Thurs, 27th Nov, 2014 Spirit of Tasmania to Preservation Bay

Alarm went off at 5.30am. Had a reasonable sleep though I did wake a few times. The sun was up and I got some photos of the first look at Tasmania.

Coming into Devonport.

I enjoyed a long shower to wash my hair.

Lots of lovely buildings.

I was wondering where we would dock as this didn’t look big enough. The ship was using its thrusters to move us sideways then we stopped.

Packed up and headed to the reception area to drop off our key then down to the rear of the boat to sit and wait for the call to go to our car. I then realised we had docked on the other side and that the Mersey River was very narrow.

Back to the other side and some more photos.

Went to the rear of the ship to watch as they lowered the car ramp down to the rear of the ship.

Looking to the mouth of the river.

Wandered around reading the info about the ship.

6.30am call to go down to our vehicles. Unfortunately someone in front of us hadn’t arrived so we sat till 6.50 then and out we went.

Stopped at the Quarantine Centre where a lady inspected the van again. She was better – noticed the garlic in the fridge (forgot about that) but didn’t ask to look in the fridge in the truck.

Programmed girlie and headed out of Devonport as friends said it has narrow streets and there are no close free camps. Will come back and explore later. Onto the Motorway, speed sign for 110km, so the trucks are whizzing by. Crossing over the Mersey River again and looking back to the ship. The sky is so clear and blue and the fields are lovely and green.

Passed Opium Poppy fields.

Then back to the sea.

Crossing over some lovely rivers (Forth and Leven) and passed more poppy fields.

Beautiful drive through the fields then by the coast. Stopped at Penguin to find the free camp but found this penguin instead.

Couldn’t find the Lions Park so parked at the boat ramp area and had some breakfast. Bit cool 15 degrees in the van.

There was a hill on this point so climbed that and had a good view over the bay where there is a caravan park,

Then over the town of Penguin.

Our breakfast stop.

Around the base of the hill was a miniature railway – obviously the engines hide in here.

Mural on the shipping container near the railway.

Stopped at Preservation Bay which is near the Life Saving Club. The council have designated a few areas for self contained vehicles to stop for 48 hours.  Chatted with a chap who was heading home from being on the mainland. He lives at Bridport and knows Mick and Berkeley. Gave us some tips. We parked right beside the old road so we can overlook the sea. Unfortunately there is a railway line but it is only for the big containers being railed from Burnie to Devonport so only goes past a couple of times a day (and night).

Headed into Burnie to get some groceries.

One of the trains came by and we gave them a wave – not too bad, we should be able to sleep through that.

Unpacked the groceries and had lunch. It was lovely sitting outside with our magnificent view but amazingly the sun was very hot. Got a hat as we have been told that you burn very easily down here. Read through all our tourist info. Steve fixed a wire under the van and I went for a walk to the beach. The kids were in the water doing their surf lifesaving – obviously they don’t feel the cold.

Chatted with a chap along the beach who told me a few good places to go etc. Looking back over the beach to our van.

Cuppa by the van then rang Mum and Dad then Erica and Terry for a chat. Some dolphins were rounding up the fish and having a feed. Did some good jumps which I missed but managed to get a couple of shots of them.

A chap called in for a chat. He has just come back from Kurumba. He showed us more interesting places to stay and answered some questions for us.

The breeze is getting quite cold now so into the van. Made some dinner at 8pm. Popped out to snap the sunset lights.

At 9.30pm put on the big jackets and went down to the beach to try and see a penguin or two.

Instead we found 3 guys dragging a net for fish so helped them for a bit. A few mullet, tailor and garfish. Back to van for hot shower and bed.

Wed, 26th Nov, 2014 Bass Valley Campground, Poowoong to “Spirit of Tasmania” – Melbourne to Devonport

Another cool morning 14 degrees. Did the last clean up and pack up. Bye to Michael and Maureen who I gave my lettuce to.

Headed back through Loch past all the road works again – still working on putting up wire guard rails down straight bits of road (no steep drop offs etc) – now no one as anywhere to get off in an emergency!! For a highway this would be the worst road we have been on so far, more “rough surface for next 3kms” every 3kms!! Listened to the truckies have a whinge about it too on the radio – said they need kidney belts. Into Koo Wee Rup where we got some groceries. Lovely mural.

No cold stuff or fruit & veg though as we have turned the fridge off in the van and put the few things we have in the truck’s fridge as that works off the batteries and we can leave it on. Can’t take any fruit or veg either.

Stopped at Pakenham to find a Bunnings for gas bottle exchange and a tap multi tool (which they didn’t have) so went to Masters across the carpark and got one there. Onto the Freeway and headed into Melbourne (only took us an hour – not bad). Definitely need to improve their signage for the tourists trying to find the wharf!! Found the Ship then drove along foreshore to find a place to park for a couple of hours till we can start boarding at 4.30pm.

