Tasman Island cruise.

Thursday 7^th Sept, 2017.

The plan is to leave home around 8.45 to be at the Port Arthur office of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, the operator of our Tasman Island cruise. You’d expect that an operator who has run these tours for many years to have everything down to the minute, and they do. I’m incredibly impressed by their operation. Already this morning, a coach has travelled in to Hobart, picked up some customers, brought them over to the TP, fed and watered them with morning tea and rendezvoused with the local passengers bang on the appointed time. We jump in the coach and Phil drives us back past our accomm to the jetty at Pirate Bay where our boat awaits. When we checked in at the office, the staff ensured that we were suitably layered up and had beanies and gloves. Apparently it can be up to 15 degrees colder out on the water. We take all that is offered, even though we think we’re sufficiently dressed.

Appropriately safety briefed and itinerary explained by our guide, Ange, we board the boat and don our full length red rain coats, another layer to cut the wind. VIP lounge is behind the captain’s area (recommended for those with back or neck injuries, your pregnant ladies, or those who suffer motion sickness) this is the most stable section of the boat. Forward of the captain is the next most stable, the mid-section of the boat, also under cover, 4 seats across so everyone gets a good view. There is also ample opportunity to get up and walk around when the boat stops at photo opportunities at which time the captain (today it’s Kane) will rotate the boat so that everyone gets the best view. Up at the front, the first 4 rows are where you will feel the most motion and the thrill seekers sit there. The tour is not at full capacity today so there is plenty of room to move on board.

The ideal tour goes as far south as Tasman Island to see the lighthouse and the station where the provisions (and people) were delivered to the island. I can’t remember exactly when people stopped manning the light, but I know it’s now run by solar power, and once a year, as a fund raiser, people are helicoptered onto the island for a tour of the 3 x 5 bedroom lighthouse keeper’s cottages and the lighthouse. Not so many years ago, a heavy sea mist rolled in and the visitors couldn’t be transferred back and had to stay the night at the lighthouse. They got their money’s worth!!

We didn’t get to see any whales today, it was a possibility as it’s their migration season, heading south again, but we did see fur seals and sea lions, albatross, gannets and white chested gulls. Certainly enough to keep everyone happy. I clicked away madly with the camera and I think I got some good shots.

Seeing some of the geography from the water that we saw on land yesterday added a different perspective and really, there’s nothing better. If you ever get the chance to take this ride, do it!! You won’t be sorry.

Yesterday’s tour had to turn back once they had reached Cape Hauy due to the deteriorating weather. We were very lucky to be able to go further and on to the Tasman Island and see the lighthouse, but the weather quickly closed in and we then had to hightail it back to Pirate’s Bay. But, hey, I was more than happy! We got sky blue photos at the Candlestick and Totem Pole, a big tick off my list!

The trip back was less than pleasant, but we knew that a change was on the way with 40 knot winds and due to hit between 11 and 1. Once we had seen the best view of the Tasman Island lighthouse, Trevor heard Ange ask Kane “where to now?” Kane replied “we have to get out of here now!” The rain had started and the open sections of water we had to cross were a trial but still fun, we certainly knew we were alive!! Most of the time, we all sat, heads down holding on to our hoodies, occasionally sneaking a peak at the passing scenery. By the time we reached the shelter of Pirate’s Bay, the sun was trying to push through and it was a nice drive back to the office.

Of course, that didn’t last long and soon enough, it was raining again. We headed home for lunch and for some thinking time about the afternoon’s plans. We had talked about going to the Coal Mines Convict site and also going to Slopen Main to see Cathryn’s holiday ‘shack’. We figured we might as well give it a go, who knows, the sun might be out by the time we get there.

It seems a long way out to Slopen Main, but of course, it’s quicker on the way back. There’s a beach that would be nice in summer, but not today. It’s a total getaway location. I think once you got here you wouldn’t be running to the shop because you ran out of milk. Bring everything with you and totally relax for a week. Nice!

We found the Coal Mine site easily enough and it even stopped raining long enough for us to walk around the ‘main settlement’ site. That’s where we figured the best ruins would be. It was interesting and I hope I got some nice photos.

From there we drove out to the point at Lime Bay where there’s a camping ground and some hardy souls were setting up to camp for the night. Brrrr!

We headed home, cranked up the fire and cooked our Tassie lamb chops that we bought at the butcher’s at Sorell. Very tender and tasty.