Stupid me, I booked the bus to the airport based on a departure time of the flight = arrival time in Sydney. I didn't think much of it until it was too late...
I stressed out all the way to the airport, knowing also I had not much more money, definitely not enough to pay another flight. I was not even sure to be able to pay the late fee.
Well, I was a bit lucky in my forgetfulness : I just could pay the late fee, and there was another flight today. So there, I'm waiting. I spent the day waiting actually, at the backpacker. I was not keen to visit anything. I am a bit sick of nature and Tasmania at the moment, I'm a city girl after all. My usual ecosystem is full of humans, streets, dance classes, parties, lights, shops, painted walls, dust...
I had my share of natural wonders for a while.
I'm a bit in a cranky mood.
Monday 9 January 2012
Tasmania - Day 19 - Hanging around at Pickled Frog and missing the plane
Tasmania - Day 18 - Cygnet to Hobart and returning the van
Yep, last night in the van just over. Yesterday I spent the evening drinking wine with some French backpackers in Cygnet till midnight or so. They went to bed early since they had to get up at 6 am for strawberry picking. Killian was too happy to have electricity for his laptop and watched movie after movie, with me around, in the campground kitchen.
Today is really hot. I spent the morning cleaning the van.
Tasmania - Day 16 - First day of 2012 in Strahan, overnight Lake Burbury
Ha well... All the Jacks yesterday didn't help me feel very energetic today. I felt a bit hangover and tired having slept late.
I had a bread, salmon and avocado breakfast, but still, feeling a bit low, cursing why did I have to get drunk?
I spent most of the day sleeping in the van in Macquarie Heads campground. Killian was fishing with some other kids on the jetty so he didn't complain too much.
Finally by 3 pm, I decided to move my bum off the bed and cook myself a lunch, slowly.
Then, as the weather was hot, I went for a walk up Ocean Beach, and for a swim too. Water is shallow first, no waves, then suddenly goes deep. The seawater has the colour of the tea, and so is black when deep. This made it scary, like if you were going to enter a world that would swallow you. I was a bit too scared to really have a long swim, but I stayed in the water quite a bit. Water was so warm! Incredible, not even feeling cold at first.
Tiny crabs come and chew at your toes.
It felt beautiful and peaceful, looking at the sky, the water and the sun, thinking I'm there, the first day of the year...
Soon after, I walked back to the camp were I found Killian at the jetty, still playing with the fishing rods and other kids.
I packed up, and around 6 or 7 pm, I moved away from Strahan.
We lost some time getting some food at a fish and chips, the slowest ever, near Strahan waterside.
I thought I would not drive long, but at least take and hour or two off the return drive.
Finally, I stopped past Queenstown, at Burbury's lake.
Tasmania - Day 15 NYE - O'Neills Creek, Marooka caves, Chudleigh to Strahan
After the fairy penguins feed yesterday I headed straight back to O'Neills creek. It was night, sky was full of stars up to the horizon, so I wanted to land in a known place. Indeed wildlife is out at that time, met a life wallaby and some other smaller species on the road.
When I woke up, I found plenty of
Tasmania - Day 12 - Sheffield to Montaigu
We woke up in again in the same shady forest camp. First time of the trip we had slept 2 nights at the same spot.
Charcoals were still warm, but our prayers to the spirit of the fire were heard. No misbehaviour. After an hour of extinguishing the fire by splattering them all around the fireplace, only the remnants burning ones were blowing sparkles like a magic wand when we were digging and splatting around.
I phoned the bank, halas my transfer did not arrive due to Christmas. Damn, only 50 left or so until the next day, hopefullt. Not much. That means no visits to the nearby caves. Just enough for food, some fuel, and maybe a lil treat or 2.
We drove slowly to Sheffield, a beautiful little town, still south of the coast. Very picturesque, a nostalgic air, and famous for its few streets painted with murals and some local shops. Like the world of marbles, a shop full of wonderful glass blown sphere, by various artists, with incredible design. I was keen to walk along and buy some small stuff but no money. I just bought cheap sunglasses, because driving without them in a blazing sun is an extreme discomfort, and some food.
From there I had the vague idea to watch penguin, but watch out, they are only going back to feed the youngsters at sunset. So I decided to move forward on the west, not stop next to devonport but rather in Burnie - I didn't want to wait all day for these penguins.
