TravelStream™ news feed for member rvs on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/rvs en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Thu, 21 May 2009 18:47:47 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242600360/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242600360/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242600360/tpod.html Thu, 21 May 2009 18:47:47 -0400 Tasmania

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Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

We woke up at 4:30 this morning and made our way to the airport.  We got there in 15 min, returned the hire car and checked in.  The flight to Melbourne and then to Canberra was ok and Mattie didn't complain as he slept through most of it. And so we landed in Canberra around 8:30am.We are happy to be home but I'm not happy about going to work tomorrow.So after about 1700km of driving through Tasmania's roads and about 10 days of beautiful scenery we are concluding this holiday.  We might come back to Hobart to do a few things we didn't have time for, who knows. :)Bring on the next holiday. :)
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242512940/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242512940/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242512940/tpod.html Thu, 21 May 2009 18:31:02 -0400 Tasmania

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Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

Today was pretty amazing - some of the scenery we saw was just stunning!We started the day off by going to St Helens point where we took some silly photos.We then drove to the Bay of Fires where we walked on the World's 2nd best beach.  The sand was white in colour and very fine.  The colour of the ocean was awesome.  It's a pity that it is too cold to have people swimming in it.We then started on our way toward Launceston (from where we fly home).  The scenery on this route was great.  Grassy hills, bushy hills, green colour everywhere, it was something special.Our next stop was at the St Columba Falls, Tasmania's tallest waterfall (90m).  It was nice but not as impressive as the Russell Falls we've seen in Mt Field National Park.After that we slowly continued our way to Launceston through a million bends.  There was barely any traffic so it wasn't too bad in the end.  There were a number of lookouts we stopped at and took some photos.  I reckon I was by the end of the day going on Roxy's nerves by taking too many photos. :)We finally arrived in Launceston and found our accommodation for the last night of our holiday.  After being shown to the room we made our way to the Launceston CBD where we had a pleasant walk.We came back to our room fairly early and went to slep as we have to wake up at 4:30 am in the morning! L
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St. Helens, Tasmania, Australia

This morning after breakfast we headed toward the Freycinet National Park not far away from Swansea.  It was very windy and you could even feel the car moving because of the wind.In Freycinet National Park we saw some nice beaches, beautiful coloured ocean and some impressive lookouts (see photos).  The only bad thing was that we didn't have time to do some of the walks which started at about 2 hours return.We then continued our way north.  We went through Elephant's Pass where there was a famous pancake place.  We have to say that it might be famous but it is pretty ordinary.  But then again I might be used to eastern European pancakes. :)The road then took us to St. Mary's from where we continued north to St Helens.Roxy noticed our next accommodation place prior to entering St Helens (which was odd).  We got in, the reception was unattended and the complex seemed deserted.  We somehow found our key and went to our room.  The room was a dump and dirty.  The reviews on the internet about the place must have been placed by the owners of the place.  So we decided to just pack up our stuff and head into St Helens.After a bit of digging we found a place that was recently renovated and very nicely arrange for pretty much the same money.  We then went and spent some time in the town centre, got some dinner and went in our room to relax.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242338340/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242338340/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242338340/tpod.html Thu, 21 May 2009 18:00:49 -0400 Tasmania

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Swansea, Tasmania, Australia

Day 8 - SwanseaToday we woke up to a rainy day but we were still keen to get on the Huon Trail and head south towards the Air Walk which we wanted to do.We started our journey and the weather didn't get any better and we started losing interest. :(  Instead of going to the air walk we stopped at the "Enchanted Wood" place where we bought a clock made from huon pine.  We also stopped at one bakery where the baker didn't show up to work!?!?!?After the bakery we decided to head north to Swansea.  Our first stop was in Richmond.  Here we visited Australia's oldest bridge and the miniature historic Hobart (similar to Cockington Green in Canberra).  To top it off we went to an "Old Portraits" place where we had a family photo taken but dressed in 1800's clothing.  I thought it suits me. :)From Richmond we continued north and stopped in a few places along the way to take some photos.  Just before Swansea we stopped at Kate's Berry Farm where we bought some Quince jam.  Most of the products (sweet pies, jams, creams, etc) there are from berries and fruits grown on their farm.   I thought it was pretty cool.We then arrived to our accommodation, unpacked and just wanted to bludge.  We did however go and got some food. We'll get some good rest as tomorrow is some more travelling towards St. Helens.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242262800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242262800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242262800/tpod.html Thu, 14 May 2009 03:36:02 -0400 Tasmania

