Ka Pai Kiwis - Tasmania

 After a leisurely breakfast and a chat to hotel receptionist about our day we set off to explore the environment further north and possibly to complete a loop before coming back here for the night. The weather has warmed up nicely and although overcast the day promises sunshine at some point. The first point of call was Binalong bay which is part of the Bay Of Fires, so named after the red appearance of the rocks which looks to be some sort of lichen. In the right light and with the right photographer the rocks can appear to be on fire or molten. The sea is azure blue when the sun is shining and sand is as white as white and stretches off into the distance. We looked at each other and I think we were thinking the same thing, let’s just have a day on the beach! So we raced back to the hotel, the receptionist looked surprised and confused but understood when we told her our plan.  So back towards the beach, but we did turn off for a little explore first along the coastline, pas...

 The day dawned fine and bright so after a quick brekkie we stopped in a nearby car park and took in the view. It is much warmer than yesterday and this beautiful little bay was just gorgeous. The water was crystal clear and popular with divers for obvious reasons.  A blowhole nearby.   We then backtracked a little bit from yesterday until we came to the turnoff for the Freycinet peninsula.  We purchased our ticket for entry into the national park and rode to a car park which is the start of several walking tracks including to the lookout over Wineglass bay.  We changed into some suitable clothing and proceeded up, up and up for about 40 minutes to this scenic lookout.  The hike was well worth it as the view was amazing. Over a quick coffee we plotted our route north to St Helens.  Lovely winding roads and views ranging from bush and mountain vistas to the most gorgeous aqua blue sea I’ve ever seen. The area is popular with surfers and holiday mak...

 A quick check on the weather forecast sites meant nice weather and no rain, so all the wet weather layers can be stripped out and stored hopefully for good. So after a quick breakfast at a local cafe we set off in a balmy 18 degrees and sunny. Yay. After a short motorway ride to clear the suburbs Maps.me soon had us on the B roads and what a treat, we rode through a beautiful fertile valley with crops all nearing harvest, then acres and acres of grapes. Pretty towns and houses dotted the landscape and one place in particular stood out, Richmond, like riding through the past, beautifully maintained buildings all original and as neat as a pin. The landscape was browned off, this is what we’ve been waiting for. About 20km from Port Arthur the temperature had plummeted to 12 and it was raining.  We considered abandoning Port Arthur but after a stop for more clothes we ploughed on. I’m glad we did because the former prison colony was well worth the visit. We had no idea how big it...

 A day off the bike today. View from the hotel. The day began with a wander around the Salamanca market, heaving with people and a really laid back atmosphere. Lots of quality merch for sale for those inclined. We settled for a delicious salmon sandwich for breakfast, oh and I bought a new cap! After that we took a leisurely stroll over to the ferry terminal and purchased ferry and entry tickets into the MONA gallery Museum of old and new art which is a must see in Hobart and it didn’t disappoint. It is set over 3 stories and apparently they couldn’t get planning permission for a 3 storey high building so the dug a bloody big hole and went down. There are some bloody clever people in this world, we were left gobsmacked on several occasions with just how creative some people are. The place is mostly dimly lit and at one point we were wandering between exhibits and just as I was about to say “are you sure that’s the way” Thunk  straight into the wall, which was fortunately cover...

 Our day began just like the last ones, raining and misty and cold.   Then as we we left the rain stopped a bit and we set off in a balmy 13C.  Our first stop was 7km in the opposite direction to visit the Pedder dam. Built in the early 70’s it supplies most of Tasmania with Hydro power. It certainly is an impressive structure and I couldn’t resist descending many steps and walking across it. Can you spot Mark?  It’s rugged country. In the high tourist season a company runs abseiling off it for intrepid tourists.  I have to admit to a bit of deep breathing by the time I climbed out, wet motorcycle gear is quite heavy. Then it was retracing our steps from yesterday, it didn’t rain too much and we seemed to cover the distance easily. By the time we got to the turn-off to Hobart it was fine and warm. We stopped for a cuppa in Derwent and stripped off quite a few layers, ah so nice. Then Maps.me guided us through the B roads and suburbs to our hotel in central Hobar...

Todays word is Rain.  It has rained virtually all day most of it prettty perisistant We have had a really good day despite that.  We left Strahan in drizzle and then ascended a winding road up, up and over the Lyell highway to Queenstown where we stopped for breakfast. A pretty little old mining town nestled in the hills and with the surrounding mist it had a distinctly NZ west coast feel about it.  We visited the local museum which is extensive to say the least, room after room of exhibits, there was even one dedicated to electricity. I have to admit to working with some of the equipment on display, I guess I belong in a museum too.  So on we went, I have to say we are a bit over feeling damp and totally layered up as all day the temperature has struggled to reach double figures.  I did see a t shirt which I might buy that said “Its a rainforest so don’t moan about the rain” Fair enough We have spent most of the day riding through rainforest on really good moto...