We stopped at a berry farm in Turner's beach, at Killian's request, to collect our own strawberries. I watched out that our bag wasn't getting too heavy, I still needed to pay for them. These strawberries were delicious, the best I had ever maybe, warmed up and ripe by the sun, extremely sweet and juicy.
We stopped at Penguin, I still wonder why. Then at Burnie, which was an awful kinda big city. I didn't want to wait 6 hours there, so I headed up till as far as I could. The first camps I found were near crayfish creek, in national park. But the fee was still $13 eventhough I had paid a 2 months park fee. This fell like a rip off so I went off past Stanley, to Montaigu. The camping there was not amazing, and also $10. Anyway. I had enough of driving at that stage.
We had a quick walk on a rocky beach, quite beautiful again, although less lush than the other ones, a bit more special. And then a quick dinner and off to bed.
Tomorrow I d better have some money, because fuel tank and food supplies are near empty.
Tasmania - Day 10 - Myrtle Park, Launceston, O'Neil's creek
A morning of domestics... I found Killian with a potential headlice issue. Considering we share the same van since 10 days, this freaked me out. I had lots of trouble getting him to take a shower, the second day in a row ... A bit like if I asked him to jump in a fire or something.
Ensued an early afternoon at the laundromat, shopping for food, buying anti-headlice products in the city centre.
I headed to Gorge reserve in Launceston for application, in one of the swimming pool showers.
After a short walk, and seeing our second echidna, I took the road again. To Deloraine, Mole Creek, then overnight at O'Neil's creek.
Countryside was enchanting, up hilly and woody plains, seeing in the far Cradle Mountain I guess. Up and down forests roads, all that in the setting sunlight.
Tasmania - Day 9 - En route to Launceston
<p>Very lazy morning with the exception of another big fight with killian... We made peace, and had breakfast.</p>
<p>After another big shower for both of us, and charging Killian's computer in the bathroom plug, we slowly headed off, driving trough scottsdale and further towards Launceston.</p>
<p>Today is Christmas, everything is closed in these little towns. Our food supply is reaching a bottom low. The only thing left is a pack of noodles. I'm hoping that Launceston will bring us some civilization, Coles and woolworths open through Christmas and mobile network and an internet cafe! </p>
<p>We had a lunch break at a lost look out, past scottsdale, the Sideling Lookout. </p>
<p>My mood is much better today, for whatever reason... </p>
<p>Hey well, even Launceston was no exception to the all around shutdown for Christmas. Roaming around the city centre, we finally hit a fuel pump that was open, but the guy confirmed all was closed. I bought a can of tuna, and a ice-cream for Killian. </p>
<p>After that, lost for ideas, I followed some brown roadsigns to a place called I can't remember (although i'm just there) which happened to be a very beautiful park with a swimming pool, a beautiful lake gorge of some river between mounts.... We spent the rest of Christmas afternoon there...
Tasmania - Day 8 - Binalong Bay, Humbug reserve and historic hotel...
This morning dreams I was with a girl mate, escaping another country for troubles with the local mafia. Obtaining a black market French passport, hiding there until I realized my mate was still calling her boyfriend home using her old mobile. Getting her to move again, getting another passport this time, no money enough, they were already on our trails... So there's some driving and running and hiding. I think at the end I escaped in a boat.
Just awake, and killian is already playing with my nerves. I didn't want to stay here last night, to move a bit further north but I stayed for him. I said we move early tomorrow then. He's already saying no...
Well anyway, I left without any breakfast, in a foul mood, that persisted most of the day.
We went to Binalong bay, for a walk on the rocks next to the see. We met this local guy who gave us two Abalones for a special Christmas dinner.
We wandered along the beach, swam a bit, got all sunburnt, in Humbug reserve. Sand was blasting white, my eyes couldn't cope. Again, it was a beautiful beach, unspoilt.
After that, we both agreed that we had enough of beaches and left for Scottsdale.
Along the way, I spotted a very charming historic hotel, Weldborough historic hotel, that was selling local brew of beers and cider. I thought we can stop, and I can relax with a light beer. Finally we ended up staying there overnight, in a peaceful back garden, for $5!
