Day1

February 3rd 2007

As the dawn breaks and everyone staying at Terry's start to move we find young Kinga has done an allnighter."Energiser battery comes to mind".The plan was to leave Terry's at 6.45am.Somewhere close to time we headed off down the road Terry, Vern, Julie, Kinga, Pete, Andy, Andrew-Adele&Alex, Rick&I(eight mokes-my biggest moke convoy to date ).My greatest fear was missing that BIG BOAT,or worse-being the cause of anyone else missing the boat as well.It was just wonderful to get to where we could see "THE SPIRIT OF TASSMANIA" in all it's glory waiting to take us away.As we got close we were joined by Jude& Kevin,and Claire&Tony.Amazingly all but Kinga and her Moke ended up in the same level on the boat.They seemed to be sending us in all different directions as we went through the checkin process.Even at this early stage of our trip we were turning heads and getting lots of attention.Once on board we made our way up to level 10 where there was room for our large group to spread out,even lounges for those of our group in need of some shut eye. We had a great crossing and I could only hope to be that luck on our return voyage.(having never been on a boat before I was not sure how I would go).This ten hour trip was a great chance to get to know the fellow travellers that we had not met prior to this trip.It was a brilliant feeling to find that all our company were going to be a joy to spend the fortnight with.
Once off the boat and heading out the gate we were met by Rod(mokemyday).This was a real treat with Rod prepared to show us to the caravan park at Port Sorrel where we stayed our first night in Tassie.
Julie had made a Nanette Cake as she had found out that was my name.mmm,VERY NICE.Even bought me the recipe-what a LADY!!(I'm still to try cooking it.) 10.30pm seen the campers crawl into our tents.TASSIE AWAITS US
 

Day2

February 4th 2007

The offer of breaky called us.Rod(mokemyday) and Faye had offered to have us at their place at shearwater for breaky.WOW AND DO THEY KNOW HOW TO PUT ON A GREAT BREAKY."THANKYOU BOTH,IT WAS FABULOUS".Everyone instantly fell in love with their bathtub seat.With several using it as a photo opportunity.Some couldn't even resist removing clothes and really getting a good back scrub .Yes the madness of our group showed through very early and never stopped.
While enjoying great company and excellant breaky our cars had drawn the attention of a local walker,who happened to be a journalist.She quickly went for her camera and took heaps of individual photos.We then moved the cars and the first photo you seen on forum was the result.
The first place of call on our agenda was the Axemans hall of fame at Latrobe.This was to be the first real test of moving as a convoy.Yep some of us got lost. MUST LEARN NOT TO THINK,HEY TERRY!!!All ended up ok,once at the Axemans Hall of Fame we split up in different directions to see and do what we chose.A few went to checkout the local market we had passed then back to Anvers Chocolate factory for some yummy treats.This was to be our meeting place.From here we moved together to the Don Railway Museum, where there was yet another market across the road that we all enjoyed.
A sweet little purple bear caught one of our travellers eye and after much dodging in order to keep it hidden (quite a scream to watch) it was put away for a later antic.
Some of us escaped into Devonport to grab some groceries.Even found our way back in time to sit and enjoy lunch under a shaddy tree.WHAT A LIFE!
From here we travelled to Burnie where we sampled cheese at the factory shop then up to the Whiskey Distillery.This place is brilliantly set up for tourist.Loved the stone wall just inside the door.For some the sample was enough to entice into purchasing a bottle for later.Back tracking slightly we went to checkout a papermaking business.The welcoming committee of papermache people were amazing.Very clever!!
Wynyard was our next stop.Into the parking lot at the tourist centre.Most popped into the Ford Museum to see the vintage cars held there.Absolutely beautifully done.Even for Ford;0).
Outside we had a nice surprise.A young chap and his Dad had arrived.They had spotted our convoy and grabbed their moke to come and check us out.These guys join us as we journeyed on toward Stanley for our second night stopover.This drive from Wynyard was great just beside the ocean with the railway beside us as well.With the gloreous weather we are enjoying the Nut stood out really well and we could see it for quite a distance as we approached.Beautiful spot to stay and the nut looked wonderful as evening settled in.After Dinner Hubby and I went for a walk around the town discovering some fabulous old buildings.There was a fair breeze through the night and seen Rick and I up about 3am putting the fly back on our tent. BUGGER!!Here after we pegged it down somewhat better.
Anyway this was the day as we saw it.A fantastic day in PARADISE!!
Catchya with day three,Netty

