Tasmania: Pirates Cove

The cold chilly Tasmanian air didn't stop us this morning from waking up before the sun rose and scrambling out on the rocks to the edge of the sea.  We pulled on our hats and prepared to take in the view and a few pictures.  The sky turned bright pink before the sun cleared the clouds and struck the rocks turning them an unbelievable shade of burnt orange.  After taking as many pictures as our cold fingers would let us, we headed back to the van for warm tea and breakfast and to plan our route for the day.  Our goal was to make it down to the Tasman Peninsula by evening.

On our way out of town we snapped a few more pictures of the sun on the turquoise waters and white beaches.  After reaching St. Helens we stopped at the grocery store to replenish our dwindling supplies.  Then off east to Pyengana where the Pyengana Dairy Company has been producing cheese since the early 1900s.  We dropped in at the Holy Cow Cafe, next to the dairy company, to taste the cheese.  Since it was drizzling, we decided to have a cuppa before hitting the road.  It just so happened that they were having a coffee and cake special.  After stuffing ourselves and loading up with local cheeses we were back on the road with a full day of driving ahead of us.

We enjoyed the views as we drove back down the coast stopping at Bicheno, a seaside town, to stretch our legs.  Our next stop was at the Milton Vineyards at 42 degrees South latitude for wine tasting.  We had their pinot noir at dinner a few nights before and decided to taste their other wines.  The winery was situated on a hill overlooking a pond, very picturesque.  We left after a brief visit, but not without buying a couple of bottles to enjoy later.

We reached the Tasman Peninsula in the late afternoon.  Driving toward Tasman National Park, we hoped to do some hiking along the sea cliffs before it was too dark.  We searched for the hike recommended in the guide book, but could not find the turn off.  Instead we went to see the natural formations the Arch and the Devil's Kitchen.  While wandering around the area we found the beginnings of a hike, so in great need of some exercise we decided to take this trail instead.  Luckily it too meandered along the cliff's edge with spectacular views along the way.

It was nearing dark when we returned to the camper, but there was enough daylight to drive over to the Blowhole and watch the ocean water rushing down a tunnel then exploding out as a powerful spray.  On the way we drove through Doo Town, a little village of cottages nestled in the hills where each house is named using the word "Doo" in the name.  For instance one home was named "Love Me Doo" while another was "Thistle Doo Me".

Now that it was dark we decided it was best to get some dinner and find a spot to stay for the night.  Driving back along Pirates Cove, there was a beach that was home to Blue Penguins, we stopped to see if we could spot a few.  Just when we decided it was too cold and windy and started heading back to the camper, the rush began.  We squatted down and remained still.  We waited and watched as the rush of little penguins made their way to their homes for the night.  They were a bit skittish so we had to be perfectly hidden just so they would walk past.  Just when we thought they had made it home for the night we headed out, but at the top of the hill there were several gathered and we had to sneak through the fence without letting any get out onto the road, or stepped on!  What a cool experience.