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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Thursday 27 February 2020

Bay of Fires and waterfalls

Wednesday 26th cont....

After cuddling that adorable baby Wombat earlier I did wonder what we could now do to top that experience. So far we haven't any plan, not route wise or excursions. Waterfalls are quite numerous in this part but that means an inland treck whereas at the moment we are heading around the coast. We were told to go see the Bay of Fire and even with the changeable weather this part of the Northern coastline didn't disappoint. The name refers to the Aboriginal fires spotted by Captain Tobias Furneaux when he sailed past in 1773, but could it be the brilliant orange lichen that grows on the granite boulders?

There happened to be freedom camping very near to the beach but we did struggle to find a spot. Down three sandy tracks, and every convenient spot was full. Luckily the forth and last area we tried had a vacant spot.


 Ian even got to dip his feet in the sea, very brave if I may say so because the Tasmine Sea is bloody cold!





Sea on one side and this beautiful small lake on the other.

Reminds me of an oasis.


Thursday 27th....cold with a fierce wind!

We did make a decision, head inland to St Columba Falls at Pyengana, one of the highest falls in Tasmania with a 90-metre drop. Saw lots of fire-ravaged trees as we drove along the highway, but not all the trees had been consumed. Amazing how flames can jump across small areas leaving some trees intact.



The walk to St Columba Falls was a short one, 10 minutes was all it took,  all downhill with some steep bits which I dreaded having to walk back up. It was well worth the effort I thought.




Seen from the road before the descent




But not so the next falls at Lillydale. Two falls both named the same and within 5 minutes walk of each other. Most disappointing but there was a bonus though. It was also a Freedom camping ground and lucky for us we arrived early and could pick a good spot. Now there is not a space to be had.

Lillydale Falls (1)

and (2)





And seen on route,

The painted rock Derby (fish)
 And wildlife

Swamp Harrier

Blackheaded Plover




Fairy Wren female


and male

2 comments:

Dave Ward said...

I guess they don't salt the roads very often if that tatty old Bedford (Holden?) CF camper is anything to go by. I can't remember the last time I saw one in the UK!

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Just heard on the news that Holden has ceased production and many an Australian has been saddened by it. It came to be in the 1950s so hasn't had a bad run.

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