We got off the boat in a bit of a rush this morning - we got paged over the PA because we were late! The ferry disembarks in Devonport but we didn't stay here, just long enough for breakfast. The drive down to Launceston was lovely. We took the "B" road option, going north of the highway through some sheep country and pine forest and out to the western side of the Tamar Valley and so on to Launceston. Launceston is very pretty, being set in a river valley with hills all around. The buildings are old and appear well-loved. It took a while to choose between the various B&B options be we eventually landed at Trevallyn House and it's great. Sitting in front of the open fire right now.

This afternoon we went over to Cataract Gorge which is right in town! You can walk there from the main street in no time at all. Cataract Gorge is a steep-sided chasm lined by trees and tall granite boulders with brown water tumbling down along the bottom. About 20 minutes walk up the gorge, they have built a lawn, public pool, chair lift and various walking paths. The chair lift ride across the gorge gave a good view; you felt like you were walking on top of the pruned trees at one end. A male peacock put on a display but he had to compete with Daffodils and maple trees for top billing. Played soccer and volleyball with J in the empty swimming pool. Briefly lost my glasses and had to run back for them but someone handed them in to the café.

Tasmanian chardonnay and wasabi cheese from Ashgrove Farm rounded out the day. Wasabi cheese is great. Amanda and Claudia played in front of the fire in the lounge room which commands an expansive view of the river and the town lights beyond.