Tazzy via Tent

For those of you longing for a blog update - here you go. (To be honest, this post was in response only to my sister's request for a new update.)

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Since moving to Eildon I have had very few adventures to report. I have loved every minute of my time here - working at OEG, living and hanging out with my flatmates and friends, and enjoying the relaxed nature of Australian country life.

Along with my flatmate I have visited local neighboring towns, and explored more of the surroundings of Eildon.

And for a while I was working heaps! It was usual for me to work 6 days on, 1 off, with one of the days being a long shift (Fridays, usually are 8-10hr days). I finally had a routine and was loving it. I had never been happier here in Oz. I was finally "living" here and becoming less of a tourist, or so I like to think.

However, with my time in Oz becoming shorter with each new day, I decided that one last major "tourist trip" was in order. - So I requested a week off, bought a ticket to Tasmania (or Tazzy as the Aussies and I say) and packed my bags.

Tazzy, a part of Oz, is the little island located off the southern tip of the mainland and is known for its fresh fish, fruit orchards, cold climate wines, and scenic beauty. After visiting and traveling up the east coast and across to the wild west, I can see why.

Upon arriving in Tazzy, we (I was happy to have two girls accompany me on my trip: one I met in Airlie Beach on my Whitsundays Sailing Trip, Manuela from Germany, the other whom I met in a hostel in Melbourne, Gwenne, from the Netherlands) were greeted with rain. We didn't let this damper our spirits however. After renting a car - we loaded our gear into it and zoomed off for the city...

I took this for my flatmate, before moving to Oz, she was a firefighter for 16 years!

Welcome to Hobart!
We went to the Information Center and asked about things to do with the poor weather. One suggestion, to visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory sparked my interest...

At Cadbury, immediately upon walking through the doors, we were given chocolate! It was fantastic. We paid a small amount to partake in a tour of the factory where we tasted raw chocolate and learned about the history of the company, and of course were given FREE samples again. My strong will power kept me from eating any...I'm not sure how I did this.

Cadbury Factory. (Cow reminds me of the one at the Tillamook Cheese Factory)

After Cadbury we visited the MONA, the Museum of Old & New Art. Basically put - it was a museum that showcased modern art alongside with classical art. Interesting to say the least. I think the best part of it - was the view of the city, from the museum...what can I say - at least it was free admission.

View of mist covered Hobart

After our adventures we went into the city for a nice meal out in North Hobart and then headed to Sorell to camp for the night - or so we thought. The campsite was non-existant. We eventually found a site to park the car overnight - but it was for Self-Contained vehicles only - NO TENTS. So - it was a night in the car...I slept in the driver's seat. It wasn't ideal, but, then again, unexpected things usually are what adventures are made from...right???

Morning couldn't come sooner than it did...unfortunately with morning, the sun did not come. So we ventured north, up the east coast, to Port Arthur, viewing some great sites along the way.

Our first real camp spot was just outside Freycinet National Park. While it didn't offer a toilet, it did offer fantastic views.

I borrowed a tent from work. Throughout the rain, it held up great.

View from the campsite of  the Hazards, Freycinet National Park

After a quick brekki we rushed off to the visitor's center at Freycinet National Park to get our Parks Pass and to do some hiking. We ended up doing the Circuit, which took us to Wineglass Bay Lookout, to the beach at Wineglass Bay, to Hazards Beach, and back. In total it was quite a few more kms than I anticipated in hiking - but was worth the magnificent views and peace that the wilderness brought. 

Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

That night we decided to have a picnic dinner at Honeymoon Bay. I can imagine with warmer weather and a richer sunset that the place could be quite romantic. In our case it was cold, and so bundled up, we quickly ate and headed back to our campsite.

Honeymoon Bay, Tasmania

My friends were tempted to climb Mt. Amos, in Freycinet National Park, but I read the warnings and heeded the advice of the rangers and kept us from attempting the hazardous climb. (The mountain is usually very slippery and dangerous to climb, with the terrain having no traction, which was described as "glass-like".  After the recent rain, the rangers told me that the rock was extra wet, and that then with the sun, the rock slowly would release absorbed water to the surface, making it yet again, challenging to tread upon.) I was happy to skip it. 

In place of hiking Mt. Amos we decided to do a short hike to Friendly Beaches and then make our way across Tasmania to the wild west and to Craddle Mt. National Park. 

Friendly Beaches & blue skies!

The Happy Trekker

Finally - Jumper-Free! The sun felt SO GOOD!

Along our way - we occasionally pulled over to soak up the great views and scenery that Tazzy offers. With vineyards, orchards, and kms of open country, it was hard not to smile as we drove west.

Breathtaking!!! view across the valley

Random stop at Leake Lake for a stretch and snack break.

Liffey Falls: L-R Maunela, Gwenne, & Mesha

Liffey Falls

Took a while to get here, but was worth it for sure!

Just outside Moina, we caught this stunning view of Mt. Roland. 

That night we camped at a great spot by the river. I was SO happy to crawl into my tent - despite being wrapped up in multiple warm layers of clothing.

With the idea of summiting Craddle Mt. in the morning, a 6-8hr hike, we decided to get up early enough to be leaving the campsite by 7am...

I knew morning would come quickly - so I did my best to get a good night's sleep. Little did I realize, just how cold it would get that night.