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Post by kiwijim on Mar 22, 2010 17:06:09 GMT 10
Howdy Gang, And a great big " HELLO" to our dear friends, Rose & Robbie who live in another "Magic" part of the world, over there in "good ole kiwi-land" Great to hear from you all. Since I lasted posted anything, We have done a heap more traveling, After we left Hobart, we traveled South, stopping at some great holiday spots, one being, South Port......  After having a quick lunch at South Port we then continued on to the very end of the tar seal, here we caught up with some friends from kiwi-land who had a 5th wheeler, we followed them for a further 17km on a one-way gravel road, coming to the water front at Cockle Creek, the end of the road,    After a short walk through the bush we came to the Bronze whale, and a final notice telling us something that we already knew.....   Once again I have to say, this country is just "Magic" and I fully recommend that anyone who is sick and tired of the heat......head on down to this part of the world, but bring your jumpers......4deg this morning. Cheers all kiwijim  |
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Post by tassietiger on Mar 23, 2010 6:44:22 GMT 10
Now come on kiwijim. 4 degrees that's not cold especially for you NZer's. Did you do the walk out to South East Cape from Cockle Creek? Now that really is the end of the road. When will you be back in Hobart? Would be good to meet you.
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Post by auntyjack on Mar 23, 2010 7:53:43 GMT 10
Gday kiwijim and mrs sounds like your having a nice look around but still don't see any pic's of FISH ;D spent a night at stanley in the teardrop with youngest son a coupla saturdays ago .  |
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Post by auntyjack on Mar 23, 2010 7:56:43 GMT 10
 Have fun hows the van handling the rain? catch you later Craig |
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Post by atouchofglass on Mar 23, 2010 8:02:36 GMT 10
Holy "Mackeral"..... you must have "Dart"ed out there on the weekend!! ;D ;D  Did the young fella enjoy the cold and wet? Cheers Atog |
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Post by auntyjack on Mar 23, 2010 9:48:38 GMT 10
Caught 19 all up kept 4 . had a nice lunch  youngin is fishing crazy , a bloody cyclone would not stop him if they are biting. |
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 31, 2010 16:06:25 GMT 10
Howdy Gang.....I'm back, Now doesn't it make you cry, the first thing I see on opening this tread is " fish" "Yep" I've tried to get some of the same but up till now all I've done is loose a heap of gear on rocks all the way up the East Coast. Since I lasted posted anything we have been camping mainly in the bush and there-fore have been out of contact with the out-side world. We returned to Hobart about a week or so ago and spent our final night at a great restaurant ( The Ball & Chain ) in Salamanca Square with our good friends Murray and Raelee. After a great big steak each we were then taken around Hobart after dark to view the City, following are a couple of shots taken on this trip....   After saying good-bye to a very generous couple we headed North up the East Coast spending the next night camping in the Mayfield Bay Conservation area......  The following day we arrived at the Caravan Park at Coles Bay....  I have never seen so many caravans, camper-van, motor homes, and 5th wheelers on the road at the same time, every place we camped at was chocker-block full by the following morning, many arriving just before dark and making as much noise as possible, especially those "ZIP BANGERS" as I call them, I refer to the hundreds of Hire Mitz and Toyota Camper-vans, there should be a law banning those sliding side doors and people who open and close them at all times of the night. I have to admit, even with the Navigator in the Nissan, we once again became lost and took the wrong turning, After leaving Cockle Creak, in the deep South, we spent the next night in Cygnet,the following morning our intention was to head down around the Coast before returning to Hobart, One hour later we found our selves back in Cygnet after a going through several small settlements including Lymington and Wattle grove, mainly on a dirt road, Any way we saw some lovely coast and got a snap of a floating Oyster farm.....  Last night we camped behind an old hotel in the high country at Weldborough, they served the best Cider we have ever tasted,   The heads clearing today as we camp in Bridgport on the North coast. Tomorrow we head South again down through the lakes country, More pic's will follow. kiwijim |
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Post by bobt on Apr 1, 2010 16:19:06 GMT 10
Hi Ya Kiwijim
Great stuff. Real pretty country. Did you try the oysters at Coles Bay?