The great thing is that for that price you had hot showers! Yay, finally clean! First one in 7 days.
Then I made the usual noodles for Killian and a salad of avocado, tuna, tomato, cauliflower and bbq abalone for me...
The place was really peaceful and quiet. Killian and I had a long night sleep, again our eyes closed the same time as the sun.
Tasmania - Day 6 - Bicheno and fishing
Seeing we have slept on a regular campground for the first time, I didn't feel compelled to leave the spot as soon as I woke up. So the morning is starting slowly...
This breakfast did welcome another experiment. This time, heating crumpets on the portable gas stove bbq plate. The mission was a success!
My original plan was to leave in the morning for Wineglass bay, but Killian enjoyed the place, talking to an old lady, playing with another fire, collecting shells.
We only left after lunch to Swansea, where I bought some food and a fishing stick for Killian. I went then up to Bicheno, where I bought a $60 2 months park pass.
This gained us access to Friendly beaches free camping. It was hot and I was in a so so mood. Another day where I didn't do what I wanted and spent a lot of money, in total 150.
Friendly beaches campsite was made of individual spot hidden into the bushes. Quite lovely. The beach is of white sands and rock, and we went for a wander around there.
While we were making killian's fish stick ready, we were greated by a wallaby, quietly grazing around, the grass and some tender bush leaves.
We went back to Bicheno jetty at dusk, for some fishing, ... Well it ended up in a total mess with the lines. I asked the help of a local grandfather. He looked like he knew was he was doing, but not so friendly for making us feel at ease as beginners - after sorting out the mess, he was quite harsh in saying : now get back home with the kid, and if it's his first time don't go fishing by night, too hard. Not a smile. I was embarrassed but didn't say anything, and indeed I soon drove away from this epic trial, before making further mess. The only thing I realized is that there's many little controls on that fishing stick, I should YouTube it to learn what knob does what in there... And now I have these baits rotting away in the van. I didn't put them in the cooler with our food, hell no...
Returning to friendly beaches, we had a good night sleep. I prayed the weather was good tomorrow, as I was hoping to see the famous Wineglass Bay and do some walking!
I dreamed of some very strong warrior of the future, damaged by wars and crazy mission on the internet, connected to the virtual world, communicating by cables to this world. To the point he once but his tongue as it was useless, as he was part of this mind world. Misunderstood and estranged, however a pure soul I made friend with. When he announced that he was leaving for his last mission, I hugged him and started crying. He was touched. My tears wouldn't stop, but it was very liberating to let go and hug his giant torso, my head against his chest.
Tasmania - Day 5 - Maria Island off Triabunna
Yesterday we fell asleep next to a skate park... Who cares? Awaken early to board the 9 am ferry to Maria Island, leaving our house on wheels parked by the wharves in Triabunna. Cat toilet again, getting organised, a pee and a coffee and i'm good to go.
The day was devoted to a leisurely walk around one track on the island, the Fossils Cliff. First we walked in a kinda savannah. It was empty and big. Killian was scared of the potential meat eaters and refused to move forward. It took me a great deal of patience and skilled talking to make him smile again and move forward. Goodbye to my ideas to cover another interesting track during the day. On that savannah we saw, up the hill not far from gumtrees a group of kangaroos. A lot of grey geese too... We stopped everywhere, looked closely at the fossils. I managed to get Killian forward by saying well.. we covered more than half, so we'll be sooner back by continuing that track. We ended up in some forest, will a little river with clear water and tadpoles, heading into the old settlement of Darlington. We spend the rest of that afternoon covering the beautiful white sand beach, with crystal clear (but kinda cold) sea. Both of us ended up walking in the sea and our bum wet... Killian then spent an hour and a half digging next to the river, to make canals with water...
Weather was sunny, ideal for the walk.
In some beautiful spot, I wished again I could have shared them with Jesus. I daydreamed ...A moment of contemplation, a pleasantly tiring walk, followed by a cuddle in our shelter, the lil house on wheels, the heads still full of the beauty outside.
Returning to the wharf, and after another hot drink for both of us, we headed North on the East coast, towards the free camping ground of Mayfield, by the beach. It felt good somehow to be amongst humans for a night, although our neighbours are playing the radio out loud, while having some bbq on a fire.
