Into Huon country

I don’t get the weather here yet. We woke to a light sprinkle on the tent, but I deemed it somewhat optimistically shorts whether. It seemed like a good idea but the clear weather over breakfast continued to allow is to get down to the beach and that was ok. In getting over the hill to the Cape Bruny Lighthouse the temp fell as we rose, then it fell again over the other side. By the time we got to Cape Bruny the temp was down to 13, the wind blowing a hurricane and enough rain to make it sting. Not too much incentive to get out and do much so it was back to the ferry. The crossing was cool, but then in the next hour it rose to 25 and you could feel the warm breeze and a blue sky. Now we have headed into the hills behind Geeveston and it is cold and rainy again.

The Cape Bruny lighthouse was the fourth to be built in Australia and was in continuous service until the 1970s when all lighthouses in Australia were automated. In those days they were arduous in their upkeep, requiring continuous activity through the night refuelling lamps and winding clockwork drives for the rotating lens assemblies, and polishing during the day, as well as the day to day requirements of existence. After the lights were automated, the keepers were made redundant but they soon realised that tourism management and just maintaining access to the site required an ongoing presence of rangers and volunteers.

On the way back to the ferry we needed to stop off at the cheesery for more of their sourdough, as much because it was great stuff, as well as to give us something for lunch while we waited for the ferry. We avoided the smokehouse though, as being beyond the budget, but we made short work of a half kilo of cherries from the stall conveniently sited at the ferry queue.

We skipped the country south of the ferry, opting for the cross-country route into the Huon Valley. Being in holiday mode, we completely forgot it was New Years Day, and so I was very excited to find finally the wooden boat museum, but then disappointed to find it closed for the holiday. Fortunately we go back through there in a couple of days.

Tonight we find ourselves up the hill behind Geeveston on the way to the airwalk. We are in almost the perfect campsite. There is a running stream, fireplaces, dry firewood provided, tall trees, a covered picnic table and some good French company to talk to.

Tonight, we did it tough. Time to do the muttonbird, so baked with bacon and vegetables. Followed with an apple and raspberry crumble with fresh cream. Couldn’t believe our luck, never having seen a kilo of raspberries before, let alone for $15. Also found the pagan cider cellar door so we had a chance to replenish.

Lovely fire tonight, but the scudding showers keeps us away. A good excuse for an early night, but the company is keeping us up. It is what travel is all about after all.