Day 10 - Stanley to Devonport to Melbourne

Stanley to Devonport and Ferry back to Melbourne

Today was a really leisurely start to the morning.  Maritta was able to have a lazy cup of tea on the verandah which was particularly pleasant bathed in glorious morning sunshine.  We had shared a lovely evening meal in the hotel where we were staying followed by a short get together for night cap drinks on the upstairs "balconie" as Ruth had christened it.  

We all had a late breakfast at the cafe across the road and then took the chairlift to the summit of "The Nut". Tudor shamed us all by walking to the top and back before most of us were even out of bed.  He mentioned passing some of the early morning locals such as the odd wallaby or quocker. 

Mike Hirst (solo) takes the chairlift to the summit

McKinnon's 12/50 and Parsell's Eagle take in the view from The Nut car park

Weather was remarkably good making the views from the summit quite spectacular.

Alan and Noeline reach the chairlift summit

Maritta ponders the view

View back towards Wynyard

Maritta and Norman strolling on The Nut

White Bellied Sea Eagle soars over The Nut

 The trip back down allowed for some spectacular views. 

Views towards Smithton

 

Norman and Claire enjoy the view on the rather steep return trip

From Stanley we had a short detour towards Smithton to get fuel for the 12/50's, only 91 was available so Dale, Norman, Mike B and Bernie decided to wait for a better offer.  

Mike "helpfully" dropped Alan's oil bottle which finished up in the under tray, they could see it but couldn't retrieve it

We headed off towards Burnie, following the coast road as much as possible through Wynyard and Somerset.  

12/50 charge ahead

A long lazy lunch was at Hellyers Run Whisky Distillery. Lunch itself was very reasonably priced and of superb quality.

Mike and Ruth a little surprised by the size of their "Tasting Plate"- where to start? 

We detoured from the route outside Devonport to visit an amazing shop called "Reliquaire".   This shop has the most amazing collection of collectibles imagined.  The shop covers at least 4 shop fronts and is jam packed with items from dolls to memorabilia, books to children's toys and dress-ups to science projects.  The serious problem was getting lost and it was just before closing time.  Noeline and the Bakers did eventually emerge from behind the locked front doors to the relief of the remaining group.

The weary travellers bordered the ferry and we departed for home (in Melbourne) at 6.30 am.  It was a little overcast and quite chilly but we were glad to be back.  It was a wonderful trip and every one without exception appeared to enjoy themselves.  BIG BIG thanks to Noeline and Alan for all their hard work in putting this together.

Superb people, fabulous food and stunning scenery - it doesn't get any better than this!  Looking forward to the next outing.