Derwent Bridge

I sat up the front of the bus to get a good look at the road to see if I am just a woose, or whether the advice given was correct.  So was pretty satisfied that I had taken the advice of many and caught the bus.

The road is particularly steep coming up out of Queenstown - and it IS really narrow - memories of Otira Gorge came flooding back so I knew I had done the right thing.

Of course there was also regret once we got to the flat country and the beautiful scenery that just flashed past - wonderful lakes - and waterfalls and I almost suggested to the driver that he pull over and let me out...

but there was another climb ahead, so I just stayed quiet and although the second climb was pretty serious, it was more doable than that first one...  but considering that it was at the end of 85km, I think I would have had another Cradle Mountain experience - ie complete exhaustion.

Once we pulled into the Derwent River Hotel car park and Hennie was safely released, we were back in action again.

After coffee and cake at the Wombat Cafe, we went for a pootle around the area - first out to the Wall - a rather magnificent gallery of woodcarving - 2 huge panels of huon pine that have been carved (bas-relief) depicting the history of this area.  The artist is self-taught but obviously is very talented.  the one regret -No Touching....  the golden colour of the pine called out to be stroked - especially the smooth sections…  sure -- human hands can be dirty, but just think of the oils that would add a lustre to the timber and the satisfaction for viewer….  But Do Not Touch…. 

I went and hid in the bush alongside the road for a picnic and listened to the birds (new bird!  Black Headed Honeyeater!!) and also a huge gang of motorbikes - think they were the Banditos that are travelling around Tassie at the moment - that deafened everything…  listened to an echidna shuffle almost up to me, before it took fright and disappeared again…  rode back to the river and checked into the Chalet.

So a small distance of 7km clocked up for the day - before signing into my very cute (but quite expensive) chalet.  I could have gone down to the pub for a beer and a meal - or back to the Wombat café, but I preferred to stay at home and crack open a packet in my supplies and check photos and watch some telly…