Wed, 10th June, 2015 Horsehead Bend, Devonport to Spirit of Tasmania (farewell to Tasmania)

Another cold morning 10 degrees at 6am but down to 8.9 degrees at 8am. Clear sky and no wind at the moment but the weather forecast last night said winds would be 15 to 35km/h on Bass Strait so Steve will be taking his Kwells before we depart at 7.30pm from Devonport. At least the sun is out for our departure.

Steve washed the van then we headed into town to fuel up. In the 6 months and 14 days we have been in Tasmania we have driven 12,576km and used 2213 litres of diesel in the truck. Coloured in most of the roads and saw so many wonderful places and met some fabulous people. Didn’t get to King or Flinders Islands though.

Packed away my $2 map of Tassie that we bought on the ship coming over. It was a great map with lots of information on it as well.

Had lunch then packed up and headed across the Mersey River to the departure area at East Devonport.

Parked near the entrance.

Walked down to check out the ship – we are on Spirit 1. Last selfie in Tasmania.

Back to the shops – cute building.

Wandered down to the river – looking back up the river to the Spirit.

Then out to the mouth where a ship is dredging the channel.

Turned out to be a lovely day though it is a bit chilly in the shade.

Found a few info plaques along the walk. A bucket dredge was wrecked here in 1930 when stormy seas caused mooring chains to break.

The breakwater was built in 1901 using stone brought from Pardoe Beach using a small tramway.

Lots of pebbles on the beach but I did manage to find one shell.

The sea looks reasonable at the moment – hope it stays that way.

Back past a lovely cottage built in 1888 for a commercial traveller.

Back to the van for a cuppa before starting to board at 5pm. Uploaded my last Tassie photos and the map showing our travels onto Facebook. Thanks to all our new friends in Tassie for your hospitality. We have so enjoyed our time in your great State.

Into the line up and then we waited till nearly 6.30pm to board. A Tourist Bureau lady gave us a survey to fill in – they want to know how long we were here and where we stayed etc – this might take a while to fill in!!

Straight in so no stress this time.

The semi-trailers are all tied down.

Dropped off our bag to our room – an internal one this time.

Into the dining room for some dinner then onto the deck as we pulled out at 7.25pm. Amazing watching the ship turn in the narrow river.

Looking to the mouth then back up the river.

Very sad to wave goodbye to Tasmania. Will have to come back again one day as we so enjoyed our time here. Stood out on the deck as we headed out the mouth of the Mersey River and into Bass Strait – so far so good, the sea looks fairly calm!!