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Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia

We had to wake up earlier today to make it in time for the cruise.  We've been told the weather forecast was mostly sunny today but it was raining. :-( We drove for about 40 minutes to a place called Kettering where we caught the Ferry to Bruny Island (about 15 minute ferry ride).  Once we were on Bruny Island it still took us about 40 minutes to come to our destination. Once we arrived the sun started shining and it seemed like we will have good weather for the cruise.Once we arrived, we made sure Mattie was fed and well dressed for the cruise as we were warned it was going to be quite cold.  We were then debriefed by the cruise operators after which we were on our way.The boats used we purpose made for this kind of stuff with three engines at the back.  There were about 25 people onboard and it takes about 40.  The guides were awesome and pretty funny too.We saw various native birds (various sea gulls, albatross, eagles, etc), water caves, penguins, dolphins, seals, and other creatures.When we were coming to the southern side of the island (Southern Ocean) that's when we started thinking that maybe we shouldn't have brought Mattie on this cruise. :-) The rain started to fall, the wind was blowing and the temperature dropped significantly.  But he was fine, sound asleep in the sling under daddy's jacket and under the rain/wind coat.Once we actually came to where we found the smelly seals that's when we were sure that we shouldn't have brought Mattie. J  But he was still sound asleep.  He woke up only when the boat stopped (after 3 hours) upon our return and we don't blame him as it was definitely time for some food!  And that was the first thing we did, feed him and then we had some hot pumpkin soup to warm ourselves up and some baguettes.After finishing our lunch we slowly started making our way back to the hotel while stopping at various lookouts and taking photos.Tomorrow we are going to do the Air Walk among the tree tops and we are excited...  Bring on another day! :-)
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242176580/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242176580/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242176580/tpod.html Thu, 14 May 2009 03:07:14 -0400 Tasmania

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Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

This morning we woke up, had breakfast in the cabin and explored a little around Lake St Claire.By mid morning we were on our way to Hobart.  The roads were pretty good and not much heavy traffic (only one truck carrying timber).  We took the scenic routes and enjoyed beautiful countryside. The funny thing was when we filled up petrol today - the lady at the counter asked me how much petrol did I put in my car.  I said that I have no idea and she had to go outside to check the $ amount we had to pay.  No computers here! :)Our next stop was Mt Field National Park.  Here we took a walk and saw the most amazing waterfall we have ever seen, the Russell Falls.  This waterfall was cascading a few times and creating a huge waterfall.  We continued along the trail and came to another waterfall which was less spectacular, the Horseshoe Falls.From there we drove to the Salmon Ponds.  Here were a number of ponds with Salmon and a number of different types of Trout.  This was all nestled among beautiful gardens and autumn colours.The last stop before Hobart was in New Norfolk where we got something to eat.It took us about 30 minutes to arrive to our hotel in central Hobart, Fountainside Hotel.  The hotel is pretty good, recently renovated and the cheapest hotel restaurant and mini bar I have seen in Australia.  The drinks (non-alcoholic) were $1.50 and Pringles were $2! We have to thank Tripadvisor.com for this find. :)Towards the evening we went for a walk in Hobart CBD.  Apart from a nice Marina, Hobart CBD is like any CBD.  While there we went to the Visitor Centre and booked the Bruny Island cruise for tomorrow.  Should be good... We finally came back to our hotel room and were ready to crash in bed.  Need to get rest for tomorrow. :)
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242003600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242003600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242003600/tpod.html Thu, 14 May 2009 03:02:41 -0400 Tasmania

