Leaving Tasmania

On our last day in Tasmania, January 1, we decided that our trip back to the ferry should include an excursion toward the west to see a little of that wild portion of the state. We wound along country roads that took us along rivers and through tiny towns. Above is a view of the cricket pitch in a place called Gretna Green. The mountains and clouds in the distance are interesting.



At the westernmost point in our trip, we arrived at the Lake St. Clair Lodge sitting on the edge of the lake. I walked down to the lake shore and grabbed a couple shots.

As you can see, the sky is filled with low-hanging clouds. It was cold here in our summer shorts and T-shirts. We had a nice lunch at the lodge surrounded by bush walkers and their packs. They all had sense enough to be dressed warmly and in waterproof outer garments. The weather was quite different from the pleasant weather in Hobart.

We left Lake St. Clair and drove back east a ways and then skirted the national park containing the lake and Cradle Mountain on a series of unsealed roads. The further north we drove, the more the clouds broke out and the sunnier it got. We drove up on a hill along the Highland Lakes Road. From there we could see just over the nearby bushes to see a lake extending off into the distance. 

This is the country for fishermen, hikers, and those who just want to get away. It is wild and beautiful. It seemed like a good place to make our farewells to this enchanting island. Perhaps someday we'll be back, who knows?