Christmas Chaos

The excitement of Christmas started on Christmas Eve when Santa made an appearance in the Main Street and gave the kids a bag of lollies each.  It was then home and straight to bed.  The next morning Haydan was pleased that Santa was able to find us - as well as aunties, uncles, grand parents and great grand parents!!!  There was no shortage of presents under the tree.  The kids were very spoilt and after a morning of opening presents the kids spent the rest of the day playing on new scooters and with many other new toys.  In the afternoon they had a great time on the new water slide.  We even managed time to eat and eat and eat.  We hope everyone had a great day too and we wish you well as the year draws to a close.  

Have a great New Year and best wishes for 2012.

The kids meet Santa on Christmas Eve

The kids on Christmas Morning

Haydan unwraps his train

Emmalisa unwraps her scooter

Emmalisa plays on her new scooter with Max keeping an eye on her

Haydan on the new water slide

 

North Tasmania

After leaving Hobart we headed for Launceston.  Here we took the monkeys to see the kids at the park.  Well actually the City Park is home to a monkey enclosure.  The kids loved watching the monkeys play and swing and chase each other.  They also enjoyed playing on the train in the playground here.  We spent most of our time at the Cataract Gorge exploring the walking trails and the grounds.  We did the walk to the Duck Reach power station.  This was the first commercial hydro power station.  We were able to walk through the old shed that had all the machinery and see how it once worked.  After a big walk on a reasonably hot day the kids had a well earned swim in the pool.  From Launceston we went to Deloraine.  Here we looked at all the art and craft galleries and again marvelled at some of the timber work.  We also did a day trip to Liffey Falls and Emmalisa completed her first bush walk all by herself to the falls and back.  The water fall had several cascades that you walked along side until reached the bottom of the falls.  It was quite spectacular.  We then left Deloraine and went to Penguin.  Here the kids loved seeing the Big Penguin dressed up as Santa.  We also met up with Uncle Chris who took the kids for a big bike ride and had a great play in the park with them.  It was then back to Stanley where we will be for Christmas.  It was a week of preparation and shopping but we did get away for a day to check out Boat Harbour and have a swim at Sisters Beach and build some sandcastles.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope that you all have a wonderful day!!!!!