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Strahan, Tasmania, Australia

This morning we woke up around 7:30 fed Mattie, put all the stuff into the car and went for our breakfast where Mattie slept for the whole time.After the breakfast we went for a bush walk to see a couple of waterfalls nearby the Cradle Mountain Lodge (Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls).  The moss that was all over the place is amazing. Throughout all this time Mattie was asleep inside my jacket in what looked to me a very uncomfortable position. :)When we got back we got in the car and we were on our way to Strahan.  We passed through Tullah, Roseberry and Zeehan.  There were many bends on the roads but it was a very enjoyable ride and in most cases you can drive up to 100km/hr.On the way we stopped at some lookouts and climbed on the Henty Sand Dunes which were great.  I never thought there would be so much sand in Tasmania!Finally we arrived in Strahan...  Firstly we went to the Information Centre where we booked the cruise on the Gordon river for tomorrow morning.We then got to our accommodation place which was pretty nice (Kitty's Place) - it is like a small two-storey house.  Here we made sure that Mattie was fed after which we went to see the Hogarth Waterfall in Strahan.Finally we went to the Ocean Beach for the magical sunset.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242090000/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242090000/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1242090000/tpod.html Tue, 12 May 2009 08:12:07 -0400 Tasmania

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Lake St Clair, Tasmania, Australia

Today is the day where we went on the Gordon River Cruise (with World Heritage Cruises).  We woke up around 7am, had breakfast and we were on our way...  The weather was overcast for most of the day with only light drizzle on the return leg of the cruise (this is apparently considered quite lucky in this part of Tasmania as it rains a lot).We arrived to the departure point - Macquarie Harbour, Strahan.  The cruise started at about 9am and we firstly went to the entrance to the harbour - called the Hell's Gates. We saw a purpose built wall made to control the tide and numerous wildlife (e.g. Sea Eagles).We also passed near a large trout farm where we saw how they feed the fish and how they harvest them.The first stop was on Sarah Island where convicts were taken to do heavy labour among which included ship building.  The guide talked us through the islands history which was very interesting.  When we got on the boat, buffet lunch was served.The cruise then continued up the Gordon River where the boat had to reduce the speed to 8 knots due to environmental effects "boat waves" could have on the river banks.   This part of the cruise was absolutely awesome... the mirror reflections in the water were perfect.The next stop was a rainforest walk just off the Gordon River.  Here we saw the highly sought after Huon Pine (timber that was used for ship building).  It apparently grows only up to 1mm per year in diameter.  A lot of it was logged but some still remain.  This part of Tasmania looked like it was never touched by humans - it was that pristine.Anyway, all good things come to an end and we arrive back to Strahan at around 3pm.Soon after arriving - we were on our way to Lake St Claire National Park.  We wanted to get there before dark which we just kind of managed.We drove through windiest road so far (up to Queenstown).  Queenstown looked pretty weird... which is understandable with it being a copper mining town.  The hills surrounding it looked so bare and without vegetation.As soon as we left Queenstown area we were again in beautiful Tasmanian forests and natural wonders.  We passed next to numerous lakes, lagoons and National Parks.We arrived to our next stop - Lake St Claire National Park.  We came after reception closed so we were lucky to find our keys to the cabin. Everything was so dark and we even managed to spot a Tasmanian Devil here.The cabin was looking and feeling very homely and luckily enough there was a good heater in there to warm us up. :)After getting settled we went to a place for dinner (only one place in the vicinity of the national park).  The place was expensive but the portions were massive (lucky for Vlad :)). On the way back to our cabin we saw 3 Frenchmen requiring a ride to their accommodation (they were about 4kms from the backpacker place).  Due to the baby seat we could only take 2 people.  They didn't want to part so they continued walking.  As we got to our cabin we felt bad so Roxy and Mattias stayed behind while Vlad went to pick the guys up.  They were thankful and Vlad had a good quick discussion about how France beat Croatia in 1998 World Cup. :)We all got to bed early and we were sound asleep within seconds...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1241910000/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1241910000/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1241910000/tpod.html Sun, 10 May 2009 05:08:28 -0400 Tasmania

