back on the mainland

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Jan 3. Drove west to Styx Valley 14 km dirt track to see Big and Bigger tree their tops now declining their comrades having fallen. Reserve the remnant of a once vast population. Trunks rotting like bones on an old battlefield, clogging the river as well, they now only exist to serve a clever ape. Green rosella, Tasmania's rosella, green, yellow, blue. Saw heaps of wildlife - roadkill. At Derwent Bridge yellow throated honeyeater and black currawong, both Tassie natives. On thru endless curves to Queenstown, a strip mining landscrape. I was assured in the bar that regeneration had already begun to soften the scene. Only underground mining now. Strahan. A long driving day.
Jan 4. Quiet Strahan spruik X. Ocean beach looking west. Two pied oystercatchers. Later above the town saw bushfire blazing running south in strong northerly from near where I had just been!! Local bloke gave me full rundown on situation. Also told of barby and hot shower. Very HOT day. evening firefighters in town. Red glow, flames and smoke at night.
Jan 5. Still burning morning. Reports fire deliberately lit. Did I see him at the beach carpark? Trees and tree farms up to Burnie. Overcast. Excellent spruik. Newspaper no space due to fire in Strahan.
Jan 6. Burnie farmers market. Devonport spruik too. Port Sorel lovely setting unimproved shallow inlet, backdrop of green hills. Massive caravan park scene. 'Regatta' family fair spruik. Sold small flag too. Evening ferry ride - Spirit of Tasmania. Rain came down. It's been great!

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