Getting lost, why worry.. ya have ya bed following along behind you. All you need is a spot to stop. ;D
bobt
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Post by kiwijim on Apr 1, 2010 19:00:38 GMT 10
Howdy Bobt, I can't say I am a fancier of Oysters, I prefer Scollops with-out the roe attached, and then only lightly battered. So the answer to your question is no, We did however notice them growing on the rocks as we entered the town-ship, they were Hugh and in their hundreds. "Yep" its handy towing the bed behind, stopping where-ever there is a camping spot, and as you have mentioned, there are hundreds around Tassie. I worked out the other night that, if each Caravan Park only charged $25.00 per night, we have saved around $225.00 by camping so far in Tassie alone. That Camps 5 book has well and truly saved us a bundle, plus talking to other travelers has led us to other great spots unlisted in the book, plus free public hot showers are another very handy item to come across. We're free camping again tonight and for the next three nights, with another half dozen caravans and assorted holiday-homes in a wee stop-over called Lilydale, after having to leave Bridport on the North Coast this morning because the whole place is booked out for Easter, Next week we head on to Launceston for a few days then South to the lakes, Theres fish marked on the map of the Lakes, maybe some-ones luck will change yet.  kiwijim |
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Post by kiwijim on Apr 5, 2010 2:44:24 GMT 10
Howdy All, Here are a few shots of a bit of Bush scenery I took on a recent walk near Lilydale.....     The following shots are of Chain-saw sculptures are all carved from living trees, we came across them by accident in a tiny settlement in the back country of N/W Tassie, These carvings are all life size and depict solders in W.W.1 and early pioneers, We were told the carvings took 9 months to complete and they are situated along the towns only main street......      Finally, I had to take a pic of this sign, a familiar name, but a long way from home.....  Cheers all kiwijim |
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Post by bobt on Apr 5, 2010 20:52:17 GMT 10
Hi ya Kiwijim Funny I found a place called perth too. Thought it was in the wrong spot. So I took a couple of photos while I was there. Amazing stuff the carvings.  The pics out of your new camera are great. How is swmbo travelling with it. or is it she who is doing the good work? ;D We found some carvings in Geeveston too, saddly lost those photos. memory card failed |
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Post by kiwijim on Apr 6, 2010 16:21:25 GMT 10
Howdy Bobt, "Yep" we thought those wood carvings were pretty good as well, I think it was the surprise of coming across them away out in the back country that really shook us, totally unexpected and a real bonus after taking another side track away from the highways. "Hey" those are great carvings of the little cars, They look Sooooo life like ;D ;D ;D No, the Cheese & Spice hasn't taken any photos with the new camera, I gave her the old one to play with, but as yet no really good photos to publish........getting tired of deleting photos of her-self off the camera..... must show her how to do that one day. WE are starting to see the change of color in the trees here now, a sure sign that winter is just around the corner,  Awoke yesterday morning to 4deg and a top of 17, sure glad we bought that blower heater with us, Today we are camped in the Show grounds in Longford, around 20 clicks South of Launceston, the hills are covered in cloud and the sky is a hasty grey......looks like snow is on the way  some really white pic's could be coming up soon. kiwijim |
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Post by bobt on Apr 6, 2010 23:25:43 GMT 10
hmm. Not so long ago I recall someone complaining about the heat... ;D ;D I did notice that 18 in Tassie was nothing like 18 in mexico... In fact in Tassie it was beautiiifulll Bring on the white stuff. haven't seen it for ages.. pssst... you will notice the carver even managed to get the spokes on the wheels right ;D |
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Post by Maureen Peter on Apr 10, 2010 8:51:27 GMT 10
Hi Jim & Jean Seem's you're having a great time in Tasmania. Are you likely to be back on the mainland anytime soon. We are in NE Victoria at present, slowly heading south and west before travelling on to Sth Australia and WA. We would be happy to make a detour to meet up if you are back in the next week or so. Cheers Maureen & Peter
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Post by kiwijim on Apr 11, 2010 15:12:03 GMT 10
Howdy Maureen & Peter, Good to see you're on the road and enjoying your home away from home, We have booked our return trip on the ferry for the 22nd of May, I hope to head straight up the East Coast as soon as possible after arriving...... Hate Cities, give me the country life, At present we are still camped in Longford about 40 odd clicks South of Launceston, We thought we had found a good quiet spot at the local Show Grounds, that was until about a week ago when we went out cruising for the day, Only to return to camp to find the remains of the Motor Home Mob (who had a get-together in Launceston a couple of weeks back) had moved in with the intention of having a final bash at the local R.S.L. Hall................  then came the second wave of motor homes.......  Finally the remainder arrived just before dark..........  I think there was something like 50 - 60 in the group all together. Tomorrow we head across to Sheffield to see the Town of Murals and witness the finals of the annual Mural painting competition. P.S. still no Snow but it's getting close, 3.00pm here = 9deg rain and windy. Cheers all kiwijim |
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Post by Maureen Peter on Apr 11, 2010 16:06:09 GMT 10
Hi Jim & Jean We'll look forward to sharing a wine with you when you get to SE Queensland or northern NSW as we'll be back there early June. So much for your quiet spot, looks like you're a little overrun with motorhomes. If you're travelling east from Melbourne, the showgrounds at Sale is a good spot too. Cheers Maureen & Peter
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Post by kiwijim on Apr 13, 2010 5:14:02 GMT 10