Day3

 February 5th 2007

5.30 rise and shine.Most of the campers enjoyed bacon and eggs at "The Pugsley Cabin".We were to be packed up and ready to leave caravan park at 8am.Off through Stanley and up to the car park below "The Nut".Here was another photo opportunity.Claire and Tony had left the park earlier in the morning to back track on yesterday and find Claire's missing hat.The morning was quite overcast and I thought we may end up wet before we finished our climb.However luck was again with us and we enjoyed perfect weather for the climb.The group of Mokes looked fabulous from up the nut as we looked down on them all parked together.The bay and old buildings behind them made for nice photos.The climb wasn't as hard as I had anticipated.Think it may have had something to do with the company we were part of
.Rick had to buy himself a "I climbed the nut "T-Shirt. Couldn't find an "I climbed the Knob "T-shirt for Kinga.LOL.However there was a Cap with two heads on it that caught Kinga's eye.This was to be presented to our fearless leader a few days down the track.Our exit from the car park was being captured by a bus load of tourist who's interest we'd caught.We all lined up and then took off full pellet-Moke style.Some of these little incidents were lots of fun in convoy with this amount of mokes.Those lucky enough to be travelling towards the back of the group really got to see the best expressions on those watching our group.Loved to have watched their faces.
We were soon back on the road towards Wynyard.On our way we ventured into Rocky Cape National Park and Lighthouse.This was to see us on one of the few dirt roads that attracked us.As we came into town we were again spotted by the local lime Moke Family.This time they caught up to us again at the tourist centre car park,but armed with a friend and a camera.(Hope you were able to get some good photo's Shane and Terrence??)Shane and Terrence had looked in on this Moke sight after I had told them about it yesterday.They were very impressed with the information available on here.(If you guys are still dropping in we'd all love to hear from you both).While in Wynyard we were to get ourselves some lunch to have down the track.So after filling our thirsty Mokes we all went for a quick stint to the shops.
Off down the "Murchison Hwy" to Hellyer Gorge State reserve.Here we stopped for lunch.The picnic area we chose to eat at was not grass but a fabulous moss.As it was reasonably dry it was a little sad looking,could imagine it would be just magnificent after rain.At this place we also encountered these huge bugs,I found them quite YUK.They looked and sounded like big march flys like we get up here in the tablelands. Some of them looked more like bees, they were very friendly.They were worse in the shad so I chose to have lunch in the sun. No one seemed to get bit by them thankfully.For me they spoilt a fabulous spot and I was very pleased to get back on the road.
We then visited Waratah, pulling up at the falls there and another moke group photo chance.At Tullah we stopped to look at a Train museum that was opened up for us.We also viewed Cradle mountain from a distance as we travelled today.The warm weather seemed to bring on the water fights that were part of our trip.
The last part of todays trip seen us into Zeehan.The roads today have been fantastic for moke travel and I enjoyed them immensely,very thankfull that Rick agreed to letting me drive on this trip as I have been having a ball behind the wheel.
The people at the caravan were trying to convince us all that the slight drizzle would turn to rain without any doudt.Some went for the safe(SOFT) option of cabins not wanting to contend with wet campimg gear.Rick and I, Andy and Pete decided to stay in our trusty tents and see how wet we'd get.(In this caravan park we again came across the wonderfull moss ground covering).Besides we had been told that the western side of Tassie was always wet and misserable.We expected to encounter a few wet days and nights. .
Once set up camp Terry went about finding some locals that could point our group to the spray tunnel he had learned about.This was a tunnel of 100metres through a mountain and was used by the silver mine to get a "spray Tram " to the mine.This was a very narrow tunnel with lots of pot holes in it and most of our group ventured out in the dark to discover and enjoy this amazing find.Terry had also organised a Museum in Zeehan to be opened up for our group to visit after playing at the spray tunnel. Another great day was had by all.See you all for day Four soon,Netty

