Tuesday 21^st February, 2012

I fell in love, sorry Konrad. But Maria Island entered my heart. With the boat we went to island. There I joined a German couple for the rest of the day. First we went to the Fossil Cliffs. Here I could see up to 240 million year old fossils in the rock. Back in Darlington we continued to the Painted Cliffs. That are rocks which have different colours in the sunlight. The best time here is at low tide. We were lucky and the sun started shining as we were there, so we could marvel at all the colours of the different rock layers. Finally we hiked into the interior of the island and then back to Darlington. On the island I saw today some kangaroos, wallabies, goose, hen-like birds, a wombat and a breeding penguin. Unfortunately I did not see any dolphins. Then we went back to Triabunna with the boat. There I wanted to get some money from the ATM, but it did not work with any of my cards. According to the unfriendly lady from the supermarket some French had the same problem a few days ago. I said that there might be a problem with the machine. She did not believe as the problems are only with foreign cards. But as I could always get money so far, I believe more in my version. Anyway, my credit card was accepted and I booked another night in the caravan as I do not yet have enough of Maria Island and will go there tomorrow again.

Monday 20^th February, 2012

Today I wanted to lie in, but my inner clock woke me up already at 8am. After I moved all my stuff to the car again, I started. To Coles Bay there is just one road and thus the way was the same as two days ago. On the way there was someone with a camera standing beside the road and shortly after an emu. So I made a U-turn and came back. The emu did not bother. A few days ago I told Konrad, I could fly home as I now have a picture of most animals. Konrad replied the emu is missing. There I am. Still I would like to stay a bit longer as I like it here. Only the weather might get a bit warmer. The only road to the west goes through the interior. I drove along wines and olive trees, saw flocks of sheep which had nearly the same colour as the ground. As I had plenty of time, I drove to the Nine Mile Beach and walked a bit on it. This beach is just opposite to Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park. Beside some sea birds I saw again a pelican swimming in the watter. Then I drove on to Swansea. Here I visited the Bark Mill Museum. It show how crop was milled in earlier times. It was the only mill where everybody could mill his crop. In the village Swansea I walked along the beach and had again a full view to the Freycinet National Park. There was a strong wind and a few drops here and there. My trip continued to Spiky Bridge which was constructed in 1840 and is still in use. Short after 14pm I arrived in Triabunna. In the tourist office I reserved a got a ticket for the boat going every morning to the island. Then I was looking for the camping, as I reserved a room there. The owner showed me my room and explained that for the same price I could stay in a caravan, this would be more comfortable. I had a look and decided to stay in the caravan. Here I can train already for the west coast where I will be on the road with a friend in a camper. At it was only afternoon I walked along the sea. Not far from the shore is Dead Island. You make walk to this small island if there is low tide. A bit later there was a sign that there are pelicans to see here. I had no luck, there was none. After a short sightseeing in Triabunna I went back to the camping and passed the rest of the afternoon reading.