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Published: January 12th 2009
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Happy New Year everyone.
We have had an action packed start to 2009 with our visit to Tasmania, but we did needed it after hanging around in Sydney since Christmas, waiting for New Year's eve to arrive and the spectacular fireworks over the harbour. I'll let Gem explain all.
Gem:
Happy New Year!
Here I am, up bright and early on New Year's Day. I have never seen Sydney so dead - everyone must still be in bed nursing their hangovers!
The fireworks were FANTASTIC! We had to queue for 4 hours in the blazing sunshine just to get into the park, then we had a further 4 hours for the fireworks to start. Although it didn't feel like it when we were waiting, and waiting, and waiting, it was definitely worth it. Our position wasn't the best - we would have had a perfect view of the bridge if it wasn't for a big tree in front of it!!! But handily, the main branch was the same shape as the bridge so we could still see above and below it!!
The atmosphere was amazing, with everyone cheering and although most people were very drunk,
there was no trouble. The fireworks were great, although they didn't have my favourite ones that look like wiggly fishes - Lancaster still beats Sydney on that score! But the fireworks from the bridge were spectacular. I will have to go on youtube to watch them again, this time without the tree!
It was my first sober New Year - well, in my adult life! We knew you weren't allowed to take alcohol in, and unlike everybody else, we didn't think to smuggle any - too honest, that's our trouble! When we got in a little can of beer was $8 and a glass of wine was $30 so I ended up seeing in the New Year with a hot chocolate! Not very rock and roll, I know, but I'm possibly the only person in Sydney who is feeling great this morning!
After Tasmania:
We are now back in civilisation after a week in the wilderness, aka Tasmania. Allan loved it there, it seemed to me a lot like the Lake District. I am pleased to announce that I no longer have the fitness level of an OAP. I breezed through a 'moderate' walk to Wineglass Bay
which was 'unsuitable for the elderly and unfit.' Go me! I was very proud of myself. It was worth the effort too because when we got down to the beach there were kangaroos hopping about! A very surreal sight, I can tell you. The only dampener was the fact that I got bitten 20 times by mozzies in about 90 minutes. No exagerration!
We had a few days in Launceston where we 'slept' above a pub with live music until 3am! We then got a tent for the rest of our stay. It was the cheap option and also a lifesaver - with our all new, far too relaxed attitude to travelling we didn't do any preparation before we arrived and all the hostels, b&bs and guesthouses were full! Camping started off fun, but the novelty soon wore off when I woke up shivering like I've never shivered before at Lake St Clair, despite the fact I was wearing leggings, pjs, a jumper and fleece inside a sleepsheet, sleeping bag with a blanket on top! Allan saved the day by putting me and my cocoon inside his sleeping bag- v cosy!
Now we're back in Sydney we are
staying in Wake Up, my favourite hostel. It makes a wonderful change from our New Year hostel/ghetto that was hideous. It is so nice not to wait 15 minutes for a lift that smells of stinky backpackers and cigarette smoke, and to have a kitchen that doesn't stink, have rubbish on the floor and rotten food in the fridge! I had seriously had enough of backpacking by the time we left there, but I'm raring to go again now!
We go to New Zealand on Tuesday, then a week later my mum and dad arrive, YAY!!!!!
P.S. We are now over half way through our trip, doesn't time fly!!
Allan:
I loved Tasmania; it is certainly one of the highlights of the trip for me. It was like being back at home but on the other side of the world. The driving was fantastic and the scenery was amazing, constantly changing from coast, to open plains and then to mountains. We did some great short treks to Wineglass bay and through Lake St Clair National park. I'd definitely go back. However I know NZ is going to be just like it so I can't wait.
I've nearly exceeded our baggage weight limit now that I have a sleeping bag, tent and carry mat strapped to my rucksack.
Cathryn: You'll be pleased to hear I also loved Cradle Mountain NP. I walked around Dove Lake and couldn't stop taking photos. Every direction I looked was picture / postcard perfect!
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