2/16/10
Up and out the door by ten thirty we made the short drive to the car pack for the hike to wineglass bay. Day pack filled with sandwiches, fruit, and water we started up the steep yet very well maintained path to the lookout point for wineglass bay. About five minutes into the hike as we passed a wallaby I pulled out my camera to snap some pictures and to my great disappointment found that the lens on my camera was malfunctioning, hence the lack of photos for this entry. Messing with the camera for the next ten minutes or so I tried to fix the problem, but to no avail. Settled in that I was just going to have to continue on without a camera, we set out to the lookout. Absolutely breathtaking. From the point, we were staring down on calm, clear blue water, beautiful white sand, backed by lush greenery, taking in the beauty for some time before heading down to the beach itself. Once on the beach we stopped to drink some water and eat a piece of fruit. Moving on from that spot we trekked on through dense forest and marsh before reaching Hazards Beach. The beach here was just as amazing if not more amazing than Wineglass. The water even more calm and the beach wrapping around forming a very tight semi-circle. The sand here was very interesting. On the first layer it was a normal brownish-whitish sand, but as you scraped over the surface a layer of broken shell was exposed. We dug down to see if there were more layers, and sure enough once you got down another six inches or so the normal sand appeared again. Very cool. We found a nice spot to sit and enjoy our sandwiches, more water, and some conversation. After a short rest it was back on our feet to complete the last leg of the hike. Again heading out through forest we reached the end of the hike. In the car park again we enjoyed a beer and found a wallaby that was so docile that as Jo approached him he just walked right over to her, allowing her to pet him and even licking her hand at one point. So cool. We then drove to another car park to do the quick litehouse track and then back to the car for the drive back to Bicheno to stay the night. Once in becheno we showered and headed out for some wonderful fish and chips. Walking down to the local restaurant we bought our dinner and brought it back to our cabin to enjoy. We were absolutely stoked when we ripped open the butcher paper and revealed the feast inside. Tearing into the fish and enjoying the fries we finished every bit of this huge meal. After a glass of wine it was off to bed.
2.23.2010
A Day of Beaches
2/8/10
Day two in Tasmania began with a quick drive up to the point in St. Helens to set out on a short hike to Skeleton Point where we were able to sprawl over some red algae covered rocks down to the water and take in beautiful views of the bay surrounding us.
From there it was to Binalong Bay. The water in Binalong is just absolutely amazing. I don’t even know how to describe the color. It’s almost like baby blue combined with turquoise.
The spot at which we walked down to the water line was really cool. There was a small island in the middle of where the river fed out into the sea and the waves brought constantly surging water in and out around the island. Just further north from there we headed to another beach for a short walk and to chat with some local fishermen who were throwing their lines in the water from the shoreline. Just on the other side of the fishermen was a beautiful river that fed into the sea.
After a short time there we headed into town to get groceries, gas, and a much needed haircut for me. From there it was back in the car to continue on our journey south. First stop was in a beautiful little town called Bicheno, “the tidiest town in Tasmania”. Here we found families playing in the shallows, stand-up paddlers and surfers riding some fun knee to waist high waves, and my big toe found a nice piece of rock to deposit a little skin and blood on.
With help from Theresa I was bandaged in no time and heading to Friendly Beaches. Once on the actual beach the view was great. Looking south the bay wrapped slightly to the east exposing a fantastic white sand beach.
Standing in the grainy white sand with the sun shining down on us and the clear blue water staring us in the face, Jo and I decided to jump in the water while Theresa wandered the shore looking for the perfect seashell. We noticed a body boarder and a family entering the water so we figured it decreased our chances of getting eaten by a shark, and were immediately gliding down the face of some fun Tasmanian waves. After our swim we enjoyed some great conversation and cold beer on the beach, before deciding it was time to head to the caravan park at Cole’s Bay.
Checked in by yet another wonderful Tasmanian, we made our way to our cabin, settled our bags and beds, and headed down to the pub for a beer. After our drink it was back to the cabin so Jo could watch the season premier of “Grays Anatomy” and feast on roasted chicken, cheese, meats, crackers, and spreads before heading to bed to get ready for the big hike to Wineglass Bay.
Day two in Tasmania began with a quick drive up to the point in St. Helens to set out on a short hike to Skeleton Point where we were able to sprawl over some red algae covered rocks down to the water and take in beautiful views of the bay surrounding us.
From there it was to Binalong Bay. The water in Binalong is just absolutely amazing. I don’t even know how to describe the color. It’s almost like baby blue combined with turquoise.
