Tues, 16th Dec, 2014 Wet Caves Reserve, Caveside to Deloraine Racecourse Rest Area

Had breakfast watching the news about the Sydney siege. So sad that two people had to lose their lives through this idiot that should be been shipped out ages ago.

Cloudy but still nice. They are predicting rain again today though. Packed up and headed into Deloraine to stay at the rest area next to the racecourse. Like our new neighbours, very friendly. He spends all his time with his head over the fence - as they say “the grass is greener on the other side of the fence”.

Went to Woolies and stocked up for the next couple weeks as we head towards Hobart. Love my Vacuum Sealer which I put all my meat in. It is ziplock bags that I suck the air out of so squeezes them down and keeps the food longer.

After a cuppa headed off for a walk following the Historical Trail brochure we picked up. The walk starts beside the Meander River off opposite Deloraine’s first electric power station again where we had lunch yesterday. This began operating in 1907. The weir was built to hold back water for turning the wheel which drove the generator.

Apex had this E Class No. 2 locomotive moved to the park beside the river, to commemorate the opening the Launceston to Deloraine Railway (the first in Tasmania) on the 10^th February, 1871.

Interesting information about the bridges, trains etc of the area. The train bridge was built in 1885.

One of the old trees planted in the early 1900s by the townspeople.

The first settlers crossed the river, which was originally called the Western River, by a ford about a kilometre upstream from the road bridge. The first road bridge which was built by convicts in 1831 was washed away by a flood in 1844 and it was replaced shortly after by a more substantial one built by convicts from the Probation Station (where the convicts were housed) on the western side of the river. This was in turn replaced in 1877. The stone piers of that bridge still service the present one although it has been widened and raised. You can see the new stones compared to the old ones at the back.

Old gas lamps still stand on the bridge – Steve was checking out the gas lines.

Looking back across the river to the old trees planted in the early 1900s.

A lovely willow.

St Marks Church. The original Anglican Church was a small wooden building which was opened in January 1847. The foundation stone for this present church was laid in 1856 and opened in 1859. The pipe organ which came from London is still in use.

This area is the original village of Alveston, which was not part of the official town area but developed earlier than Deloraine. Alveston Cottages built in the early 1840s were mainly used as shops but now are private residences.

This is the Bush Inn built in 1848. It has been considerable altered over the years but has always operated as a hotel.

We followed the road further down looking for Bowerbank Mill (which we didn’t find) but noticed all this “snow” on the ground outside a big gated estate called “Rawson”. Not mentioned in my brochure.

This is now a private residence (in need of some TLC) but for many years operated as the Plough Inn and opened in 1845, being Alveston’s first hotel.

Saw the 50s Café so went for a look. Their letter box is great too, a V8 engine.

It had a great garden, hedges carved like a car and petrol bowser.

And a teapot.

Unfortunately it was closed but we could look through the windows. The door handle was a spanner.

 It was packed with heaps of memorabilia etc.

Wish fuel was this price again!!

The hedges looked like a little maze.

Steve liked the legs on the tables – crankshafts.

The black clouds are moving in and the wind is picking up so headed back to check on the van. 

When we had passed this pub before the Boag sign was hanging off the front, the wind obviously blew it off! You can see it on the ground and the mark where it was hanging on the wall.

Put more anti-flappers on the awning then Jon rang for a chat. Then Rebecca and Clive, so great to hear from them and glad her leg is healing well. It is lovely knowing my friends are enjoying travelling with us through our blog.

The wind got harder and then down came the rain. No need for water catcher as we had just filled up the tanks here.

Rang Mum to check when they are arriving in Hobart and to chat. She said they saw Paul and he commented that he enjoyed reading my blog. That makes me feel great. Gave him a call and it was great to catch up. Rang Kaylene to check how Jakob’s 21^st went. They are heading to Melbourne on the 27^th to see her parents, Bill & Dawn. Bill’s cancer has returned. Gave Dawn a call too to wish them Merry Christmas and let them know we are thinking of them. Tried to ring Brian as he sent through the tax info from the accountant. He rang back, was great to hear his news and what the kids are up to.

Put the TV on and Love Actually was on so watched it again (for the 50^th time), still a great, good feeling type movie. Rain back again but all is good.