Today is Monday 30 Jan 2006
   
    Today is Gordon River Wilderness Cruise day

   Well folks today is the first day that we dont have a strict plan to follow as all we have today is a harbour cruise which includes a cruise up the famous Gordon River deep into the forest wilderness and I will admit these next two days are the ones I have been so excited about happening and they are finally here.
     Wasn't very keen to arise early, but then if we wanted breakfast we had to, up and dressed made our way to the eating area and was given a table on the outside deck overlooking the town and harbour. What a perfect alfresco setting in the warm sunshine to eat a delightful meal.
    Our cruise boat wasnt leaving till around 11-30am so we had time to walk down to town and see what it had to show us in daylight hours, mmmm! so different from last night's little walk. On the walk we found several shops, and places we could visit which seemed interesting on return and again tomorrow afternoon.
    About 11-00am people were gathering at the pier in readiness for the cruise so we made our way down there with boarding passes in hand and armed with our camera at the ready. Reaching the pier we saw our lovely cruise bout 'The Lady Franklin', crew on board and at the ready the people boarded and took there seats . Up on board we were amazed at the luxury status of this craft, beaut padded aircraft style seats, well equipped bar and coffee bar plus a small galley where two chefs were preparing our buffet style luncheon to be served while cruising the River leg of the cruise.
     So it was sit back relax and enjoy the 4 hour trip ahead, out we went across the harbour towards the entrance of the Gordon River, on the way we passed several Tasmanian Salmon farms. These are giant round cages that hold 100's of growing salmon, the captain took the boat as close as allowed to one of these to allow us to witness the fish being fed, very interesting actually to see. Following a slow passing on we went passing isolated fisherman homes only reachable by boat due to the location there is NO road access to them. Then the moment arrived the captain announced we were approaching the mouth of the Gordon River.
   Entering the river the scenery was changing from the coastal stony low brushy scrub to thick dense tall timbered forests again and these were right down to the waterline. What we were seeing as went further into the river was awe inspiring to say the least, as we were in the river gorge the river was very smooth almost like glass and the reflections were so mirror like and unforgettable. A little while later the boat pulled into a small river pier and allowed us to get off and take a 30 minute guided walk deep into the area and again it was mind blowing to see this beautiful place left untouched by humans and in pristine condition , what we saw was where aged trees fell the stayed now covered with thick green moss and bright coloured fungi and over hundred of years started to decompose back into the earth. Also in front of us were many types and colour of fungi, along with a myriad of orchids, and wild life like crabs, birds, snakes. But like all good things it had to come to an end, and we had to leave and back to the harbour to continue the cruise.
   Back in the bay we were taken out to the Macquarrie Heads and into the wild Southern Ocean, we were told this most likely one of the most dangerous parts of the Australian coastline because of the weather being so unpredictable along with the area being so open to the elements making the ocean becoming very treacherous and the passage through the heads being narrow and rocky in places. In olden times this area became a graveyard for many a unwary sea captain and his ship. Now nearing the end of the cruise we headed back to port in Strahan ending an very unforgettable half a day of touring.
  Back on terra firma we walked down to take a look at the old ' Village Store' which found to be a quaint little every thing shop filling the townspeople , then to 'Hamers Hotel-Motel' which is where we had our dinner last night,following on to ' Visitors Center Forest Display' depicting the industry of timber which put this town on the map, then finally strolled to the end of the esplanade to see the post office.
     With the afternoon dragging to an end after a most wonderful day of exploring an area that sadly many cant or unable to experience and I for one are very proud to be able to have done and experienced it. Strolling back up the hill to our unit to put the feet up , have a good glass of Chardonnay for a hour or so then freshen up for our dinner choice tonight 'Clifftop Restaurant'and again to gaze towards town to see the sparkling night lights, what a way to end a good day.