Farewell to Van Demon's Land

Thursday the 5th of April... we had one day left in Tasmania and it was probably the most beautiful weather-wise since we arrived more than 4 weeks ago.
With the sun shining, we decided to explore the city of Devonport, so we headed into town for brekky.
It's not a large city but caters for everyone.

After brekky we had some serious shopping to do. The kids needed to be decked out for the races at Caulfield on Saturday... I know you don't have to say it, "We are parents of the year."
Nina needed a fascinatior to go with her Mickey Mouse dress while the boys needed suits.

We found Nina's fascinator fairly quickly, in a jewellery shop, and after asking a few locals for directions to kids shops...we finally found a menswear shop to fit the boys into their suits.

All the shopping done, we headed towards a Platypus sanctuary. After paying our money to get in we ended up in an axeman's hall of fame. It was interesting to learn that wood chopping competitions began in Tasmania after a couple of men had a bet in a pub many years ago... But we walked out wondering where the Platypus were.

After asking the question, we were told that the platypus were dying because the water wasn't right so they had to close it down until they could sort out the problem.

I was about to ask why they didn't tell us that when we paid our money to go in, but then remembered - we were in Tasmania.
The closest the kids got to a Platypus, was this one...

The kids with the only  platypus we could find

So it was back to the caravan park to get stuck into the washing. By late afternoon, Greensleeves was playing and I wasn't imagining it, the Mr Whippy van was outside our caravan, amid squeals of excitement from the kids...

Mr Whippy comes to visit

Nina with her ice-cream

After everyone had dessert, we headed out to dinner at the local Tavern where we played family Keno (Nanna would be proud of us), again "parents of the year."

Friday the 6th of April... we were up early to pack up the van and head down the road to catch the boat back to the mainland.  When we arrived, we went through customs and were then told that the boat was running late and wouldn't arrive until 8:30.

Our departure time was 9 o'clock and the boat would need to be cleaned etc.

The wait was long but before long... I had the gas stove fired up in the caravan and was making coffees for our neighbours in the line behind us... I could have made a fortune if I'd charged.

In the queue, waiting...waiting...

The wait did give me time to reflect on our time in Tassie. Despite the odd person with two heads, most of them were lovely and helpful. The island itself is stunning and so diverse... from crystal clear oceans and bays to rugged mountains, lush green rainforests and rolling hills.
The state is also steeped in so much history, adding to the mystique... we have loved our time here.
It truly is one of the country's best keep secrets.

Anyway, back to reality and... it was 11 o'clock before we were allowed onto the boat...

Driving onto the boat, at last

While on board the kids were kept entertained, being school holidays... all of them having their faces painted...

Nina the butterfly

Harry the dog, Nina the butterfly and Jack the shark

After face painting the kids went and watched a movie before we all had lunch together. The day seemed to last forever and we were glad to finally be greeted by the tug boats at Port Melbourne...

Hi tug boat

And then Richard decided, in his wisdom, that I should drive us to the caravan park because he had had one too many beers over the course of the day. It was my first drive since we left on the trip and it was through the centre of Melbourne.OMG!!!!!
I think everyone was shitting themselves watching me try to negotiate trams and curbs and abuse the GPS man as he took us on different routes at a moment's notice... by the time the traffic had thinned out and I had stopped cursing.. the kids were fast asleep in the back seat. We arrived at our destination safe and sound with the caravan still attached and no bumps or bruises. Phew!!!

Butterfly Nina rests her wings

Harry more relaxed than his Mum :-)

Tomorrow will be a big day at the Easter Cup at Caulfield. My Bentley is racing in the Cup.. fingers crossed.