Upper Derwent

We woke up to steady rain again and it actually has just stopped now at 4pm. Wish we knew it was raining like this at home. We packed our basket again and headed to the Russell Falls in the Mt Field National Park. Even though the day wasn't that nice we could still appreciate the beauty of the area. The picnic areas around the information centre were immaculate with many shelters, very clean electric BBQs, lovely lawned areas and even a stack of wood by the open fire places in the shelters. We had our morning tea and lunch in one of these shelters. The walk to the waterfall was beautiful through huge tree ferns and mossy debris. 

        

The falls were spectacular, falling in tiers from quite a height, and a kind lady took our photo with the falls in the background. Note the winter apparel! 

        

       

Look at the size of this fallen tree. 

We also saw some cute pademelons hiding in the forests. 

            

                   

We decided not to continue up into the mountains to Lake Gordon and Lake Pedder as it was a long way and the cloud cover would spoil any views. So we did a round trip through New Norfolk where we stopped so Darryl could buy a beanie (forgot to pack one) and Tops and I needed more socks as we thought we'd be in 3/4 pants and sandals plus we got a nice faux fur knee rug for when it's freezing and we are sitting in the van! We really didn't expect to be launched straight into winter! How naive we are! 

Seeing we have been so very good, Dennis and Darryl decided to take us out for dinner to the nice little pub just up the road. We checked it out on our way home and read a sign saying open at 6.30pm. So we eagerly set off for our treat - but the place was all closed - the bar, lounge and coffee shop!! Seeing it was Friday night and they have visitors in town for the annual show tomorrow, it didn't make sense. So we were lucky to find 1 cafe open in town - but it was unlicensed so we ate our quite nice dinner and came home to sit around our campfire with a nice bottle of Port!  Our neighbours here are a lovely young Swiss couple touring Australia after seeing much of the world. They only have a little car and tent so they minded our fire in our absence and stayed with us chatting when we got home. I think they appreciated the warmth.

Next stop is going to be down Port Arthur way at Fortesque Bay and we have worked out a route through Richmond. We hope the rain has gone although they do need it here as its been very dry. 

We are looking forward to the cricket final tomorrow - Aussie Aussie Aussie Oui Oui Oui👍.

Till next blog, love from the Tasssie travellers xxxxxxx