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Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Tasmania, Australia

We slept for 10 hours last night and we felt we could have slept more...  It must be the fresh air!After feeding Mattias we went for our breakfast that was included in our accommodation rate.  The breakfast was so good that it compares to the breakfast we had in Kuala Lumpur at a 5 star hotel.  It was really awesome and you could have anything you wanted from all sorts of cereals, to cooked breakfasts and things like pastries and nuts.After the breakfast we went for a drive to the Dove Lake (at the base of Cradle Mountain).  At the lodge it was quite warm and Roxy against her better judgement decided not to take her jacket with her.  As soon as we arrived there - that proved to be a BIG mistake as the cold wind was blowing from everywhere.She did well to act "tough" and managed to survive.  I on the other hand had Mattie on the sling and he was my heater. :-)The funny thing is that Mattias usually doesn't like to be constrained by the sling but when he felt the wind he was more than happy to be inside my jacket and stayed there for the whole duration of our walk and he slept. After our walk we came back to the lodge and had a good afternoon nap.  Hmmm it felt great.We went to the bistro style food place at the main building to get some dinner where we met some interesting people.  Some were from north Queensland some from Melbourne and others we don't know from where they come from.Once we finished the dinner we hired Monopoly to play in our cabin. Due to Monopoly games and packing we went to bed close to midnight.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1241830800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1241830800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rvs/4/1241830800/tpod.html Sun, 10 May 2009 04:38:16 -0400 Tasmania

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Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Tasmania, Australia

After waking up we had breakfast where people were very talkative and we even had an elderly lady looking after Mattie while we ate.Today is a marvellous day - clear skies and not too cold. The first thing we saw in Launceston was the Gorge.  We took the chairlift from where we could see everything well.  There were a lot of peacocks, a couple of small waterfalls and the famous bridge.After giving Mattie a feed (actually Roxy did that) we drove to Deloraine from where we went to Chudleigh to see the Honey Farm.  There were a thousand different honeys you could sample taste and it was hard to pick a winner.  In the end we bought a couple of flavours (Wildflower and Clover).  They tasted awesome.From there we went to an area called Mole Creek.  Here we saw "King Solomon Cave".  The cave was pretty impressive.  Mattias wasn't that impressed in the beginning but in the end was starting to enjoy it too (we think!).  From there we took a scenic drive to a town called Sheffield.  The drive went through an area called "Paradise" - it was very nice.  It had the beautiful green colour with awesome mountain in the backdrop.Sheffield was unique town with many "graffiti painted" buildings.  This is not dodgy graffiti but actual pictures.. .see the photos.   As soon as we came it was time to eat and Roxy instead of enjoying the scenery was just spotting restaurants. :-) It was about 2pm so I guess it's understandable.  We ate at a local place and again people were soooo friendly.  We had one of the chefs come and looked after Mattie while we had our lunch - the best ever home made pumpkin soup.  It was awesome.  They also had their own bagpipe player (apparently the place is full of Scottish tradition).Following the lunch we were on our way to Cradle Mountain National park.We stopped on the way to see various lookouts, rivers and Lakes.We arrived at our destination (Cradle Mountain Lodge) around 4:30pm.  Here we unpacked our stuff put Mattie to bed and went to sleep.  The accommodation here was more like a cabin/lodge style with our own fire place (we love fire places).  The reception, restaurants, etc are located in the main building at the entrance of the complex.
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