Sun, 8th Mar, 2015 Forth Recreation Ground (Devonport sightseeing)

17 degrees at 8am, overcast. Later the sun is out so enjoyed a cuppa outside in the warmth. Leanne & Rick packing up for the trip back across Bass Strait tonight. I got onto National Seniors on the internet and joined up. Now to remember to ask for discounts as we go along. Chatted with a couple from Calliope, Qld who have arrived in their camper and two big dogs – a lot more setting up than a caravan. They have been travelling and working for 2 ½ years so had lots of tips for us.

Lunch outside as we are enjoying the sunshine. Drove into Devonport to explore. Out to the point to check out the Lighthouse.

Info about the geology of the Mersey Bluff area.

Very sad memorial to a young man who died whilst trying to save a friend.

The Hat where he drowned.

Looking back over the mouth of the Mersey River.

I walked down to a platform out onto the Mersey Bluff.

There were a few people fishing off the rocks.

This area is sacred to aborigines and there was a info centre which is now not open and there was a sign seeking for expressions of interest in trying to get it operating again!!!

Drove round to where a groin goes out to protect the entrance to the river. They have built a walk and huge platform – rather a waste of money with all the fancy fencing etc.

There was a huge “Spirit of the Sea” monument.

Looking down the river to where the Spirit of Tasmania docks.

Sitting there waiting for Leanne & Rick to board this afternoon.

Across to Mt Roland in the distance.

Followed the road along the river. Past the Town Hall built 1899.

Detour around the “Taste of Harvest” festival which is set up along the river.

Lovely building – will have to check it out next time when I come in to do my history walk.

Went looking for a dump point and found another overnight camping area which will be handy when we are heading back to the mainland. Some people have stayed there a week one chap said!!

Into Don and we saw the steam from the train so stopped to check it out. The engine had just gone up the other end of the carriages so we missed it. Went inside to see if we could go up the platform for a look but you have to pay the $20 ride fee to go onto the platform!! He did let us in a little way so I got a couple of photos as it chugged off for the 3.5km ride to Coles Beach.

They had a poster on the wall of our Kuranda Rail.

Back to the van for a cuppa and final pack up for Leanne & Rick. The wind has come up again. Waved bye as they drove off, hope they have a good trip back. The wind has made it cold again so into the van to make some phone calls. Rang Mum and Dad. All well there and exciting news, Veronica is pregnant. Such wonderful news for her though she is now living in New Zealand. Mum will be a grandmamma twice now in September.

Gave Rebecca and Clive a call and had a great chat with them.

The wind has stopped totally now which is nice and it is not as cold now.