Mon, 30th Mar, 2015 Malcolm & Kerry’s farm, Westbury (Cataract Gorge walks)

Lovely and warm morning, 14 degrees. Bright and sunny but still quite windy. Headed into Launceston to the Bridgestone shop where we got the rims from. The chap there wanted to work on the tyres and rims to get rid of our wobble. Left the car with him and walked around to Macca’s for a cuppa and yummy banana bread. Found an article about Targa Tasmania, in case we are around to check it out.

Then we walked into town. Found a great fixer-upper for Rick!!!

Across the North Esk River – the tide is in so it looks nice today.

Three timber trucks rumbled by.

Past the Penny Royal area and its big windmill.

 Found out it was called Penny Royal Gunpowder Mills – will have to Google it and find out some info on it. It is being worked on.

There was a train station and the carriage is still in the garage.

Chatted with a lady checking out her map, she was trying to decide which walk to do. She decided to do the Zig Zag track. We decided to take the easier walk back down Cataract Gorge. Across the South Esk River which looks full today.

Looking up to the Zig Zag track and one of the lookouts.

Further down looking back to Kings Bridge and Launceston.

Certainly looks different with more water in it – the rapids aren’t as pronounced.

Steve spotted a seagull down by the water.

Part of the water race on the other side of the river – taking the water down to Ritchies Mill. Still some old steel work there.

Looking up towards the Suspension Bridge.

Looks good with the chairlift going over head with the bridge in the background.

Walked around to the Rotunda and Fairy Dell. This wallaby was having a lovely time sniffing the playground ride.

In the Rotunda was a little bit of information and some photos (built 1896).

We still have a couple of walks to do – more stairs of course – up to Eagles Eyrie Lookout.

Lots of lizards sunning themselves on the rocks.

Got to one lookout, great view – no sign but there was more steps going up so off we went again.

Found the Eagles Eyrie Lookout – spectacular view. Got up a sweat too, not cold today.

Headed back down – map of the walks at the chairlift station.

Next walk to Cataract Lookout. More steps – put in years ago and not very well either!!

The view was worth it.

Back down again near the restaurant – fabulous colour as the leaves change colour for autumn.

These pine needles make a great photo.

A tour boat heading up the river. Only had 4 customers.

Back to Kings Bridge – found another Historic Engineering Marker.

Checked out Ritchies Mill – now an art gallery and restaurant.

Great view up the Tamar River.

Information board with lots of photos.

Kept walking as the free bus wouldn’t come by for another half hour. Passed the Examiner Newspaper building built in 1842.

Went into the Mall and had a Banjo Bakery pie with Cape Grim steak which was very nice. Walked down to the North Esk River and found another info board.

Amazing photo of the 1929 flood.

Across the river was a lovely looking building built in 1888.

Further up the North Esk River and across the other bridge to walk back to our truck. We certainly have done our 10,000 steps today. It has been a lovely day.

The chap at Bridgestone was about to take the car for another drive so Steve went with him. They certainly tried everything and seem to have sorted out the wobble. Nice to have such great service. Andrew from Radiator Plus rang to check we really want to send the radiator away.

Fuelled up and got the groceries all ready to head off tomorrow.

Back to the farm and Malcolm had loaded us up with his Nicola potatoes, corn, carrots and tomatoes which is wonderful. We have had a great time here.

Lovely dinner with them and another great dessert from Sophie – will have to go on a diet after this week!! Heard all about their weekend in Melbourne for the cricket – they had a great time. Watched some DVDs of Malcolm’s sprintcar racing.

Lovely night and only just starting to feel cool.