27th Feb 7th March Decided to take in Tasmania whilst we were so close only 12hrs away across the Bass Strait well worth it. we chose a night crossing to get max time there. Our first litlle town we went through was Sheffield the whole town is just murals on every building they even have a mural park took a good couple of hrs to look around before it got very samey. Off to the Cradle mountain National Park beautiful spot just like being back in NZ. Took a quick afternoon stroll around Lake Dove 3hrs but mostly flat so pleasant saving the big one for tomorrow, First night in our new little home 2man tent small but bayju!! and -2c Oh my was it cold so so cold we were wearing everything we could wooley hats gloves the lot.(can U picture the image) Thought it was warmer than this. Happy to be awake and drinking hot coffee by 05:00hrs, day light, its the challenge of Cradle Mountain The write up says you should be fit it has steep climbs and screed to cross, no problem for the experienced tramper. well off we trundle got to the first hut just after 2hrs and on plan met up with a little strange animal Called an Eastern Qualle lightly tanned with white spots(see photo) Didnt mind having his photo taken at all, OK now its the serious stuff we are climbing over boulders bigger than me(not difficult I hear U say!!) but it made it very very hard heaving myself up and over I continue for maybe an hour and we are still short of the summit by 50mtrs as the crow flies. I have given up frustrated with my inability to conquer inner fears I can not accepted I am beaten, Mark has now got to get me down.mmh on my backside most of it!! Cradle Mountain still holds a challenge for me.... I will be Back!!! Home to campsite for some hot refreshment, before many cold ones, (stubbies) Our camp site is full up with Wallabies, Kangeroo's & beautiful birds makes me wonder why I ever left the site. Anyway with Cradle mountain a distant memory we move onto Lake St Clair mmh another Lake walk especially for me I can manage this one OK!! Lets get some culture in we are off to Tasmania Devil Sanctuary this is home for these little mite to start breeding programme but can not be let loose in the wild again, The sanctuary also home for many birds of prey who have come across injury of sorts.. Lovely place. Port Arthur the home for our older generations of Convict's this was quite inspiring to see how these guys lived and worked and basically survived whilst here they spent their time building a small township, House for the Governor, their own hosp, church, whilst trying to escape every opportunity.very interesting place. onto HOBART for the Saturday Market, Mark waited patiently whilst I did the girlie thing. buying local produce and pressie for home. One last special place to visit was Wine Glass Bay out on the Frycnet Peninsula, beautiful bay obviously shaped as the wine glass (see photo) only accessable by walking over another mountain or by boat guess which one we did only 3hr walk this time and pathed most of the way some steep climbs but nothing like cradle. Not many people on beach Bonus!! Water crystal clear!! Bonus!! glorious day sun is shining Bonus!! Tas for us was superb but didnt have enough time to take it all in. Learning Curve, Its not about how much you can get in, but enjoying the bits you are seeing doing experiencing. Photos will follow after a few technical issues!!!