Between the last house sit in Caveside and our return with the ferry to the mainland, we had a few days left so we had decided to go to the west coast of Tassie and explore that side.
I had booked 3 accommodations for that trip and the first one was Sassafras Springs in Ellendale, approx. 220 k's.
The day before our leaving, we had a picnic in Deloraine and when we came back to the car there was a big pool of oil under the it, of course it was on a Sunday so everything was closed. We carefully drove back to the farm put some carton under the car and next morning, after saying goodbye to the animals and people we did the sit for, we drove off to Caveside, only 15 k's away, to a little mechanic shop who had helped us before with fixing something on the car.
I HAVE to show you this; on our way out of the driveway I made a picture of which I think is stunning as I used the utmost zoom of my little camera and actually was convinced it wouldn't be good;
Anyway, the mechanic looked underneath the car and said it most probably was a part connected to the alternator and he couldn't fix it that day as the part had to be ordered. The best thing to do according to him was to call the RACT who could bring us to a wrecker near Launceston. His wife had called the wrecker in the meantime, they had the part and could help us right away! She also called the RACT for us, these people were very helpful, a great little service station!
The RACT were very busy and they said it could take awhile so we walked a bit through the little town when we saw this....😕
After 2 1/2 hours, we saw the big truck coming.
There was oil everywhere!
Pfff ! Eighty k's later he dropped us off at the wreckers and they started on the car immediately, it would take about half an hour to three quarters they claimed!
After 2 hours, standing on our feet as there was no were to sit, a car came racing passed us, dust flew everywhere and I had to close my eyes not the get the dust in my eyes as I have contact lenses, he parked his car in front of the garage where they were busy with our car and another three quarters later the car was ready.
They definitely had called someone who has experience with imported Toyota Surfs as he fixed it and said the part had to be mounted at a very awkward and difficult spot. At five o'clock we drove off to our Ellendale, still 200 k's away. From 10 till 5 we have been on our feet, waiting, waiting, waiting, BUT; luckily we were helped and could go on!
But again, beautiful scenery's on the way, we saw Ireland, Scotland, even Belgium.....
At half past seven we arrived and it was nearly dark.
Before we left, we walked up a hill behind our cottage to look at the view...
...and we stopped at Franklin River Nature Trail to do a walk, stretch our legs a bit, have some lunch and drive further towards Strahan.
We also came through Queenstown and the road before coming into town was just amazing! We weren't impressed of Queenstown itself but the surrounding is just stunning.
I wouldn't dare walking on that boardwalk....
Movie time;
When we arrived at Strahan and our accommodation, we were happily surprised. We had the famous train in front of us and a lovely apartment.
Sitting outside, zipping our favourite, homemade beer.....
Watching the train come and go....
Movie time;
We had two nights in Strahan so next day we walked to the town which was opposite from our apartment with the Long Bay between us. Half way there was a walk again, The Hogarth Falls Track, which we wanted to do and because it was raining, it was very special.
After the walk we walked further to the little centre of Strahan, and passed a few nice things....
They are so common and we are so used to them, we nearly forget how special and beautiful they are!
Knowing us, you believe we had our lunch at this table!
Now we are at the opposite side, looking to the train station and our apartment.
After the long walk its good to be back and have a nice drink and dinner....
Melbourne, here we come again, this time we had the day ferry and I must admit, that's pretty boring as it takes too long.
What else can you do then reading.....
Finally.......Hello Melbourne!
Safe back on Australians mainland, ready for the next adventures to come!
See ya soon!
Cheers!
