Another glorious day, with an early morning beach walkies for Rosie

After paying for another day we then walked to the Berry Farm for morning tea, or rather Cooper was carried there. However we did walk back along the beach, which he greatly enjoyed from his “happy” tail and high stepping march. As usual Rosie lived up to her “Cyclone Rosie” name with much growling at the sand and doing donuts….

I then assembled the bike again and did a 29K ride from the campsite to Picnic Point and back. There really are some superb tracks about, all well maintained with mown grass verges, etc. Puts Launceston to shame really…..

At last the sun is shinning ! An excellent walk on the beach this morning, what a difference low tide makes. Cyclone Rosie lived up to her name, and even Cooper and H went for a run !

I then met up with the “Dad’s Army” cycling group at the Berry Farm and cycled to Ulverstone and back. A late lunch walk to La Mer cafe down the road was supposed to be followed by another beach walk, but the tide was too high. Postponed till later, an excellent day in all.

Well the last couple of days haven’t been anything to blog about, rather wet and windy. We got a couple of walks in, but that was about it. The weather forecast wasn’t looking good for Stanley either, so we cancelled and have relocated to our favourite spot at Turners Beach. This has good cycling and 2 excellent Cafes within walking distance, as well as being right on the beach. Mind you Rosie mis judged high tide and almost got swept off her feet by an errant wave. Most indignant, especially being towelled off..

The 4 other couples in Caravans relocated to Ulverstone, but the site didn’t permit dogs being close to a Penguin breeding colony. We shall catch up once the sun re appears….till then, Cheers.

Well Covid continues to play havoc with our travelling plans. Not only are we prevented from travelling overseas, but a 3 day lockdown in Hobart saw us forced to cancel our planned trip south.

Fortunately the cycling division of the MG Car Club, yes I know, also has a further sub division of caravan enthusiasts, yes I know even more weird ! So we invited ourselves along to their north west coast jaunt

So after loading the dogs, and an assortment of clothes, it is spring in Tassie, we headed north. Joining 2 caravans at Frankfort’s Blue Barn for morning tea, we enjoyed the scenic drive from Ulverstone to Sulphur Creek along the coast. A quick stop at the 3 sisters nature reserve for the dogs, then back on the main highway to Wynyard. By 3 we were all settled in, 4 caravans and 1 motorhome. Although a small caravan park it’s right on the beachfront, and has loads of walks for the dogs.

Unfortunately there’s been a lot of air/sea activity around the area. A small boat has been missing for a day, and 2 bodies were recovered as we were setting up. 1 person is still missing, so there will be more patrols tomorrow. It was a slightly subdued group tonight, and with the wind howling we’ve retreated to our van. Everybody has their bikes, so it’s off cycling, weather permitting.

Our final day at Spring Beach saw a visit to a pop up bookshop at Triabana, followed by a river walk for the dogs. We then drove to an lookout with amazing views over all the bays, islands and passages.

Then onto Spring Bay distillery, with some pretty good gin ! Whilst the dogs had an afternoon nap I fitted in another bike ride, along the coast looking at Maria Island. We have loved our Easter break with friends.

After yesterday’s heat, it reached 32 degrees ! and warm night, things have cooled down.

Dale and I started the day off with a ride around Orford in his freshly restored Pale Primrose Jaguar E type. He’s done a lovely job 👍

After morning tea on the deck we took the dogs for a walk around the river, with its stunning views to Maria Island. Despite Rosie getting a grass seed stuck in her paw, skilfully removed by H, they really enjoyed it and are both snoring soundly after a cheesy lunch. We will attempt to FaceTime WA this afternoon, whilst tonight we will meet up with some fellow Jaguar owners for drinks, nibbles and then dinner out. A wonderfull way to spend Easter.

We had a gentle start to the day, packing up and then making our way to our friends near Orford. I had forgotten about the steep gravel drive but we made it to the top of the road and have levelled up Joey…

This afternoon I managed a bike ride back to Orford, along a coastal path, Shelley Beach and return. It was good to stretch the legs.

Tomorrow we are off to a vineyard, Rosie and Cooper have a lovely lounge to stay, and behave in……..

Taking advantage of our first free motorhome service in Hobart we have decided to spend Easter on the road. We free camped along the road at Kempton so our next day servicing was done by midday at A&K Caravans. Then over Grasstree Hill Road to Richmond and a caravan park. Seeing our dogs we were given a lovely open grassed site.

Today we walked into town and the the bridge, the oldest in Australia. It’s a lovely Georgian town, with beautiful sandstone buildings.

By now the dogs were flagging, they have only got little legs and Cooper was feeling hot. Time for a coffee, cake and water bowls all round.

The onto the bridge, stunning and not too many people around, so good for pics. It’s supposed to be 29 degrees today, it’s certainly humid, so we’ve headed back and the dogs have crashed.

The caravan park is filling up, it’s going to be busy over Easter, but we have a cunning plan……our friends Dale and Gale have a beachfront property near Orford, so we will be heading that way tomorrow !

What is it about Day 3 of the Topless Tour that it always rains…..the 5th running was no exception with a wet start for brekky. Chester and Sally in the MGA had no room for a hood, so got wet…

Due to the rain we decided to head straight for Campbell Town and home via the Lake Leake Highway. We followed the A just in case of problems, but with rain easing and little traffic, good time was made.

The book cellar offers a vast range of reading material, and didn’t disappoint this time with 4 books on canals selected along with coffee. The traffic had greatly increased so we said our good byes and headed home. Many thanks to all the organisers, participants and my navigator H. A good time was had by all, thanks for the pic Hung, he said it needed no caption…..😃…..I’m not so sure…..Cheers till next time.

A leisurely start to the day saw a brekky run to the Bark Mill after a car park photo call. The MGA was having a lie in, with Chester and Sallie being shared by our solo drivers.

Straight after breakfast we started worrying about lunch, being the Sunday of a long W/E…..First stop was a winery, sorry booked out, but some members did a tasting anyhow. A few phone calls saw another vineyard selected, and booked. Phew, pressure off guys, now what…Gala Vineyard for a tasting and a vintage Morris Minor viewing

Off to Devils Corner for brunch…..oysters and mussels for some, we shared an apple juice after filling up the car park and going up the look out tower for fab views.

Then onto a platter lunch, with great company and conversation. One couple slipped away for supplies…..fresh crayfish afternoon tea now on ! We have retreated to our unit, no more food till dinner please !