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Published: February 20th 2014
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We were on the red one
The Dawn Princess sailed before we boarded. Wouldn't have minded a trade! Crossing Bas Straight
Picking up from our last blog, we had a late lunch at Ashley Gardens Caravan Park and then drove into the ferry terminal as per the mud map provided by the park. We asked why it was such a 'Long way around?' The reason given is that there are several low bridges to pass under and many an RV has lost the air conditioner off the roof.
While that isn't a problem for us, we heard of a visitor to Melbourne with a large fifth-wheeler caravan that cracked the top open much like you would a hard boiled egg, ending his Tasmanian adventure before even getting to the boat.
Tommy did a good job of sticking to the route. Naturally, our plan was different from his, but by pinpointing a couple of way points on the map, he obliged by matching the correct roads. However, he likes to have the last word. He advised us that we could go his way in 28 minutes or our way in 64 minutes.
As time was not important we went our way, and it was not until we approached the Westgate Bridge that he stuttered out that
Heading to the check in
Anne and Jim were watching to see how loading went. Kind of a trial run for them. we only had 7 minutes to our destination, not 24 minutes that he had counted down to.
Anyway, we arrived and were quickly in the queue to board the ship. Well, first you go through a security check – lift the bonnet to see that you have an engine, not two little Germans having a sauna, They also placed our gas canisters for the portable cooker in a secure container and gave us some pretty little stickers to decorate the van with.
The next stage of boarding is called waiting. This takes quite some time.
Then the queues start boarding and we were quite forward on the port side, ready for a quick exit in the morning.
We grabbed our bags and boarding passes and climbed up a few decks to the accommodation area where we were pointed to our cabin and we set up for the night.
That done, we went walk about to have a look around the ship and take a few photos. There is a very good travel shop where you can get brochures maps etc. They also sell a number of tours with a 20% discount. One of these was
the Gordon River Cruise which was on our to do list, so cha-ching several times as we bought tickets plus our National Parks pass.
After more looking and peeping at the gift shop without further expense, we settled for a good nights sleep in our cosy cabin. Very smooth crossing and we were up in time to watch the ship berth a little after 6.00 am.
At 6.30 we were down to the vehicle deck and ready to exit. We shared the vehicle deck with about 20 vintage Rolls Royce Silver Clouds – 1908 to 1919. They were Yanks doing a group tour. Beautifully restored vehicles shipped out here in December.
There was also a tour group driving 3 wheeler motorcycles towing tear drop caravans – mini sized providing a bed and not much else.
Off the ferry but its not so long before our progress was halted again while all motorhomes and caravans are searched this time for fruit and vegies which cannot be taken into Tas. Didn't take long and we were away and our way including picking up the gas canisters.
First stop in Devonport the local info centre followed by the
Our cosy cabin
Almost at the front of the passenger deck. supermarket and our adventure was ready to begin.
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Mum & Dad
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Another great blog
We enjoyed this one too you do very well with your blogs. Hope the weather is now being kind as you travel on. Love from us youngsters!!