The spot at which we walked down to the water line was really cool. There was a small island in the middle of where the river fed out into the sea and the waves brought constantly surging water in and out around the island. Just further north from there we headed to another beach for a short walk and to chat with some local fishermen who were throwing their lines in the water from the shoreline. Just on the other side of the fishermen was a beautiful river that fed into the sea.
After a short time there we headed into town to get groceries, gas, and a much needed haircut for me. From there it was back in the car to continue on our journey south. First stop was in a beautiful little town called Bicheno, “the tidiest town in Tasmania”. Here we found families playing in the shallows, stand-up paddlers and surfers riding some fun knee to waist high waves, and my big toe found a nice piece of rock to deposit a little skin and blood on.
With help from Theresa I was bandaged in no time and heading to Friendly Beaches. Once on the actual beach the view was great. Looking south the bay wrapped slightly to the east exposing a fantastic white sand beach.
Standing in the grainy white sand with the sun shining down on us and the clear blue water staring us in the face, Jo and I decided to jump in the water while Theresa wandered the shore looking for the perfect seashell. We noticed a body boarder and a family entering the water so we figured it decreased our chances of getting eaten by a shark, and were immediately gliding down the face of some fun Tasmanian waves. After our swim we enjoyed some great conversation and cold beer on the beach, before deciding it was time to head to the caravan park at Cole’s Bay.
Checked in by yet another wonderful Tasmanian, we made our way to our cabin, settled our bags and beds, and headed down to the pub for a beer. After our drink it was back to the cabin so Jo could watch the season premier of “Grays Anatomy” and feast on roasted chicken, cheese, meats, crackers, and spreads before heading to bed to get ready for the big hike to Wineglass Bay.
2.15.2010
“What Was Your Highlight of the Day?”
2/8/10
Monday night as we climbed into our beds in the next caravan park, in the beautiful town of St. Helen’s, Jo asked, “Alright guys, what was the highlight of your day today?”. Theresa and I fell silent. Both of us obviously sorting through everything we did that day to see if we could pick out any one thing that was better than the next. There was no response. Simply put, I can’t imagine a better way to spend a day.
Up fairly early and out the door we started our day by driving straight to a chocolate factory for breakfast. After sampling everything from chocolate, vanilla, and butterscotch fudge, to milk, light, and dark chocolate we ordered breakfast. We sat in the garden as we waited for what we thought was going to be a chocolate croissant and a latte. When our plates arrived our eyes quickly became just as large as the plates in front of us.
A freshly made croissant, chocolate filled pastry, and a muffin all served with a generous portion of chocolate and hazelnut spread. After slowly enjoying our decadent breakfast and packing up that which we couldn’t finish we were off for a bit of a drive that would eventually take us to the wine route. As we pulled around a slow curve in the road I heard Jo yell out for Theresa and I to get our cameras. In the middle of the road directly in front of us was a massive heard of sheep. Getting out of the car to take some pictures of this I was quickly surrounded by what had to be over one hundred sheep.
Absolutely amazing. Continuing on we soon reached our first stop on the wine route, Tamar Valley Winery.
The wonderful lady working that day was so excited to hear about our chocolate breakfast that we gave her some of our extras as she poured us taste after taste of wonderful Tasmanian wine. Agreeing that the three of us enjoyed the Sauvignon Blanc the best, we bought a bottle and sat in the garden next to the vineyards to soak up the sun for an hour as we sipped this beautiful wine on the very grounds it was grown and produced on.
It was hard, but somehow we managed to get through it. Leaving Tamar Valley we headed for Pipers Brook and Ninth Island Vineyard.
Passing through the front doors we all made a quick toilet stop before heading to the tasting room. I only mention the toilet stop because the signs indicating which sex the bathrooms were for had a picture of a man, woman, or handicapped holding a glass of wine. Classic.
Once in the tasting room we were again greeted by the most friendly staff who pleasantly guided us through each of the wines they had to offer. After the tasting was done we decided to stay for lunch.
Sitting outside in a beautiful courtyard we made our selections and paired it with one of the delicious wines we had just tasted. For me, Ocean Trout, seasoned with dill on toasted olive bread with tomatoes, kalamata olives, onion, feta, and a marvelous sauce.
Finished lunch with a beautiful espresso and we were on the road again. First stop was a beach just on the other side of a golf course in Bridport. Walking through the clubhouse we set out on a short walk through tall grass till we reached the top of small dunes. Reaching the top of the dunes the beach suddenly appeared in front of us. Absolutely stunning.
