to join you in melbourne but I will keep you updated on the progress of our job in the boondocks if you like (not) hahahahaha. and yes tell Jean I'll mow the lawn soon ;D ;D ;D I am back out bush for 2 weeks on tues and then back in civilisation (hmmmmm) for a week so will catch up on your travels then with baited breath. So keep it comin' mates. Carl |
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Post by bobt on Mar 15, 2010 20:51:06 GMT 10
Hi Ya Kiwijim I am sure we will catchup when you next pass through Mexico Victoria some really great places to visit around Tassie. My favourite at Port Arthur:-  ;D ;D "The Lunatic Asylum" ;D ;D Here are a couple of other Pictures I managed to take  My favourite spot.. To kill some time. Meet up with a couple in Geeveston travelling with my relatives in something a little larger then what we were touring in..  Nothing like a contrast And this one...hidden away in Glen Huon... well it is no longer open to the public due to public liability insurance issues. pity  We were amazed at the number of cheap camping spots around the country side. We gotta go back... Enjoy your travels Bobt |
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Post by Elaine Bay Gibellinis RR on Mar 22, 2010 10:02:47 GMT 10
Hi there KIWI/Aussie travelers.
A lot of NZ names in Tassie, what a lot of km you have done. The pics are great Jim & Jean your both looking great ( got the relaxed tourist look) Gosh Jim no strength to hold a tinnie thats bad !!!
Glad your meeting others with the good ole reliable carvans. and nissan we hope!!
Rob will try and send pics of his 46yr old boat hes rebuilt. Shes had more rub downs than i have HMMMMM!!
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;D 
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