Touring Tasmania

We loaded our bike boxes and bags and headed off to the airport once again to fly to Australia's island state of Tasmania. At the airport, I found out that tent poles are not allowed as carry ons (even ones that are not broken - we have a new pole now!); then our plane plane was delayed for a couple of minutes while the loaders were trying to fit a couple large boxes in the luggage hold (hmmm... what could those have been?); but finally we were off on a bumby ride to Tassie.

We arrived in Tasmania with everything in tact... although our stomachs were a little shaky for a bit. We put our bikes back together again, loaded up our panniers, and cycled out of the airport towards my port (Devonport). At first, we found oursleves stuck on a busy road with lots of wind as we headed into the city, but before we turned back for New Zealand, we soon found our desired route and were off on another adventure down quiet roads and through spectacular scenery.

Our first day started along a river, into forestland, and then through golden fields of familiar faces (cows and sheep). We had one climb that was "very steep" according to the guidebook... and the guidebook doesn't lie. We huffed and puffed with strong winds trying to push us backwards and off the road and clouds threatening to dump buckets of rain on our heads (why oh why did I get a heavy canteloupe for dinner? and where is my baby gear!?). It took a lot of hard work, but we managed to make it up the steep climb, stay on our bikes, and skirt the gloomy clouds. When we reached the top of our short but very steep climb, we had beautiful views of golden fields and steep rocky cliffs looming in the distance. We were in the midst of another beautiful country - it was wonderful to be back on the bike!

We biked into Deloraine where we found a campsite for the night. As it is approaching fall in Tasmania, the nights quickly become cool so we hurried to set up camp, take a warm shower, and put on warm clothes before dinner. While we were eating a scrumptious meal of pasta and veggies (and my very heavy canteloupe) we met two fellows, Doug and Everett, from Hobart who had come up to Deloraine to "bushwalk" one of Tasmania's highly rated walks. They were part of a walking club that hiked all over the state. After a bit of conversation, they soon had us convinced to take a day off of cycling and see another side of Tasmania.

The next morning we woke up early and put on our running shoes for some bushwalking. The four of us met up with Doug's mom and headed off on a short drive to Meander Falls trail. The walk began up a rocky path through a forest of Gum trees... the trees stood high and the forest floor was covered with sticks and logs and scattered with rocks that were painted with green moss and white splotches. The trail led us past a small waterfall and on to Meader Falls, a two-tiered waterfall that fell from a high cliff above. We climbed to the first tier of the waterfall and stood out on the platform where the stream ran from one fall to the next. We had a trmendous view of the sun-filled valley below with mountains of trees, stone walls, and rocky outpourings surrounding us.

After a bit of lunch, we headed back on Split Rock Trail. We had to climb up a windy boulder field from one rock to the next and then back down, but soon entered into the forest once again and followed a rocky path downwards. On our way down, we passed two more beautiful falls surrounded by lush green vegetation. We could even walk right under one of the falls. We also came across a rock outcropping that formed a high stone ceiling laden with mossy greens. The outcropping created a giant fort built into the mountain... it was spectacular. Finally, we came across split rock where the path ran right between two giant rocks as if one rock was split down the middle. The path was quite steep, but laden with tree roots to form steps and arm rails. We then continued along the path through more forest, but the forest on our route down was a bit more green and scattered with large ferns. After about 6 hours of bushwalking, we were zonked and ready to return to camp.

As we were eating a large dinner, we met a Swiss couple who were also cycle touring. We shared stories of our adventures and Mally and I tried to use a bit of our very poor French... which didn't get us very far... luckily they knew English. Shortly after dark we headed to our cozy tent and fell fast asleep.

This morning we headed east out of Deloraine to Longford, a short ride away. The roads were flat, the traffic was light, and the westerly winds pushed us along for most of the way. We were zooming! It felt great to be moving along and our legs enjoyed an easy day of riding. We went through several more golden fields and great dark cliffs created a backdrop off in the distance against blue skies and fluffy white clouds. It was a great day of riding.

We pulled into Longford where we had lunch in the park. At another picnic table not far from ours, about 15 older women and a couple older men were also enjoying an afternoon meal. Before heading out, I chatted to them a bit and learned that they were a walking club enjoying a meal after their regular hour-long walk. They all seemed to be very intrigued with our journey and as Mally and I packed up and rode off down the road to our campsite, we got a crowd full of waves to see us off!

It has been a great few days touring Tassie. We've met some kind folks and seen many beautiful sites. I think we are in for some more great cycle touring down under.