Without a word the three of us set out in opposite directions to explore the beach and find whatever it was we individually were looking for. Theresa taking off up the beach in search of shells, Jo heading down the beach, and me walking straight out to the water. As they collected shells I found a stick and began writing in the sand and getting my feet wet.
After sometime, probably thirty to forty minutes, we met back at the dunes, took a group photo, and continued on our way. We stopped in the town proper for a beer at the pub and again were on the road to St. Helens. Arriving at our destination we checked in and headed out for some dinner, ate, and headed back to the cabin. Talked for a bit and then climbed into our beds. Hopefully you now understand how futile it would be to say what the highlight of the day was. Didn’t matter though. Had to get some sleep for another beautiful day to come. Next day, Bay of Fires, Binalong Bay, Friendly Beaches, Bicheno Beach, and eventually Coles Bay to stay the night before the big hike to Wineglass bay.
Monday night as we climbed into our beds in the next caravan park, in the beautiful town of St. Helen’s, Jo asked, “Alright guys, what was the highlight of your day today?”. Theresa and I fell silent. Both of us obviously sorting through everything we did that day to see if we could pick out any one thing that was better than the next. There was no response. Simply put, I can’t imagine a better way to spend a day.
Up fairly early and out the door we started our day by driving straight to a chocolate factory for breakfast. After sampling everything from chocolate, vanilla, and butterscotch fudge, to milk, light, and dark chocolate we ordered breakfast. We sat in the garden as we waited for what we thought was going to be a chocolate croissant and a latte. When our plates arrived our eyes quickly became just as large as the plates in front of us.
A freshly made croissant, chocolate filled pastry, and a muffin all served with a generous portion of chocolate and hazelnut spread. After slowly enjoying our decadent breakfast and packing up that which we couldn’t finish we were off for a bit of a drive that would eventually take us to the wine route. As we pulled around a slow curve in the road I heard Jo yell out for Theresa and I to get our cameras. In the middle of the road directly in front of us was a massive heard of sheep. Getting out of the car to take some pictures of this I was quickly surrounded by what had to be over one hundred sheep.
Absolutely amazing. Continuing on we soon reached our first stop on the wine route, Tamar Valley Winery.
The wonderful lady working that day was so excited to hear about our chocolate breakfast that we gave her some of our extras as she poured us taste after taste of wonderful Tasmanian wine. Agreeing that the three of us enjoyed the Sauvignon Blanc the best, we bought a bottle and sat in the garden next to the vineyards to soak up the sun for an hour as we sipped this beautiful wine on the very grounds it was grown and produced on.
It was hard, but somehow we managed to get through it. Leaving Tamar Valley we headed for Pipers Brook and Ninth Island Vineyard.
Passing through the front doors we all made a quick toilet stop before heading to the tasting room. I only mention the toilet stop because the signs indicating which sex the bathrooms were for had a picture of a man, woman, or handicapped holding a glass of wine. Classic.
Once in the tasting room we were again greeted by the most friendly staff who pleasantly guided us through each of the wines they had to offer. After the tasting was done we decided to stay for lunch.
Sitting outside in a beautiful courtyard we made our selections and paired it with one of the delicious wines we had just tasted. For me, Ocean Trout, seasoned with dill on toasted olive bread with tomatoes, kalamata olives, onion, feta, and a marvelous sauce.
Finished lunch with a beautiful espresso and we were on the road again. First stop was a beach just on the other side of a golf course in Bridport. Walking through the clubhouse we set out on a short walk through tall grass till we reached the top of small dunes. Reaching the top of the dunes the beach suddenly appeared in front of us. Absolutely stunning.
Without a word the three of us set out in opposite directions to explore the beach and find whatever it was we individually were looking for. Theresa taking off up the beach in search of shells, Jo heading down the beach, and me walking straight out to the water. As they collected shells I found a stick and began writing in the sand and getting my feet wet.
After sometime, probably thirty to forty minutes, we met back at the dunes, took a group photo, and continued on our way. We stopped in the town proper for a beer at the pub and again were on the road to St. Helens. Arriving at our destination we checked in and headed out for some dinner, ate, and headed back to the cabin. Talked for a bit and then climbed into our beds. Hopefully you now understand how futile it would be to say what the highlight of the day was. Didn’t matter though. Had to get some sleep for another beautiful day to come. Next day, Bay of Fires, Binalong Bay, Friendly Beaches, Bicheno Beach, and eventually Coles Bay to stay the night before the big hike to Wineglass bay.
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