A view of the Cataract Gorge

Glen and Haydan at the Gorge

Haydan playing on the lawns at the Gorge

Emmalisa swimming at the Gorge

Haydan and Emmalisa at Liffey Falls

Liffey Falls

Haydan with the Big Penguin dressed up as Santa

The End of The Road

Well the day we left Hobart there was snow on the mountain but we were unable to go and see it as we had to check out of the caravan park and we did not like our chances of taking the van up the mountain.  So instead we headed further south with the first stop being Bruny Island.  The kids were quite impressed with putting the car and caravan on the ferry to get across.  We found a lovely bush camp to set up and then it rained for the next 2 days!!!!  In between showers we did get out a bit but mostly we explored the inside activities such as a cheese factory, chocolate and fudge factory and a smoke house that has smoked small goods.  When we got a fine day we went for a little walk that turned into a huge walk.  We walked to the first lookout and we were not really impressed so we thought we would continue on the walk to Fluted Cape.  Now the information booklet did say it was not suitable to do with small children but we thought we would give it a go any way.  It wasn't long before we were saying we were glad we did it as the views were spectacular.  It was not long after this we realised why it is not suitable for young children.  It was VERY steep and right on the edge of the cliff.  We felt like we were just climbing forever.  We lost count how many times we told Haydan "it can't be much higher, we must be almost there"  Haydan however made it all the way to the top and I am sure he could probably claim to be the youngest person to climb up to the lookout.  When we got to the top we sat down and enjoyed the view for a while.  We then went for a drive down to the lighthouse and had a little walk through the relics of an old saw mill.  We stayed up late one night to see the penguins and mutton birds come in.  This was quite exciting but given the sun doesn't go down until after 9pm here the penguins didn't come in til close to 9:30pm!!!!!  The excitement kept the kids awake though.  Satisfied we had seen enough on Bruny Island we went back on the Ferry and headed down to Dover.  This was a lovely little fishing village that was so quiet and relaxing.  From here we did a day trip to Geeveston and did the Tahune Air Walk.  This is a walk way that is up in the trees so you can as they say 'walk amongst giants'.  The size of the trees was just incredible and you could see in the distance where logging was and has taken place.  We did a walk through the forest that took us over 2 swigging bridges and you could see where 2 different rivers meet and become one.  On the way back from the Air Walk we stopped off and saw Australia's biggest tree.  As the sign said there are trees taller than this one but the girth and height of this tree made it the biggest by mass.  It was a monster tree.  It was over 6m wide and 87m tall and the estimated weight was over 400tn.  The sad thing is it is dying and they don't know how much longer it will remain standing.  We also did a lovely creek walk and tried to find a platypus but we had no luck.  In Geeveston we stopped at the Southern Design Studio which is a massive shed that artist rent a space in to create their work that you can buy.  There was everything from ceramics, woodwork, sewing and cooking.  We decided that when we win lotto we are going to furnish our house from this place with all the timber furniture.    The next day we made our way to the end of the road.  To literally Australia's most southern street.  This was a little place called Cockle Cove.  Where the road ends is not the southern tip of Australia but you can walk there.  We opted not to do the 5 hour walk there but instead did the walk to Fisher Point (very close to the southern tip.)  Here we saw some old ruins and the light station and we all added a bit to the monument made by people that make the trek down that far.  It was apparent to us that not many people do the walk down there as it was very over grown.  Then on the way back we saw 2 snakes on the path that we had just walked on.  In Tassie if you get bitten by a snake you would want to be in the car park of a hospital not at the end of the road (so to speak).  The heart rate was certainly elevated on that walk.  We then had lunch on the beach and of course when you are at the closest beach to Antarctica what do kids want to do . . .swim!!!  The water was FREEZING but the kids were insistent on playing in the water so they stripped off and had the best time playing in the water.  While at Dover we also had Emmalisa's birthday party.  We had some fish n chips in the park and a big play followed by some cake.  Emmalisa had a great day and the kids loved playing with the balloons we decorated the caravan with.

We have now made our way back to Hobart and will start heading back up North to have Christmas in Stanley with Laura's family. 

