Off to Tasmania

Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd December 2012

 

Didn't take long to pack the van. Left home at 3:15pm for the drive to Port Melbourne.  Picked up some D'Lish Fish take-away before driving onto Station Pier.  The fish and chips was delicious and helped pass the time waiting in the boarding queue.  Once onboard, found our cabin then went exploring the Spirit of Tasmania II.  Spent some time up on deck as we left the port, with the city skyline getting smaller by the minute.  The sun setting across the bay, the sea breeze in our hair... contemplating 32 days away! 

It was a calm night - by Bass Straight standards.  Having said that, none of us slept particularly well, the whole cabin seemed to vibrate to the dronning of the ships engine.  Gemma slept the best out of all of us. 

A wake up call came at 5:10am, with our ETA in Devonport 5:50am.  Spectacular sunrise made the early awakening worthwhile. 

Had some breakfast at McDonalds before driving for just under an hour to Somerset, west of Devonport, near Burnie.  Checked into the caravan park - it was mid morning by the time we had completely set up - including tinsel and Christmas lights under the awning! Four nights here, Christmas with Darrin's sister, mum and cousin, who is visiting from the UK with her family. 

Met up with all the family for lunch at the Cafe out the front of the Somerset Beachside Caravan Park.  They all joined us back at the van for most of the afternoon.  Good to catch up again.

An early dinner and bed for the kids - they'd been dragged out of bed early and were very tired.  Tomorrow we've promised them some Tassie Devils, tonight they were bordering on BEING Tassie devils, that's how past it they were!