Gorgeous Gorge

Cataract Gorge, or The Gorge as locals call it, was spotted by William Collins, when exploring the area in the ship Lady Nelson in 1804. He wrote, "Upon approaching the entrance I observed a large fall of water over rocks, nearly a quarter of a mile up a straight gully between perpendicular rocks about 150 ft high. The beauty of the scene is probably not surpassed in the world".

The dolerite rock, which occurs in volcanic areas, is dark grey in colour and I can imagine the scenery might look rather bleak on a wet, windy winter’s day, but on this sunny, warm morning the scene below me while riding the chairlift certainly was an attractive one.

Jean

Cheapskates

As the majority of motels in New Zealand were equipped with at least a basic level of kitchen appliances, we cut our daily expenditure by purchasing provisions from a supermarket. We then made our own breakfast, and sometimes an evening meal in our room.

This routine hasn’t been as easy in Tasmania as equipment is not always available and, cheapskates that we are, we found ourselves spreading peanut butter and marmalade with a teaspoon this morning.

Jean

Make mine a Boag's

The Boag's centre for beer lovers is located in the middle of Launceston. A guy called James Boag started a Tasmanian brewing tradition on the banks of the Esk River in 1852 which continues to this day.

The Brewery's history can be traced in the museum section of the the centre but is not open on weekends so had to pass on that one. However, I can vouch for the beer which I sampled on Friday night with my steak sandwich. Dave

Waiting for March

Spent the day looking round Launceston, Tasmania's second largest city with a population of around 100,000.

Nice place with many houses enjoying great views down to the port and river below. Quite a busy shopping area but a touch of the New Zealands as many outlets close as early as 4 p.m on a Saturday.

And if you fancy a night at the rather handsome Princess Theatre you'll have to wait a while. There's nothing on until March. Have to say generally 0n the arts side that both NZ and Australia compare modestly to London with all its huge variety and depth. Dave