Haydan at the top of Fluted Cape

Lookout at Fluted Cape

The Boys at Bruny Island

Lookout at the Penguin Rookery on Bruny Island

Laura and Emmalisa on the Air Walk

Haydan and Emmalisa at Tahune

We drove as far south as you can in Australia

Glen and Laura at Cockle Creek

Cockle Creek

Emmalisa opening her presents

Party Time in the Caravan

Hobart and Surrounds

Well as the weather turned sour we headed for the comfort of a caravan park in Hobart.  While staying here we have certainly experienced all four season in 1 week and on may occasions in 1 day.  The first day we spent exploring the markets that Hobart has to offer.  We saw everything from bric-a brac to art, craft to cooking.  The markets had a little bit of everything.  The next day we headed down the Tasman Peninsula on our way to Port Arthur.  While travelling down the peninsula we stopped at the Tessellated Pavement which is a section of coastline that has been eroded by the waves to make it look like it has been tiled.  We didn't get to see the full effect as it was a high tide when we got there.  We spent a lot of the day walking around the ruins of Port Arthur Penitentiary and the restored houses.  As Haydan liked to put it all the houses were broken and there was lots of damage because the bushfire burnt the buildings and they fell down.  The history of the place was quite interesting and it was hard to imagine it as a thriving town bustling with people back in the day.  One thing is for sure you didn't want to be a convict in those days.   When we left Port Arthur we went to Remarkable Cave where you can walk down and see through the cave that has been worn away over time.  On our way home we stopped off at the blowhole at Doo Town but this time it was not blowing water into the air as it was now low tide!!!!!  We also stopped to look at the Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen which are features carved into the rocks due to the waves and types of rocks on the coast line.   After such a big day we then had a quiet day and had a little look in the city and walked around Constitution Dock and looked at all the boats.  That afternoon we then went to the Cadbury Chocolate Factory.  Unfortunately this was a bit of a let down as you can no longer go into the factory so you just get to watch a movie about how they make the chocolate and the history of the company.  It was just lucky they handed out quite a few samples.  The shop was also good to have a wonder through and we may have bought a few things!!!!  The next trip into the city saw us go through the Hobart Art Gallery and Museum.  There was an Antarctica Exhibition on at the moment so the kids love looking at 'Happy Feet' as they kept calling it.  The next morning when we got up it was clear blue skies so we raced up to the top of Mt Wellington.  Only problem was as we got there the clouds rolled in so we didn't get a great view of Hobart but they cleared enough to see a bit by the time we left.  It was quite an experience up the top of the mountain as it was a balmy 4 degrees when we got out of the car. I would hate to know what the wind chill factor was as it just cut straight through you.  In Haydan's words he said "Mummy it's a bit fresh here"  Talk about understatement!!!!!  We then did another big road trip this time to Mount Field National Park.  Here we did the 6km Lady Barron Falls Walk that took in Russel Falls, Horseshoe Falls, the Tall Trees Walk and Lady Barron Falls.  The rainforest was just spectacular and it was great to see some amazing waterfalls again.  To finish up our stay in Hobart we went to the Salamanca Markets.  This market is huge and really does have everything.  We did one last walk around Constitution Dock and we found the boat called the Emmalisa.  This boat was named after the Captains daughter who is also called Emmalisa.   As we walked back to the car we were lucky enough to see a great Ariel display by the Rouletts.  Haydan loved watching them as they did loop the loops and barrel rolls over the tops of the city buildings.  

It was a big week in Hobart and now we will attempt to freeze even more and head further south to complete the south of Tasmania.   

Walking around the ruins at Port Arthur

Glen and Haydan at Lady Barron Falls

Laura and Haydan at Russel Falls

Russel Falls

Horseshoe Falls

Emmalisa being cheeky

At the Summit of Mt Wellington

The Emmalisa at Constitution Dock

Along the East Coast

We continued on from St. Helens and made our way to Lagoons Beach. This was a camp in the bush near a lagoon and beach and believe it or not the kids swam in the lagoon despite the fact the water was FREEZING!!!!  (by our Broome standards)  The next morning we made our way along Elephant Pass and found the Mt Elephant Pancake Barn and yes we had the most delicious pancakes ever.  The kids were most impressed with the huge pancake that hung over the plate and neither of them left a scrap on their plate!!!!  We then decided to leave our camp and head to Bicheno as the weather was beautiful.  We did a walk around the Break Water and the clear water and white sand was amazing.  We then went to the Blow Hole which the kids loved.  There was a perfect swell so the Blow Hole was spraying water very high up in the air and if you weren't careful you would get wet as one tourist found out while we were there.  To finish up we then did the walk around Whaler's Lookout for a birdseye view of the town that was spectacular.  We continued on to Coles Bay and camped along the Swan River.  This was not the prettiest bush camp but it sure was the funniest.  Just as we got the kids off to bed and Glen and I were sitting by the fire a school group on camp turned up.  We then got to watch a bunch on Year 9's try and set up their tents and get themselves organised.  The funniest part was when they discovered one by one the drop toilet.  We had tears in our eyes we were laughing so much.  The next day we went to explore the Freycinet National Park with our first hike taking us to Wineglass Bay lookout.  Again the weather was in our favour and the view was breathtaking.  So we continued to make the most of the day and walked around the Cape Tourville Lighthouse and saw some more beautiful views.  The next walk had us go down to the beach at Sleepy Bay and explore the rocks.  After a big day we headed back to the camp and the kids were tucked up in bed asleep without any complaints.  This meant we could sit back by the fire and watch the school camp again.  This time we got to watch them cook dinner on their little camp cookers.  Very entertaining.  The weather cracked up today and we are in for a few days rain so we left the East Coast with very fond memories and have made our way to Hobart now.  Never know we might bump into Princess Mary!!!!