Waha I talked too fast! They have a really crappy taste in music! All old rock stuff, like Thunder and the likes. Killian likes it though. I have put the kettle to boil on the gas cooker in the rusty alcove made for a woodfire and he's watching over the flames. My only knowledge about butane being that it is extremely flammable, but if it's burning away bit by bit all good, while ,if this flame goes off for whatever reason, then the next spark could be a blasting hit. So, my only concern with that new object, is to make sure flames don't stop. Killian has requested the job tonight.
I have a funny video of him dancing in his chair to the music.
Well, killian got mesmerized by the huge wood fire our neighbours did. Truth is that it was massive, bigger than the small metal container where you're supposed to do it.
He circled around, and we managed to make contact with these guys from Richmond. Killian threw lots of stuff in the fire, always asking one of the guy if he could with this and that ... and finally fell asleep in a chair. I drank 2 beers with them, chatting away. Even beer bottles were going in the fire, and they melted... Must'have been reaallly hot in there....
Tasmania - Day 4 - Orford and Triabunna
We woke up around 9 am, escaped the residential area to come back near the river, to get a coffee at a local place. I had my toilet kit in my bag, so did the whole cat's toilet in the disabled bathroom this time. After that I hung around outside, sipping my coffee. Killian wanted to go fishing right here, right now. He was quite of a lingering pest with that immediacy, and although I initially said that we would look for fishing trips but that it may not be today.
I ended up a bit upset.
After a hot noodles lunch by the playground, we did a walk in Shelley beach, very relaxing.
And then another very beautiful walk in the cliffs, somewhere at the very southern end of East Shelley road. Huge rocks, down to the sea level from the top, we saw red anemones, clams and some other thingies. It was the hours before the very late summer sunset, light was beautiful. I spent lots of contemplative moments, wishing I could share with a lover or just merely gazing at the beauty around. Killian was finding it very beautiful too...
Coming back, killian had another complaining moments. He wanted to go back home, didn't like the van, was yelling at me, and didn't reply when I was asking questions.
I thought a good pizza would be good and confirmed so with him, which was already a pain. I ended up going to that woodfired pizza place, not my kind of treat for $35. Obviously he made his prince again, and although I had ordered the simplest one with tomato and cheese, he refused to eat it because of some onions. I told him, without raising my voice, that if he didn't eat, that would be the last restaurant of the trip. And so be it, I had his pizza for takeaway.
I was not happy, thinking that, clearly, if I travel around the world it can't be with Killian. I miss out already on +18 activities, don't meet anyone as last time in Malaysia, but also I cannot explore and walk where I want, I have to endure his moods and justify everything... Not fun.
He felt I was in that mood, because at the end of the meal, he went cuddling up and kissing.
Well, I packed up, left and got my van parked in front of the wharves, ready for next day...
Tasmania - Day 3 - Port Arthur
Well, today was a full day, the second day with the campervan, under a very wet weather. A day full of first times. After our first night in the van, I had my first cat's toilet in the van, with a food container filled with water and a hand towel. Killian skipped that bit, not surprisingly.
We headed down to Port Arthur where we booked in the Bronze Tour which lead us to discover about the life of convicts in the 19th ct in that settlement. Harsh life, driving them sick or mad due to the separation punishment, except from a few lucky ones. We visited Australia second most haunted house in there.
Around lunch, I used the gas cooker for the first time, yoohoo, was easy! I made noodles and smoked chicken broth, i'm kind of a gourmet backpacker. I replaced butter on bread with olive oil as well..
We did a short underwater (rain) trip to remarkable cave. Then headed down to tasmanian devils conservation park. Killian was happy to see kangaroo, devils, birdies, quolls ...
It had stopped raining for that time, but is soon started again afterwards. I stopped at a few other sites, the Devils kitchen and the Tabletop. Killian stayed in the van while I visited, drenched.
After that, I took the road of the East Coast planning to stop anytime I had mobile network. I heard it around Sorell. I called Jesus to say that I was alive! After a brief stop at a Coles, and sorting out my banking stuff as I was running out of money, I was back on the road planning to stop only at destination. I had a bit of a night drive, and stopped somewhere in Orford in a residential area near Shelley beach. Not my ideal spot, but seemed safe and I was too tired and it was too late to explore other options. I fell asleep quite easily this time.