Tuesday 10th aand a trip to Maria Island.
For once we had the most perfect of days, sun, hardly any wind and fairly calm seas. The photo at Traibanna marina showed the water with hardly a ripple, sheltered as it was we thought the trip to Maria island on the Spirit of Maria would be equally as calm.
Leaving the safety of the Harbour the boat began to roll. Not uncomfortably but enough for two of the passengers to immediately feel the effects. There was only 23 of us on board, nice to be able to look around without the usual fight to get to the rail.
First stop was to the Seal Island, Ile Des Phoques. Only accessible by boat the swell was such that we witnessed the blowholes but we wondered at the captain's sanity when he took the boat into the cave to view the fabulous rainbow coloured walls, (he handled the boat beautifully) and of course the numerous Australian Fur Seals.
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| Never would the boat fit into that left hand cave! |
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| But it did |
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| Green Waterfall |
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| Wind and waves in the Sandstone produced this wonderful work of art. |
Out came the anchor at a white sandy beach where lunch was served including a glass of wine, loverrrly.
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| On the right is Ali, my brother's partner Sally's sister. She made the day possible by booking the cruise for us. |
Next stop Maria Island with the convict-built buildings. Lurking everywhere, even on landing was the Wombats. This baby was about 9 months old.
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| In this photo is the ruins of the convict-built Grand Hotel |
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| Top left is Whalebones. Maria Island was first a Whaling community before becoming a Convict penal settlement. (top right) and bottom left the Penitentiary. Bottom R one of the bays.. |
After 8 hours at sea, windswept, slightly pink because we forgot the sunscreen, we arrived back in time for a welcome drink at the local pub and a slap-up meal. That night we were exhausted; so much so that by 9.30 pm we had departed for bed. Tomorrow a walk to Freycinet Wine Glass Bay. Another planned treat from Ali.
and more wildlife
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| Cape Baron Goose |
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| Roo's on Maria Island |
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| Sea Eagle |
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| Tasmanian Native Hen |
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