Wednesday 8^th February, 2012

Now starts my journey around Tasmania. In the morning at the car rental office they told me that they currently do not have a car in the category I booked. I could choose between a bigger one (a minivan) or a smaller one. I originally wanted to rent a smaller one, but they said that the smaller ones are all with manual gearshift and I wanted an automatic one. But this information turned out to be wrong, so I got a smaller car with automatic gearshift. After buying food for a week I started toward the west coast. Of my drive toward Strahan I can only say: Tasmania has a lot of water and hills which change over to mountains. The road is like a pass road in Switzerland and I felt like I am arriving at the end of the world. Most of the 320km I drove today as in different National Parks. In Hobart I bought a pass for them as here I have to pay for every day in an National Park. The first real stop I made at Lake St. Clair. I made a short walk, but I nearly could not see upon the lake. When driving further, I saw several echindas. They were walking fast. One of them just crossed the road in front of me and fetched the camera, but until I was ready it was already on the other side and curled up. Next stop was Nelson Fall. A short walk led to it. After I continued with a few picture stops until Strahan. That is the only harbour at the west coast.

Tuesday 7^th February, 2012

During breakfast I was asked by a hostel staff what I will do today. As it was sunny I was thinking about going up to Mount Wellington to enjoy the view. He explained me that there are three possibilities to get there. First with the car, but I do not have one. Second with the tourist bus, but there I just have 20 minutes time up there and I pay a lot. The third possibility is to go with the public bus to Ferntree and to hike up for two hours and then back down again. As I had time and the weather was good I chose variant 3. Later it turned out to be not the best one. I went by bus to Ferntree. There I asked in a shop how to get to Mount Wellington and they explained me the way. Following different pathes I hiked uphill. As long as it goes up it must be right. It got higher and higher and I could view out into the country. Slowly the clouds gathered and a light shower started. But the sun was back soon and I went on. Then the rain started again, but this time stronger. I was not sure if I should continue. After 10 minutes of thinking, the sun was back again. OK, lets go to the summit. A bit below an Australian told me that here is the best view. I sat down and enjoyed it. We talked a little. As soon as I arrived on the top, the rain started again. Still I viewed the sight and then stood below the roof of a hut. The rain did not stop anymore. Some guys which passed me when going up were looking for a lift. I thought this is a good idea and asked a man in about my age if he is driving to Hobart. He is from Hobart so I could join him on the way back. On the way he told me that it is in Tasmania quite difficult to find a job. Many go to the mainland to work. But they are missing nursing personnel like in all Australia. Back in Hobart it was sunny again. According to this nice young man the weather is very annoying this summer. It was not a real summer so far. In the late afternoon the rain came back all the time, so that I went into a museum about Antarctica.

Monday, 6^th February 2012

Today I was sightseeing in Hobart. In the town there live more than 200'000 people, but the atmosphere here is very relaxed. I walked from Salamaca Place up ot Battery Point. Battery Point has its name from the canons which got installed here in the 18^th century. Still today you can see old houses here. In the close by park I had a nice view to the sea. Then I took the tourist bus to the Tasmania Botanic Garden. I stayed some time in this gorgeous park and enjoyed the wonderful trees and flowers. Back in town I made a walk along the harbour. As it was already noon, many of the fishing boats were already back. Then I strolled along the shopping street and had a look at the fashion of Australia. Now I have already seen the most important things of Hobart.

Sunday 5^th February 2012

We had to get up early as tour flights were at around 8am. As morning walk we brought our baggage to the check-in counter. Here we were surprised as it should be 4kg heavier than before the flight to Australia. I do not think that there was more baggage as I already then did nearly not have enough space. After the last breakfast together we went to the gate. I accompanied Konrad to his flight after his hand luggage was checked for traces of explosives. Now it is definitive: Konrad flew to Sydney to work and I flew to Tasmania. I had a special experience when I arrived in Tasmania. There was no customs. Instead there was a dog which sniffed at my hand luggage and walking on the baggage band my backpack. Nobody should bring fruits, vegetables or flowers to the island. Then I went with the bus into the city to get to my accommodation. As it was before noon, it was not yet possible. They were so kind that I at least could leave my baggage there. First I went to the tourist information to check out what I can see here. In Hobart there is a tourist bus and I bought a 3-day pass for it. After a short trip with the bus I first checked in to my room. There are two others in my room which are travelling with a guided tour. They are from Ticino and Germany. As they told about their trip, I was glad to be on road by myself. So I can stay at the nice places and enjoy the time as I like. The disadvantage is that I surely meet less people. After I went into town again. Now it started to rain. I had a umbrella and was hoping it will get better. Towards the evening I walked to the harbour and visited the Salamanca Market. There is a big flea market every Saturday. After a short walk I went back to the hostel.