Yesterday, Mal and I spent the day driving down to Port Arthur, about one hour from our home. We revisited the “Port Arthur Historic Site”. The site contains more than 30 historic buildings, extensive ruins and beautiful grounds. We took the short ferry ride from the site to the “Isle of the Dead” cemetery and passed the site of the old and long gone Point Puer Boy’s Prison. The Port Arthur site was built by convict labour in the 1830’s.
On Sunday 28th April 1996, a tragic chapter was added to Port Arthur’s history when a gunman (Martin Bryant), took the lives of 35 people and physically wounded 19 others in and around the Port Arthur Historic Site. Among them were locals from Port Arthur. The Memorial Garden incorporates the shell of the Broad Arrow Cafe where 20 people were killed during the massacre, and has been created as a place of remembrance and reflection. ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Arthur,_Tasmania )
Inside the Memorial GardensPort Arthur is a peaceful spot...except maybe school holidays !Ros inside the main prison buildingLooking back to the historic site from Mason CovePart of the PenitentiaryA beautiful and very reflective spotWe loved the old fencesvery old trees in winter barenessLooking out the door of the Commandant's houseSt David's Church in the foreground with the old church in the background.one of the many old cottages beautifully restoredearly bulbs floweringMuch of the decorative stonework and joinery in the old church was crafted by the boys from the Point Puer Boy's PrisonPat Jones cottage
We spent a relaxing time exploring the tiny Dunalley, a quaint fishing village built around man-made Denison Canal, which has a swing bridge for road traffic.
Dunalley connects Forestier Peninsula with the rest of Tasmania. It is enroute to Port Arthur and well known for fresh seafood.
Denison Canal was hand-dug between 1901 and 1905. The swing bridge allows boats easy access between the two bays and local legend has it that the ‘toll’ to the gatekeeper is a bottle of beer. We enjoyed the open countryside and stunning waterways. Mal’s goal when he picks up his boat soon from the Gold Coast, is to take the boat on a trip for a few days, leaving from South Arm (3 minutes from our home) and travel through the Dunalley Canal to Marion Bay and up to Maria Island.
We ended the day, visiting Barilla Bay oysters for dinner. A fine way to end the day. 30 oysters varying from Kilpatrick with Barilla Bay’s own Worcestershire sauce, Spinach & parmesan mornay, Thai flavours, Tempura battered with guacamole and of course delicious natural. Barilla Bay is not far from our home so we are frequent visitors.
http://www.barillabay.com.au
Dunalley Canal....the bridge lifts up to let the boats throughAn Eagle stands guardThe beautiful Dunalley HotelFishing at DunalleyLooking towards nearby Pirates Bay...left click on the photo for a better lookReady for a fishing day at Pirates BayBoat sheds at Pirates Bay waiting for summer to arrivepictures from barillabay.com.au left click to enlargeBarilla Bay Oysters......a great spot
Where do I start ??? It has been a while since I have added a post to our blog. We have been so busy.
Yes, we were about to hop on the plane at the beginning of May to pick up our car and caravan that were in storage in WA, and to continue our trip up the west coast of WA. The trip is on hold at this stage, as our dreams came true and we sold our home, although only having about four weeks to drive the van to Tassie and head back to Ballina to pack up was very challenging to say the least. We did it, and even bought a home in Tassie at the same time. We have been spending the past two weeks settling in and unpacking what seems like hundreds of boxes. The garage is still full of unopened boxes, but we will get there. We found a queen size doona yesterday, so the spare room is now ready for visitors !!!!
We enjoyed our trip down to Melbourne and another crossing on the Spirit of Tasmania, this time bringing the stag and Mal’s new landcruiser. We have visited the Salamanca Markets to buy the most beautiful vegies, cheeses, breads etc. We have eaten out a few times including a memorable meal at the famous Donovans Restaurant in St Kilda on our way over. We have really been enjoying a lot of “winter warmers” home cooked meals, and spent last Saturday night cooking for Tanya, one of our Tassie friends. The fire has been going non stop since we moved in and it helps keep the home cosy. I am impatient to start planting my vegie and herb garden in my beautiful possum proof vegie garden, but after having a visit form Jack Frost last week, will hold off for about a month or two. We will just have to visit Salamanca Markets every Saturday to buy them there.
Dick and Jenny, we will we catching up with Mark and Karen again soon. For those that don’t know, Mark and Karen were one of our “Grove” neighbours in Lennox Head who beat us to Tasmania to live. Mutley and Salem have settled in well and love exploring the 9 acres of bushland. They watch the possums eating their apples on the back verandah each night from the safety of inside the home, so spend the next morning searching for signs of them in the bush !!!!
Early this morning on the verandah (left click on the photos to get a better view)Todays first sunlight through the gums
Last night...while watching QLD beat NSW unfortunatelyone of our possum familyMum and baby eating the bird seedSalamanca MarketsWinter hats at the markets with Mount Wellington behind...if you left click on the photo you will see the snowSalamancaEven the dogs need their winter woolies !!!!Wursthaus Kitchen...one of my favourite delis in Salamanca HobartBuskers at the marketBlue Skies Restaurant in Hobart...down by the docks. Tanya works here. Good food.Hobart artBronze art with Mures Seafood Restaurant in the background....great chowderSt Kilda Pier Melbourne before boarding the boat on our trip downWaiting to take the stag on board the shipWe celebrated my Dad's 90th Birthday just before leaving for TassieA high flyer overtakes us on the highway.....the need for speed
