Housesitting in Don

It is nice to be going at a slower pace for a while as my days have been filled to capacity.  While still at the Rally my bowling partners & I spent Sunday morning together, first at the Worship service then the local markets, I bought some f & v along with a Teddy I just couldn't resist for $1.  After lunch Therese & I went looking for the Planetarium we were given directions and walked for half an hour only to find it was back where we started and closed!! 

On Monday 4 of us went to the Planetarium and watched the film on the 'Dawn of the Space Age', after lunch of Tasmanian Salmon on Sourdough Yum! we looked through the new Queen Victoria Museum and I enjoyed the incredible display especially the fauna and birdlife.  There had been a tram running each day from our camp site to the Museum, I kept missing it so decided to wait the 1/2 hour for my 1klm ride (still a big kid) the others walked to their Vans.  I had the benefit of a guided tour of the Tram Museum as a group of Probus people came and I was allowed to join them.  Back at camp we were treated to a BBQ Dinner tonight followed by another concert.

Tuesday and time to leave Launceston, said my goodbye's and drove into town to collect my phone (that's another story) but it is now working properly.  I caught the free Tiger bus around town and visited the National Trust 'Odd Umbrella Shop' built in the 1860's, there was a parasol that was made for a horse among other things.  I found the 'Honey Tasmania' shop and bought blackberry honey. Then I rode the Tiger Bus on the River run and got off to see the old Queen Victoria Museum building that is now an Art Gallery.  Left to drive to Scottsdale for the night where I was to meet up with Therese, I met another Solo at a Lookout who said there was no room, in van parks or free camps so we stayed there the night.  Along with a Korean girl and her mum, they gave us a pkt of noodles each in exchange for hot water, we talked till 9.30 with the daughter translating.

Wednesday I went to look at the Memorial Tree carvings at Ledgerwood then to Branxholm, where Therese spent the night.  This little town has lots of history of the Chinese tin miners and the famous Red Bridge.  On the way out of town I stopped to take a photo, that could have cost me dearly.  I backed into a ditch and with one front wheel off the ground I needed a tow, but a couple of Forrestry workers had me out while I was on the phone to RACT, giving thanks to God for His protection.  We had lunch at the Berry Shop at Moorina of home made soup followed by shared scones and jam.  Camped tonight at the 'Pub in the Paddock' at Pyengama.  Fed the pigs a bottle of (watered down) beer before yes another meal, this time the biggest steak I have ever seen and I enjoyed every mouthfull.

To be continued tomorrow.