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people in Tasmania
Monday, 22 November 2010 03:36
22 Nov 2010: We sit in suburbia, Melbourne on a pool in 30 degrees heat. Satisfied we look back to Tasmania - the last two weeks there were filled with wonderful encounters of people:
We caught cold after the Overland Track and decide not to go on the planed 3-day walk to the steep cliffs of Tasman Peninsula. Instead we’re heading north. Most of the time we hitch-hike 200km until noon. Farmers, mothers with their kids (who want to extend their children’s horizons), business travelers and shuttle busses give us lifts.
A man with vivid eyes and wild, red hair takes us to Launceston. On the 150km we hitch with him we listen to stories about killer attacks on his life, burglaries in his house and shootings. All that happens to him because he films illegal actions and brings the tapes to the police. A tough life for his 60 years - and he’s quite proud on the 39 girlfriends he had since February...
In Launceston we meet a pen friend of my great-uncle. He’s writing letters with her since 47 years and they’ve never seen each other. We are here to bring her flowers in his name. She’s a primary school teacher and takes us to her first class. The kids are impressed when they see the big distance between Germany and Tasmania. And we have no answer to the question how many steps it would take to walk from Tassie to Germany...
After that interesting time we hitch into the North-West and visit a farm: two nice people, 400 diary cattle and a hugh plant nursery. By that time we realize that we know already more about plants in Australia than about the plants back home. It is a short but interesting stay with lots of exchange and travel stories. Sue is a physio as well and it is very interesting for me to hear the “aussie version” of Physiotherapy.
On 16th of Nov we fly back to Melbourne. More than one year of traveling is done. Three days later we have our last ride on our motorbikes. In a big field of cyclists we ride to Melbourne - is that predicted? Who knows... Six hours later our motorbikes are packed. Relief and Sadness at the same time. The next day we order two pushbikes. They should carry us from now on around the world: a new and thrilling chapter starts!
3rd of Dec we fly to New Zealand. Until this time we have “starting time” on click pedals...
Monique
gone bush
Sunday, 31 October 2010 22:16
21st of October is our first day on one of the most beautiful long distance hikes in the world - the Overland Track. After one hour of walking Tasmanias most distincitve mountain formation comes in seight: the Cradle Mountain. Only 40 days per year without clouds and rain, the area is filled with blue gaps in the sky and we have a wonderful view. We know that we have to expect blizzards, heavy rains and storms in this time of the year on the track. But, lucky us, we have 7 out of 8 days pure sunshine! After eight hours on the first day we arrive on the hut. 20 people squeeze on bunk beds and the night is enternained by snorers.
Day three: wondering we are staying in a fairy-tale forest. Very old trees are covered in moss and we won't be surprised if an elf is coming around the corner. The 17km way is full of slippery roots and deep muddy sections. The next morning the landscape is frozen in thick ice beneath shiny blue skies. Along the icy trail we make our way to a plateau with wonderful views on the highest mountains of Tasmania. Mount Ossa is blinking in the west. We have to climb Tassies highest one in this weather! Steep rock-climbs and snow field crossings are slowing us down. 500 alitute meters later and after some tough rocky sections we find ourselves on this amazing peak - overlooking almost all of the island. The way down is quicker: bum-slide along the upper snowfields. Lots of fun!
Landscapes are changing nearly every kilometre. Rainforest, fern trees, button grass plains and suspension bridges are diverse sights. After 8 days and 101 kms we reach the southern end of the track and with it a shower(!) and civilisation. We say goodbye to the hiking-family: two dutch-swiss couples, five older men from Perth, a marathon runner from Sydney...
Because of too little traffic to the West Coast we hitch back to Hobart to have a several-day rest at our friends place. On 3rd of November we are back on the road again - heading towards the South of Tassie. Our next report will be from Melbourne, middle Nov.
Thanks for following us! Monique
Life on the island
Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:44
Tasmania is the smallest state of Australia - and has a much slower life to offer! We are surprised that Hobart as such a relaxed city. We find a home in Jennifer and Sues house - overlooking the sea and feeling like holidays. We met them and their daughter up near Broome in WA and we are overwhelmed by hospitality - again.
On 7th October we start to Maria Island - the weed Canari Broom grows here too thick and we help in a volunteering project to get rid of the plants. We are working together with 9 other, mainly retired volunteers. A very keen bushwalking session through (for us) thick bush brings us to hugh fields of the yellow flowering weed. Besides the work we have time to climb some wonderful summits and exploring the most colorful cliffs on this extraordinary peaceful place.
Five days later we find ourselfes hitching north towards the Freycenet Peninsula. A 4 day hike offers stunning coastal sceneries. The first day comes sunny with 25 degrees. Third day is ice rain with 5 degrees. That's Tassie, too. We love the rugged moutnains out here and the prestine beaches. Our lifts are working well and we get into Bay Of Fires - one of the best beaches in the world. Topped with red rocks on white sands and surrounded by turquoise water it is one of the most colourful places we have ever seen!
Now we are in Launceston - looking forward to do the Overland Track. Up to 10 days hiking through some good nature. Good training for our bike-challenge NZ...
journey / reports 