Stopped at Middle Park Beach and paid $4.80 to park for an hour!! The wind is blowing and the dark clouds are moving in. Glad we are leaving Melbourne now!!! Finished by blogs at last – need a lay day to catch up or stop taking so many photos!! Email from Erica – had a good win at Bingo and on the pokies. There are pokies on the ship so we will have a good and see if we are lucky. They are both well. Chatted with some people as they passed by, wanting to know if we were setting up for the night!

Someone left their shoes and shirt behind – on closer inspection it is a statue!

Keeping an eye on the ship in the distance.

Another hour – oops didn’t pay another hour in the meter – thanks Melbourne. Headed down to the pier to see who had lined up.

More lovely buildings as we drive down the esplanade.

Passed the old toilets and bandstand area.

Only one car and camper lined up but the car park is full – no room for us any case as it is all angle car parks. Back onto the road out front and pulled in to wait. The truckies have to swing in near us to unload all their cargo.

A few more vans go past so at 4.30 we head into the queue. Not too bad – they are moving them in fairly quickly. Answer a couple of firearm etc weapons with the front security then drive onto the pier. Security then inspect the truck and van for fruit/veg, gas bottles, fishing gear etc. Got our room key, boarding pass and ship information. We are room 007 on the 7^th floor.

All good so headed down to the very end of the pier then turned left to line up again and wait.

Looking back over to where we had been waiting this afternoon.

A few people fishing off the pier – looking over to the shipping port.

Steve said “take a photo of this Landrover and send it to Clive. He needed two trailers to travel with all his spare parts!!”

There were 3 Landrovers in a row from different states.

A kite surfer enjoying the strong wind.

Read all our info – sounds quite nice, bit like being on the cruise again.

6pm and they have started loading us on. Just as we get to the front they send us off the pier!! Down to the truck unloading area then back up the ramp.

The chap made us wait – He said he doesn’t like to trust the bridge with too much weight!!

The boats are out on the water. No wonder they like day light saving down here.

Round to the right – the ramp up the middle and under it are for the low cars.

The big semi loads are tied down so hope ours will be too.

6.20pm - Into our spot.

Truck has a lovely port hole to look out!

Not much gap so hope the ship doesn’t side roll – took photos of everything before we left just in case. Truck is on 5^th floor.

Scanned for weapons as we head into the ship. Found our room 7007. Very nice – Steve checking if he can push the window out!!

Good view except it rained on the window. Rang Dan and Jon then Mum & Dad. Feels like we are leaving Australia not going to another State!

Went to the Tourist Info area and Steve filled his arms with brochures while I paid for a year National Parks Pass, $96 just to drive into them. Then we have to pay to stay in them as well – bit rude since the parks are there so Australian’s can enjoy them!! Hope they haven’t hiked the prices up like Vic Parks have. We will worry about a fishing licence later if we decide to try fishing in the lakes etc. You don’t need one for in the ocean.

Checked out the food choices – café and Captains Table (help yourself buffet) and a flash one. Had a nice dinner then grabbed the camera to get some photos of us leaving at 7.30pm.

Went up to Level 10 at the front. Great view and protected from the wind though I would duck out onto the open area for photos. Glad I had a wrist strap for the camera. All the sailing boats are out now on the starboard side.

Starting to back out. Bye Melbourne – we will return next year sometime.

Back to the port side looking back to Melbourne Star ferris wheel and the big bridge.

Then the freeway coming in.

We are up here alone – obviously this is popular on day sailings. Not sure if there is a spa under there or it is a dance floor.

Back to port side and we have left the pier.

A Cosco container ship leaves the shipping wharf.

Away we go.  View back over the pier and Melbourne as we swing around.

The seagulls (in right corner of photo) diving as the fish are swirled to the surface.

Tugs coming out to help the big ship we just passed heading for the Yarra River.

Sunset was lovely.

Overtook the Cosco ship at last, we had been following him.

A couple more fishing boats – now that would be scary.

Wandered around the ship checking out the different areas – few TV viewing areas and a cinema (kids show).  Following close to the Mornington Peninsula now as the night lights start to come on. Looks lovely. Recognised Arthur’s Seat then Sorrento ferry pier. Chatted with a couple who had friends on Queenscliff side who were looking for the ship coming out. They pointed out things to us like the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse etc. Certainly noticed it as we headed out the heads but it wasn’t too bad. Steve has taken his Kwells and is feeling fine. It is 10pm so we headed back to the cabin for a shower and bed. Set the alarm for 5.30 as we start going down to the cars at 5.45am.