Day 5

Day 5
Sunday
September 11
Launceston to St Helens
248km
Sometimes sunny, sometimes cloudy, sometimes windy and always nippy. 2 – 14 degrees

Feeling ready to move on.

There can be some very unreliable types in these backpackers!

Some initial impressions of Tasmania.

The population consists of really dedicated gardeners and enthusiastic home restoration experts.
Speed limit on major roads of 110 but it only takes 30 seconds to get to each town????
All the beautiful people have moved to Denmark to marry a prince – including TV presenters.
Antique dealers spend more time going to Sydney than staying in Tas.
No one knows how to make a good coffee.
My bike magazine claimed that Tasmania has no roads just corners. I didn’t believe this driving from Devonport to Launceston .... but after driving to the East Coast my stomach knows what they mean.
I could happily tour Tassie in the Mini or on the motorbike. Even a scooter would be OK.
Why do people always scribble on maps when you ask directions?

First stop, another really quaint town, Evandale for the Sunday Markets. Beautiful buildings and gardens.

This is just your everyday, normal garden. So house proud.

Next, the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company near Perth where I patted a friendly Labrador, – missing my animals – tasted some nice things and Pat bought some fancy sauces. Then on to Longford for a coffee, (which tasted like chocolate soup?????, and a chicken, camembert and asparagus quiche. A quick call in to Brickendon historic farm and checked out accommodation that we may stay later in the trip and a brief look at Woolmer Estate.

On the road heading North East for the coast via Scottsdale, through Targa which I think has something to do with car rallying/racing. The mountain road was really slow and windy with a 100km/h speed limit??? We were overtaken by some pretty fast moving exotic cars and motorbikes. This is the view from our cuppa stop at Sidling Lookout at the top of the pass, looking East towards Scottdale and St Helens.

Along the Tasman Highway we noticed these life-sized wood carving in tree trunks. Drove into Legerwood to see more carvings dedicated to those locals who died during the war.

Arrived in St Helens to check in to backpackers after it was recommended only to find it was closed because the guy had gone on holidays!!!!!! After a bit of looking around found a really comfortable and warm cabin/cottage overlooking the bay, Queechy Cottages -$85.