Today we travelled the most twisty road we've met so far - and that's saying something! We travelled along the east coast of Tasmania - and I swear the front of the bus was into the next turn before the back of the bus had finished with the last turn.
Stopped at East Coast Natureworld where we learned all about the Tasmanian Devel - which aren't nearly as large as we had imagined them to be. They're actually quite shy - it's just their ferocious growl that gives them the name, and their jaws which are more powerful than a pit bull, so they can crush bones. The Tassie Devils are being plagued by a facial tumour which affects their throat and jaw so they cannot eat and basically starve to death. Research is being done to find a cure as there there is the fear that they will become extinct.
The guide also told us about the tiger snake - one of the most poisonous in the world, and he picked one up for anyone who wanted to touch it. No thanks! He used two forked sticks to trap it's head and then grabbed it behidn the head wo it couldn't bite, but I stil wasn't interested in touching it.
From there we went to Freycinet National Park where again the scenery was gorgeous, and pristine. They ask us to stay on the marked paths so that we don't transfer spores from one area to anothe rthat could cause root rot.
Tonight's lodging is in cabins in Freycinet Lodge - and what cabins! A huge suite with bed, sofa with hide-a-bed, easy chairs, coffee table, asnother bed in a window seat, walk out to a deck overlooking the water, huge bathroom. Only problem was that it was COLD. We turned on the heater and figured by the end of dinner the cabin would have warmed up - but not so. Later in the season it would have been a slice of heaven to stay there. We piled a thick comforter on top of all the blankets and were quite cozy for the night - but the cold morning air didn't encourage you to jump out and head for the shower. Brrr! However, the meals made up for the chilly room - the hot breakfast sure was enjoyed tis morning.
OUR ITINERARY **NEW, REVISED AND UP TO DATE**
- If we're going to be in your city and you want to get together for a cup of coffee, leave a message at our hotel, or send me an email ahead of time at shakos@sympatico.ca - we'll try to rendezvous with you. That would be great fun!
- Sat. Oct. 20 - Arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand and stay at the Copthorne Central Hotel, phone 03 379 5880.
- Mon. Oct. 22 - TranzAlpine Train ride to Franz Josef, staying at the Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, phone 03 752 0729.
- Tues. Oct. 23 - Queenstown, staying at the Novotel Gardens, phone 03 442 7750.
- Thurs. Oct. 25 - Te Anau, staying at the Village Inn, phone 03-249 7911.
- Fri. Oct. 26 - Dunedin, staying at the Dunedin City Hotel, phone 03 470 1470. Hope to meet Chris Davies for coffee while we're there.
- Sat. Oct. 27 - Mount Cook National Park, staying at The Hermitage Hotel, phone 03 435 1809.
- Sun. Oct. 28 - Back at the Copthorne Central Hotel in Christchurch, phone 03 379 5580 till Oct. 30th. We'll then take the ferry to the North Island and stay with Beulah from Oct. 30th, till November 5th.
- Mon. Nov. 5 - Pick up a car for a self-drive tour to Auckland. (Biting my nails as you guys drive on the wrong side of the road - giggle). Stay at the Lakeland Resort, Taupo, phone 07 378 3893 on the 5th, and at the Heritage Rotorua on the 6th and 7th, phone 07 348 1189.
- Thurs. Nov. 8 - Arrive in Auckland and stay with Lizzie and her husband John. I've promised to teach an ink and oil rouging design for Lizzie while I'm there.
- Mon. Nov. 12 - It's all over but the curtain calls. Fly from Auckland back to Los Angeles, where we will stay a week with my aunt. A good chance to shake off some of the jet lag.
- Sun. Nov. 18 - Back in Canada. All good things have to come to an end. The memories, however, will last a lifetime.
Friday, October 12, 2007
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