Well we made it home in one piece with no dramas, so well done DB9. This is the most I’ve driven the car and I feel much happier behind the wheel. Today saw a drive along the Bass Highway to our first stop at Penguin, then a scenic drive along the coast before heading south to Exeter. At my suggestion we lunched at the Tamar Valley Wine Center, which worked well. We then said our goodbyes before collecting Rosie and Cooper, who had both enjoyed their breaks from each other !

A fabulous, well organised trip by our friends Dale and Gale. All I have to do now is wash, polish and detail the 9…

This mornings briefing suggested a gentle drive around the Tarkine Loop, first stop at Kanunnah bridge for coffee. Despite maps being handed out chaos ensued with numerous wrong turns, navigator consultations and the dreaded threat of gravel roads…

Once we had worked out the signpost pointing to the same destination in 2 directions (the clue was in the mileage), the bridge coffee spot was finally reached.

Proceeding to the next destination caused some worry due to a whirring noise. Closer inspection didn’t show anything but we cleaned the tyres of stones and checked the carbon fibre disc rotors. Thankfully the noise had gone, only to re appear some kilometres later then stop as a small branch was ejected. Ed and Jen driving behind picked it up in their E type wheels, and had to stop to clear it. Then Andrew and Marg stopped their XK150 because of a whirring noise……..and so it went on !

The scenery was fantastic, with lots of tight and twisty roads….but I did feel much happier on the wider roads to Stanley. We had a quick picnic in the wharf car park, because it was blowing a gale, before venturing to a favoured photo stop. Then back to Tall Timbers after refuelling…and checking the tyres once more.

Today when planning our route on the GPS an alternative suggestion to Arthur River was the “Edge of the World”, and I can understand why ! Classic car owners always get a bit nervous when driving far away from services, and today would have been a difficult call to the RAC if anybody had broken down…….”You are where…..!” An hours drive from Smithton saw the convoy arrive in drizzle, where the red boat and her crew of 3 waited for us.

The first hours cruise saw us progress from the coastal scrub to wet sclerophyll forest and our first encounter with a white breasted Sea Eagle. They have come to expect a free fish from the boat and swoop down when given one.

Further cruising saw us enter the rainforest proper as the channel narrowed and vegetation thickened. Boris, one of our guides, entertained us with stories about some of the pasts colourful locals, local flora and fauna.

After 2 hours cruising we made landfall at Turks Landing, basically the skipper nosed into the bank and tied up. Time for a drink before a walk, then a BBQ lunch.

Boris took us for a gentle stroll and explained about the bush and how vulnerable it can be. It made us appreciate where we live even more, and how areas like this must be preserved.

Lunch was a super spread served by our attentive crew in a unique bush camp. Apart from the huge mosquitos it was perfect.

Returning to the boat and starting the engine saw the return of another pair of Sea Eagles. The last free fish of the day took a couple of goes before one caught it, but provided a great photo opportunity.

All in all a fantastic day with great company, and I managed to get on a boat at last. We shall see what tomorrow brings….

Day 1 of the Roaring 40’s driving trip to the Tarkine. A little bit faster than a narrowboat is our favoured chariot, a Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Black. We are surrounded by Jaguars namely E types, XK’s and XJS’s with their lovely owners, many who we’ve travelled with before. Everybody is enjoying being out and exercising their toys.

First stop was Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden. This magnificent garden is like an amphitheater on a grand scale, in full flower. The Mollis Azalea’s were particularly vibrant with a sweet scent.

Whilst walking around the small lake I spied a fish struggling on the bank but then realised it was a platypus ! Quick get the camera, but by then he had swam off…..still I had been only 5 foot away, amazing to see in the wild.

A light luncheon was served, but being Melbourne Cup Day we all felt slightly under dressed compared to the ladies on some other tables.

A great choice for lunch. Next stop was at the Wonders of Wynard, with an excellent collection of Vintage Fords. Many of these are unique, being collected and restored over time by one passionate owner. Then back on the road again to our overnight accommodation at Tall Timbers in Smithton, considered the gateway to the Tarkine or “Edge of the World”. The Tarkine is an area similar to Wales but with no roads or towns. The only way in is by boat or foot…..Tasotter will always take the boat ! so we are all booked on a cruise tomorrow.