Day 7 - Hobart to Strahan

Hobart to Strahan

Early start again!  Quick breakfast and we hit the road.  We are privately convinced that Noeline is enjoying this just a little too much!!

First stop is the Patchwork Cafe and Antique Centre in New Norfolk. We didn’t actually have morning tea here but rummaged through the many rooms filled with the most interesting collection of objects for sale.  Everything from rare books, records, antique furniture, industrial machinery, clothing to cars and even Blitz trucks.  These were scattered around the building and grounds that once housed the Lunatic Asylum.Very apt!

Out front - McKinnon's and Hirst's 12/50's Blundell's Eagle and Todd's Speed 20 on the road to New Norfolk

Grounds of the Patchwork Cafe

Dragging the men away from the antique centre - we were back on the road and travelled a short distance to Salmon Ponds for morning tea. Much to the delight of our UK visitors a pair of Platypus also live in the ponds and were not too shy in going about their daily business.

Graber and Silver Eagle at Salmon Ponds

Autumn display leaving Salmon Ponds

Travelled a long a little used route from New Norfolk, through Westerway until we joined the highway and continued to Derwent Bridge. Well worth a visit here is the “Wall in the Wilderness”, a 350 foot mural being carved depicting life in Tasmania’s west along with native animals and other Tasmanian based subjects. The workmanship of the ever changing display is incredible and not to be missed. No photos taken at the request of the artist but you can view examples on: website - http://www.thewalltasmania.com/

12/50's lead the way, Todd's Speed 20, Blundell's Eagle and Baker's Graber in hot pursuit!.

Narrow bridge crossing

All were pleased no-one was coming the other way!

Quick viewing (and restroom) stop outside Tarraleah Power station then back on the road...........

Rest stop near Power Station

Pipeline to Power Station

Lunch was at the Derwent Bridge Hotel which we very nearly missed as the kitchen closes at 2pm and we arrived at about 1:50. Lovely soup all round.  Ruth and Mike H were a little concerned as they did not get an allocated number  because "they had run out of numbers" but their lunch did eventually arrive. 

On the road to Queenstown

From here we had a long fast drive through the unusual landscape of Queenstown.  Alan (12/50) has been running without a generator and the power drain issues on the Blundell's Eagle are still a concern.  Both cars had to get themselves to Strahan before dark. 

12/50's and Eagle - Queenstown to Strahan

Blundell's "hot footing" it to Strahan before dark

Strahan harbour by night