Sat, 27th Dec, 2014 Howden boat ramp (Hobart sightseeing)

Headed into Hobart along the coastal road. Lots of walking trails around the area. At Bonnet Hill we followed a narrow windy road with crazy cyclists. I noticed a petition sign trying to get bike lanes – now that’s an idea.

At the car park at Joseph Moir’s Shot Tower was information about the road over Bonnet Hill. Kingston Postmaster and baker was the creator of Keen’s Curry Powder. A lot of Dutch immigrants made Kingston their home.

Was a tough road back in the 1830s.

The Shot Tower is the only remaining circular sandstone shot tower in the world. Joseph was a Scotsman who built his home in 1860 then the tower in 1870. The front part is the house and the tower is behind.

He was a man of money but he also made lots building churches. The tower is 58 meters high and was made for the production of lead shot for the muskets and rifles of the day. The chap was very friendly. There was a charge to go into the tower so we might do that another time. The house with its turret tower.

Another walk called Alum Cliffs – That was the cliff’s name we saw near Mole Creek. We might do this while we are waiting for the yachts to come in as we will be walking along the cliff edge looking out to Storm Bay.

Stopped at a park below Mt Nelson – there is a walk up to it but we can also drive round from the other side – now which one will we choose!!! There was an old water trough there.

Into Hobart and look at the traffic. Saturday morning and it is bedlam then we saw the sign saying roads will be closed off for the Taste of Tasmania starting tomorrow.

Changed direction and went down Macquarie Street and Steve followed a bus then we realised we went into the Bus Only zone near Elizabeth Mall. Got out of that and headed down Campbell Street which is one way and spied a park on the end but we were only the other side of 4 lanes so did a blocky. Took a photo of the Gas Company building and the building next door as they looked pretty old.

Found the park still there so reversed in then looked up and it was a 5min park!!! Boy did we laugh. Back in the car and around the block again as there was one back up the street and that was a 3 hour one. They don’t use the ‘on the dash ticket system’, instead you put in the number on the ground next to your car then pay the $2/hour. We put in 2 hours as there was credit still on bay 7. Off we went down to Constitution Dock etc to find the Info Centre. The place is buzzing with lots of people. Grabbed piles more brochures and got some questions answered. As we were heading back to the docks we saw a huge crane and the ‘dining in the sky’ thing they had at Bathurst. Went over for a closer look and chatted with the security guard. He didn’t know how much it was though. Took a few photos of the crane for Ian.

Down to the Elizabeth St Pier and some old ships that take tourists for cruises.

Hey Jon, check out this fancy gas heater and bottle!!!! Dad's wondering if old Reg will pass this one.

The Lady Nelson has 90 minute cruises for $30. The people were very friendly so might consider it as we don’t have to do the rigging etc.

Steve commented about the ‘horizontal’ buoy. The chap said it fell over in the wind and it is there because of the tug boat next door – they find it very annoying and in the road.

At the end of the pier looking out to one of the finishing line buoys for the Sydney to Hobart Race.

The lady at the Info Centre said Wild Oats docked here when she won last year and she was standing at the end of the pier watching them arrive.

All the flags are flying waiting for the yachts in the 70^th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Passed a restaurant and thought their sign was great.

 Poor seagull is going to miss out.

Now that’s a fancy power box cover – not like our painted boxes at home.

The info boards about the area.  Hobart was established in 1803 and is Australia’s second oldest capital.

Found Salamanca Markets in amongst the preparations for the Taste of Tasmania.

Captain Jack Sparrow was there.

The markets are only on Saturdays and there are over 300 stalls here. It is so big they produce a map brochure to find your way around. The markets began on 22 January, 1972. Lots of lovely timberwork stalls. Steve liked this axe.

Took a photo of these great ‘ladies’ but the lady got a bit upset and demanded that I delete it. It made out I did then off we went – touchy!! Won’t put in a sales plug for her on my blog then!!!

Steve was over the pushing and shoving but I ducked in and tried the samples of jams, fudge and ginger beer. There are so many people here.

Bought some yummy yummy cherries as we didn’t have any stone fruit for Christmas. $10/kilo.

The markets are in the historic Battery Point area with the Georgian sandstone buildings that were used for warehousing whale oil, grain, timber and imported goods in the 19^th century.

The stall said they were happy to have photographs taken, so I thought these were good ones for the blog. As you can guess – very environmentalistic messages.

 Though the Paradox of Life message is very good for everyone.

 The boat people one got a few people laughing as they walked by.

The sun is out and it is starting to warm up so took our jumpers off. Bought some apples for $2.50/kg to munch on as we have missed lunch. Then some delicious apricots too.

The “Dining in the Sky” was operational – certainly getting everyone’s attention.

 Great view but not for us!!

Stopped at Mawson’s replica hut to read the info. The Antarctica HQ is at Kingston so might call in there for a look tomorrow.

The May-Queen is probably the oldest wooden trading vessel in Australia. Locally known as ‘barges’, these ketches were the workhorses of the fruit and timber trade (got that off those info boards).

The Constitution Dock Bridge lifts up for boats to go in and out. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1990.

Looking over Constitution Dock to the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery.

Lovely old building.

This old steam driven crane was on display near the bridge.

Inside a marquee was the Sydney to Hobart Cup for the winner by handicap. This will be worked out once all the yachts have arrived. Last year Wild Oats was first across the line but Victoire won this cup on handicap calculations.

Interesting information about all the winners. They had computers with the tracking website up so I could check on “Guilty Pleasures”, the Cairns chap’s boat. It was 41^st at that stage.

Heading back to the truck past fish and chips shops and fish markets. Check out the price of the crayfish.

Wonder how much the fisherman make? Certainly a lot of boats here.

Nearly back to the truck – we were beside the City Hall.

On the way home got some photos of some old buildings.

Back to the van and the Bay is nice and calm. Thought there might have been a few cars and trailers at the boat ramp but our van was the only thing there so all good.

Got dinner in the Ecopot ready then started through the brochures. Rang Mum to check when they arrive and what they want to do so I can make our plans. It has certainly warmed up that I got back into shorts and singlet again. 8 o’clock and we are just starting to close up the windows and doors as the light breeze is getting a bit cooler now.

Lovely view across the water as the sun sets.