Tasmania!

We are now in Swansea, Tas. It is Wed., Feb. 16.
Today was mostly about travel: train and bus from South Yarra neighbourhood in Melbourne, to the airport; then flight to Launceston, Tas. We picked up a car at the airport... $50 surcharge for airport pickup! Bah! Drove nearly 200 km on winding roads, with long spots of heavy rain. By the time we reached Swansea, the rain had stopped, and wind was picking up. I hope the wind will have subsided enough by morning that we can still have our planned boat cruise to Wineglass Bay.

An interesting and delightful find along the way was the Purple Possum in St. Mary's. St. Mary's is a small town, in a state of small towns. But, their stock of organic grains and cereals, plus homemade preserves, was impressive. Even more notable: the selection of oils, vinegars and tamari, available in bulk, to fill your own jars. Very nice, and friendly for the environment, too.


Several vineyard cellar doors were signposted along the way... I counted at least 5, and I was driving, rather than "looking about". Perhaps there will be a chance to stop at one or two, in the morrow. At the very least, there will be purchasing of two or three wines, to share with Jill and Diana on the weekend, when we all reconvene. Looking forward to Salamanca Market in Hobart, and to some fresh seafood!