Howdy Gang, We took off in the weekend and visited the very alive town of Sheffield, only 20 km South of Devonport, but an hours drive from Longford, where we are presently camped. They weren't kidding when we were told the town was a painters Paradise, it seemed that their saying was, if you find a blank wall.....paint a mural on it...........      After wandering around town for an hour finding hundreds of murals painted every-where, we headed into the annual mural competition, which was in it's last days, these murals were fantastic, here are just a few....     kiwijim |
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Post by kiwijim on Apr 18, 2010 0:52:38 GMT 10
Howdy Gang, We're on the move again, After leaving Longford around a week ago, we traveled North through Launceston and up the East side of the Tamar river, through George Town and right to the top, running out of road at the Low Head Light House. Not finding any suitable camp sites, we back-tracked 17 km to the Batman Bridge where we crossed and found a rather pretty but noisy camp site on the West bank, just under the bridge.......   After spending the night listening to the continual rumble of heavy traffic, we headed off to see the township of Beaconsfield and the mine museum.........   I think most people will remember this place, as it was here that the two miners were trapped under ground for almost two weeks before being rescued......  The rescue sceen.....     Does anyone remember these hand operated fuel pumps ?  kiwijim |
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Post by kiwijim on Apr 24, 2010 2:08:30 GMT 10
"WERE OFF" "Yep" having done a complete loop of Tassie, plus plenty of back-tracking, detours, back roads and also traveling from the top to near the bottom twice, we decided to leave this beautiful country and head back to the main-land. After our last stop (Beaconsfield) we traveled up to the top of the island again, finding a great camp site at Greens Beach.....  After spending 4 days at Greens Beach, we then moved to with-in 14 km of Devonport, stopping at Pt Sorrell. The weather here has turned really bad, Two massive thunder storms over the last two days and the wind is building up more every day, This morning we had a visit from a rather worried Care-taker who told us of a severe weather warning for this after-noon, we were all advised to fold up all Awnings and remove anything loose from around the vans, "That's it" said the Kiwi, I rang the booking office for the Spirit of Tasmania in the hope of getting our departure bought forward... apparently so had half the other visitors in this country, Sorry, fully booked out until the end of May,   All the booking office could offer us was to be put on a stand-by list, in case someone canceled, that was on Thursday, Yesterday (Friday) the phone rang at 9.10 am.... Your in luck said the Bird.....How does the Saturday night sailing (tonight) grab ya.......... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Our final thoughts on Tassie..... A great country full of very friendly people, old Church's, and bottle-shops. ;D ;D ;D SO THIS WILL BE THE LAST REPORT FROM TASMANIA. Cheers all kiwijim |
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Post by atouchofglass on Apr 24, 2010 7:05:18 GMT 10
Hey Jim
Thanks for the tour of Tasmania
We all enjoyed it immensely
In the Beaconsfield mine museum they have a "Furphy" water tank.
Furphy being the company that built water tanks etc.
These were used to carry fresh water for workers.
It's where the expression "Sounds like a Furphy" came from.
Apparently the workers that needed a drink of water would gather around the tanker and tell tall tales.
Along the same lines of Australian english expressions.
In the same area of the museum they have an old tank or boiler.
On it is stamped the saying that Telstra/Telecom used many years later in one of their advertising campaigns.
"We shall never rest
Until we make our good, better
And our better, best."
Or words to that effect.
You may remember that ad campaign.
Look forward to your next adventure up the east coast.
Cheers
Atog
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Post by auntyjack on Apr 25, 2010 10:32:56 GMT 10
hi Kiwijim and mrs glad you enjoyed your tassie jaunt. wishing you a great adventure as you travel onward. maybe the fishing will improve as you head up the east coast. its a beaut day over here today ,but supposed to crack up tomorrow. by the way Tas is a state not a country ...(even tho we have been missed off the map before ) Great to have met you craig |
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Post by bobt on Apr 27, 2010 22:34:10 GMT 10
yep that would be right... neva happy... ;D ;D fancy leaving such a pretty part of the world because it got a little cool.. but I guess ya have been there awhile now...  So where are ya now?  I am just hanking to get back therebobt |
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Post by atouchofglass on May 2, 2010 7:18:34 GMT 10
Looks like Kiwijim and Mrs KJ are having a real good time.... Cause the updates are slowing down ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Come on mate where are you? We need updates!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Waiting anxiously Cheers Atog |
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Post by millard1399 on May 2, 2010 21:35:46 GMT 10
Yep, a week is a long time without reporting back in to Headquarters! Kiwijim, if you don't want to get demoted to a lowly Private, you'd better get cracking on giving us an updated report! Are you going to be anywhere near Mildura or Ballarat during May?? cheers, Al. |
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Post by kiwijim on May 3, 2010 2:59:20 GMT 10
Howdy Gang, We've just got back into Internet range after camping in the out-back of N.S.W. With the threat of severe demotion, ;D ;D ;D I will be making a full report shortly Rather tied up here in Tamworth N.S.W at the moment, ;D ;D ;D sharing a few coldies with some other members of our happy group.... bobandjacqui who are on their way to a Vintage C/van gathering in Mildura. As I have said, a full report with photos will follow shortly. cheers kiwijim |
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