Day 8 - Strahan and Gordon River Cruise

Strahan and surrounds

Our accommodations in Strahan are at the foot of the mountain facing the harbour. Both lovely and very comfortable however the small down side was that dinner last night was up the stairs to the restaurant at the top of the mountain. In the dark this was an interesting adventure so when we were told that breakfast in the morning would be at the same restaurant most opted not to partake. Dale also advised that the food provided on the boat trip tomorrow would more than compensate if you opted not to have breakfast however this advise coming from a man known not to eat breakfast or lunch routinely had to be taken with just a grain of salt.

It was another early morning (we set the alarm once again) as we had to be on the wharf by no later than 8.15 am (sharp!) for the 8.30 am Gordon River cruise departure. 

Once the initial shock of the phone alarm had worn off Dale and I set off across the road past the 2 geese and 4 ducks feeding on the lawns of the harbour.  The mist was quite heavy and it was a grey morning but still very pretty looking out over the water.

Today was pure relaxation...as we had opted for the up market option of this cruise (a Noeline speciality) and walking past the "common or down stairs folk", we climbed the stairs and stepped into the Captains Lounge.  Met by Kylie our hostess, we were ushered to our plush recliner chairs all positioned to get uninterrupted scenic views across the water and fleetingly wondered what the rest of the world might be doing. (please note this did not last long!)  This was a full service arrangement and started with a glass of champagne for breakfast - and the mood was set for the next 6 hours - and let it be known we did not mind it one bit.  Clearly this would be a great relaxing day allowing everyone to recharge and refresh after a big day of driving yesterday. 

Mike and Ruth enjoying the finer things...Champagne for breakfast!

Noeline and Maritta share a chat and coffee after coming in from the upper deck.

Claire and Ruth share a joke or two while Ian (behind) has a little kip

Claire, Noeline and Jo enjoy the scenery off the top deck

We motored out across the bay, briefly out into the Southern Ocean then back through the narrow and treacherous "Hells Gates" and up the Gordon River.

Approaching Hells Gate out into the Southern Ocean, crossing is shallow and narrow 

Salmon Farms in Macquarie Bay

The breath taking beauty of the area is incredible and to think the state government of the day planned to dam the Gordon and Franklin Rivers.  Fortunately the voice of the people prevailed and the project was dropped.

Reflections of the Gordon River

The beauty continues.

Not sure which way is up!

We continued up the river, stopping for a short guided walk through the rainforest to experience the sights, smells and solitude of this pristine wilderness.  Learning about the ancient Huon Pine and various other fora in the rainforest.  

Plate Fungi

"Captain" Norman is in charge and everyone is just a little nervous!

Lunch was a sumptuous affair - smoked salmon, cold meats and a lovely hot ragout, salads and of course a selection of Tasmanian cheeses and wines.   

After lunch we headed back down the river and stopped at Sarah Island for a fascinating guided tour of the penal colony considered to be one of the harshest settlements in the British colonies. This was where the most difficult convicts or re-offenders were sent.   The guide was amazing - somewhat theatrical and a wealth of information he was able to vividly convey how life on the island would have been for the soldiers and convicts alike.

Convict built slipway

Leaving Sarah Island - a small island with a big history.

 Back on the boat and back to Strahan.  Once back on land the late afternoon and evening are free and some chose to fettle their cars - Dale and Norman work to get to the bottom of the power drain issue with the Blundell's Eagle,  Alan makes sure the battery on the 12/50 is charged and everyone seeks out the local petrol station to top up for tomorrows trip out.

A number of us decide to take in the local pantomime, "The Ship That Never Was".  Based on the true story of 10 convicts that managed to steal the last convict built ship and sail it to South America.  It is a great show with lots of laughs and audience participation.  Apparently it has run for the last 22 years. We were provided with blankets given the cool evening which was most appreciated.  Pauline was picked out  for a "starring" role as Captain Taw and Mike B also scored a part but luckily didn't need to get on stage. 

 The group gathered for dinner at the Strahan Hotel (yay - no stairs tonight!).