Haydan chopping wood for the fire at Lagoon Beach

Emmalisa and her pancake

Haydan was quite impressed with his pancake too!!!

Haydan and Emmalisa checking out the boats at Bicheno

The Blow Hole at Bicheno

Haydan and Laura at Whaler's Lookout

Sunset at Swan River - Near Coles Bay

Wineglass Bay

Family Photo at Cape Tourville

Beaconsfield to St. Helens

Well back on the road again and our first stop was Beaconsfield.  If the name of this town rings a bell it is because it is where the 2 miners were trapped underground for 2 weeks while rescue crews dug them out.  Needless to say while in Beaconsfield we went to the Museum and Heritage Centre that showed a by gone era through to the  Mine Rescue.  The kids liked climbing into the tunnel where you could see the cramped space the 2 miners were trapped in.  They also liked making phone calls on the old phone exchange phones and the big water wheel that powered the old crusher at the mine. It was a great hands on and interactive museum.  That night we camped on the banks of the Tamar River under the Batman Bridge.  We then made our way to George Town and explored more of the early history of the Settlement of Australia.  We even got to go on board the replica of the Norfolk that Bass and Flinders sailed around Tasmania to prove it was an Island.  The kids loved climbing under the decks and exploring all the ropes and riggings.  Bridport was the next stop but here it rained so we were unable to explore much but we did have a look at Mermaid Pool and went for a little Foreshore Walk when the rain eased enough.  It continued to rain so we just pulled up at a camp at Scottsdale near a nice little river.  Here we passed the day playing with puzzles, blocks and colouring in.  The next day we looked at the sculpture of Simpson and his donkey that was carved from a tree.  It was then a big day as we drove to St Helens.  Our first stop was at Ledgerwood where we saw the Anzac sculptures that were carved out of trees.  These trees were planted in 1918 in memory of local soldiers that died in WWI.  In 2001 the trees were deemed no longer safe and had to be removed but the community fundraised and the trees were turned into sculptures to depict a likeness of each of the soldiers.  This was an amazing tribute to see and as you looked at each tree you could read a story about each of the soldiers.  We then continued on to St. Columba Falls, it was flowing well due to the recent rains. After that walk we felt we need to stop off at the Pub in the Paddock for a 'drink'.  This pub literally sits in a paddock and is heritage listed as it first opened in 1908.  It was a farm homestead where a farmer, his wife and 15 children all lived.  As the 6 sons got older the mother realised that they were more interested in drinking than farming so she got a liquor licence and opened her house as a pub and served the local community (and her sons).  At the pub there is also 2 pigs that you can have a beer with.  Haydan loved feeding the pig a beer.  Apparently Priscilla the pig's best effort is 70 something beers in one session!!!!!!  From pigs to cows we then went to the Pyengana Cheese Farm and sampled some nice cheese.  After all that we found ourselves a great beach side campsite at St. Helens on Swimcart Beach.  This campsite was right on the beach and had one of the best views ever.  Here we passed the days flying a kite, playing on the beach and having a few rounds of golf on Glen's 1 Hole Par 2 Golf course.  We went for a drive to Ansons Bay it was a rough bush track that the kids loved.  After a few day at the beach we moved into to town for a good hot shower and a bit of R and R.  We will continue on down the East Coast as we head to Hobart.  

Haydan at the camp at the Batman Bridge

Below the decks on the Norfolk having a cup of tea

Simpson and his donkey carving - Scottsdale

A tree carving at Ledgerwood

St Columba Falls

Emmalisa at St Columba Falls

Haydan and Glen having a beer with the pig at The Pub in the Paddock

View from the campsite in St Helens

Swimcart beach at St Helens

Breakfast by the beach