Today was sunny too! It felt so good to just sleep until I woke up, without any alarm clock. I decided to just stay at the cabin today, read a book, stroll around the resort, and just relax.
I have a table with 2 chairs just outside the cabin. A bag of peanuts, a glass of orange juice (OJ is the official abbreviation here), my book, and sunny weather. Could it be any better?
Sunday, 6 March 2011
Saturday 5th of March
Today I took a long trip (about 180 km east of here) to see the St Columba Falls, Tasmania's highest (93m).
Lovely roads with fantastic views. I stopped frequently to take photos. Every now and then there was a viewpoint. Made aquaintence with a couple, and learned from them that this was an unusually cold summer. It was about 20 degrees, even if sunny, so I had to wear my summer jacket.
After about 2 hours I came to an unsoiled road (without asfalt, only soil). I had been warned that my car insurance would not cover driving on these roads. Well, having driven for 2 hours, I decided to go anyway. There was a 10 km drive on bad roads.
Finally I arrived at the Ralph Falls, which is not as high, but while being here I might just as well see both.
There was a 15 minute walk through rain forest, before reaching the falls. The weird thing was that I was completely alone here. Did not meet one single person. I felt privileged to have exclusive access to watching the falls, standing on a platform at about the level of the top of the falls. (The picture is looking down the waterfall).
On the way back I noticed a trail, leading to the falls. Suddenly I found myself 2 meters from the falls! Wow, what a view! I filmed it, with the camera pointed vertically, with the falls roaring next to me.
If this wasn't enough, I spotted two wild cangaroos on my way back, and managed to film one of them. There was a slamming sound as it was jumping.
It was getting late now, and probably 1-2 hours until sunset. So I was in a little bit of a hurry. Couldn't find any road signs to St Columba Falls. Had to follow the map and my intuition. Which led me wrong at first, but finally got there.
This is a majestic fall! 93 meters high, and 42000 litres per minute! There was a 10 minute walk to the falls, and with the sun setting, I had to hurry. But when I got there, it was worth everything! I was at the base of the falls, and a enormously roaring sound. It made me feel really small. It felt absolutely fantastic to be there! And I was alone this time too! This is the way sightseeings should be!
Lovely roads with fantastic views. I stopped frequently to take photos. Every now and then there was a viewpoint. Made aquaintence with a couple, and learned from them that this was an unusually cold summer. It was about 20 degrees, even if sunny, so I had to wear my summer jacket.
After about 2 hours I came to an unsoiled road (without asfalt, only soil). I had been warned that my car insurance would not cover driving on these roads. Well, having driven for 2 hours, I decided to go anyway. There was a 10 km drive on bad roads.
Finally I arrived at the Ralph Falls, which is not as high, but while being here I might just as well see both.
There was a 15 minute walk through rain forest, before reaching the falls. The weird thing was that I was completely alone here. Did not meet one single person. I felt privileged to have exclusive access to watching the falls, standing on a platform at about the level of the top of the falls. (The picture is looking down the waterfall).
On the way back I noticed a trail, leading to the falls. Suddenly I found myself 2 meters from the falls! Wow, what a view! I filmed it, with the camera pointed vertically, with the falls roaring next to me.
If this wasn't enough, I spotted two wild cangaroos on my way back, and managed to film one of them. There was a slamming sound as it was jumping.
It was getting late now, and probably 1-2 hours until sunset. So I was in a little bit of a hurry. Couldn't find any road signs to St Columba Falls. Had to follow the map and my intuition. Which led me wrong at first, but finally got there.
Friday 4th of March
I am staying at a resort in Tamar Valley, just northwest of Launceston. I decided to just drive around. I noticed there were many vineyards along the lake. My first stop (pictures to come later) was at a giant lonely pinetree (sv: tall). There was a sign saying that it was planted as a memory of a boy who died, fighting in the first world war. This was not an ordinary tree, it looked very beautiful, even after 90 years.
(Yep, it is my car to the left.).
I went down to the beach, and could see some rocks erecting from the water. I could see they were volcanic rocks.
I have always liked the sound of waves against the shore, so I stayed for a while and enjoyed it.
I continued, and when the road intersected, I tried to take the road closer to the lake. At one of the houses they had an upside down boat model as a mailbox! It kind of fit in, so I took a picture of it.
By the way, the lake is surrounded by high hills, and coming from Skane which is very flat, I like those hills.
Further along the lake, I found a port for small boats. Along the shore were extremely many shells, with razor sharp edges. Wouldn't have wanted to walk there!
Finally ended the day at pub/restaurant by the water, and had the most delicious chicken with chips (pommes frites).
I went down to the beach, and could see some rocks erecting from the water. I could see they were volcanic rocks.
I have always liked the sound of waves against the shore, so I stayed for a while and enjoyed it.
I continued, and when the road intersected, I tried to take the road closer to the lake. At one of the houses they had an upside down boat model as a mailbox! It kind of fit in, so I took a picture of it.
By the way, the lake is surrounded by high hills, and coming from Skane which is very flat, I like those hills.
Finally ended the day at pub/restaurant by the water, and had the most delicious chicken with chips (pommes frites).
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Tasmanien / Tasmania
Today I arrived in Launceston, Tasmania. I had rented a small car at the airport. I can tell you it was rather thrilling to drive it in the beginning, considering they have leftside traffic. You get in on the "wrong" side. The first surprise came when I wanted to use the light indicator, signalling to turn right, and turned on the windscreen wipers!
After that I drove rather smoothly to Tamar Valley Resort, where I got a small cabin. Absolutely beautiful surroundings, exactly what I needed to relax!
Next to the cabin you can see a glimpse of my car.
I will do nothing more today, but tomorrow I will visit a nearby waterfall.
After that I drove rather smoothly to Tamar Valley Resort, where I got a small cabin. Absolutely beautiful surroundings, exactly what I needed to relax!
I will do nothing more today, but tomorrow I will visit a nearby waterfall.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Today I was in Royal Botanic Gardens just south of Melbourne. This is a truely amazing garden, with lots of exotic trees and plants. Felt so good, I stayed there the entire day. The first picture reveals what I like to do most... :-)
Here are some of the beautiful birds I encountered:
Yep, it's a pelican. This was the only successful shot, it was rather shy.
After this, just when heading home, I passed a theater play. They were playing Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors in just 30 minutes, so I decided to join. It was fantastic fun! Lots of misunderstandings, and the compulsory happy ending! Unfortunately I was not allowed to take photos during the play :-( .
Tomorrow morning I will go to Tasmania. See you there!
After this, just when heading home, I passed a theater play. They were playing Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors in just 30 minutes, so I decided to join. It was fantastic fun! Lots of misunderstandings, and the compulsory happy ending! Unfortunately I was not allowed to take photos during the play :-( .
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Arrived!
I have now arrived in Melbourne, Australia. The trip lasted for 21 hrs, but felt much shorter. Probably because I was in an ecstatic state during the trip, and I still am. Just one switch, in Doha in Qatar. That was the shortest time I have ever been in a terminal. When I entered there was a massive queue, and only 30 minutes until takeoff. To the far left there was a "quick transfer" lane, where some people were allowed to walk, and bypass the entire queue. Well, I moved towards that lane, and behold, I was also allowed in. 5 minutes later I had passed the gate! Wow!
I arrived at 22pm, which is 12am Swedish time. And yes, they have summertime here!
The picture is the sunset seen from the aircraft window, about an hour before landing.
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