Day4

February 6th 2007

Rick and I had a later start this morning ,not rising till close to 6.30am.We went to the Camp Kitchen for a cupper and breaky.Pete joined us when he heard the kettle was boiling.This camp kitchen was a large garage with kettle, toaster and a few other basic items.
Those of our group that were booked on the cruise from Strahan or the Steam train ride from Queenstown back to Strahan left camp early to make their rides.
Terry was happy to revisit the tunnel for another play this morning before we left Zeehan.This Rick, Claire Tony and I enjoyed immensly-not having taken the chance last night.After a walk around the sight of the mine we then left Zeehan heading for Strahan.
Along the way we stopped to checkout some people doing 4wd motorbike dunerides. After watching a chap teaching people how to handle the bikes in the sand we headed on. Down a dirt track,following Terry. At this stage I was starting to wonder how long my petrol would hold out, especially if we got ourselves LOST. At one point Terry in Desertstorm dissappeared down over a embankment only to uhf back for us not to follow him????Never did find out what was down that track???He must not have venture far as he very quickly came flying back up over the bank.Love to have had this on video- it looked pretty cool. Anyway not far from here we rejoined the bituman and down the road to Strahan. After a petrol stop we stopped to wander the main street and grab some lunch. Most of us had lunch on the side walk infront of Banjo's. While on our lunch break Rod venture to look up a friend. Rod was told about a beach(Ocean Beach)that we could take the mokes on and have a play in the sand :O: .Terry took no convincing at all.We were soon off to find the spot. It was a roughish dirt track about 10km to a lookout over the beach.Down Terry went!! A couple of donuts then he stopped to beckon us all to join the fun. We all did even knowing this was not going to be good for our darling cars. The temptation was to strong to resist.
Wow was this fun, I had a ball dodging the other mokes and giving Ditto a workout on the sand. I eventually handed Ditto over to Rick to have a turn and went to position myself for some good photo's of the antics. The mokes with the surf behind them looked magic.
BUT WOOPS!! WHAT HAPPENED?? DITTO IS BOGGED!! BUGGER!!
I took the chance to rub into Rick that I can't trust him to drive my Moke.I climbed in to see if I could get it out, Terry assured me not to bother-Yep he was right!!! So with the help of our moke buddies Ditto was pushed out of it's predicament. Needless to say I got very few photos apart from those I took from inside Ditto.I was too busy playing in the sand.
Andy and Terry had some drags up the beach only Andy hit the soft sand and also sank. Another push job and Terry was delighting in ribbing Andy then woops-Terry was bogged also! We figured this must be time to leave the fun behind. We also spotted a small white car coming along the beach. Rod had been told that we could follow the beach along and find a different road back to Strahan.The BOYS pulled the little car up and asked about the other acsess and how far it was back along the beach.They were smartly told it was about a "can" back and when they inquired if it was difficult he just motioned as if "I made it in this-what do you think".This chap continued down the beach then turned around and flew back past us. Andy tailed him so he could mark where he left the beach."I think it was just an excuse to see it he could keep up to him. " On the more serious side we were all a bit (including Andy) concerned about being stuck on the soft sand with the tide coming in. Tony and Claire were a bit concern about a problem they were having with their moke. At one stage they stopped and worried we would all leave them stuck there on their own. Rick and I decided to stay behind them the rest of the beach run. It was quite a laugh as they were towing a small trailer and because we were travelling closer to the water to get on the harder sand the beach seemed to have big dips in it. This was amazing buzzing along, and the trailer in front looked to be more times air born that not. So off the beach and back to Strahan.
With everyone now gathered together we headed to Queenstown to find our camp for the night.We pulled into the caravan park around 6pm and set up camp. Rod found the Caltex servo and mentioned our activities of the day and that we needed somewhere to wash our mokes. The wonderfull chap there left a garden hose out after he closed for us all to pop up and make use of. (What a fabulous deed, we were most thankfull and made sure we filled up there the next day before leaving town.)So in the cool evening around 9pm Andy, Rick and I went and took our turn at the hose taking a lot of care to get up under the guards and every nook and cranny that sand had settled.Wet and suitably tired we went back to camp to shower and crash.
My closing comment for the day-"I am loving this trip and the driving experience is brilliant". 

Day5

February 7th 2007

Leaving Queenstown was set for 9.30am at the train station car park.This was to allow everyone to look around Queenstown at what ever took their interest. Queenstown is very run down with many building in the main business district really in need of attention.House/property prices here were amazingly low.(Something like Tenterfield WAS some 20 years ago).You definetly feel like you have stepped back in time here.
We visited a shop with timber souvenirs available and I grab some doorstopper that I liked.
The park was fantastic.There are items/sculpures depicting the mining scene, this I really enjoyed as it is beautifully done.Lots of stone building again which always catches my heart.
Once all gathered, we headed up the hill to climb out of Queenstown.We stopped at a lookout to look back on the town.The view was magnificent,I felt like we could have been looking down on a different country (perhaps the Alps or something like that.)Certainly is different and I know many people say they don't like Queenstown, however I did enjoyed the visit.
From here we travelled on to stop at Nelson falls.Just a short walk along boardwalks in to a fantastic water fall.This was a beautiful area and more time could easily have been spent here on other walks.However today we are due to arrive in Hobart so travel on we must.(I'd just like to say Terry did an absolutely fabulous job on planning this trip, what we seen in the two weeks was great. If I say there was more to be seen IT IS CERTAINLY NOT MENT IN ANY WAY AS A COMPLAINT-just a comment.I think most trips you do opens doors to more you would like to see that you previosly didn't know about.)
Next stop was the Derwent River and a nice quite spot to enjoy lunch.Pete was having trouble with his moke. Terry and Pete spent lunch time working on this problem.All OK,back on the road and on to the Tarraleah Power station for a look about.Beautiful and warm and ofcourse more water fights.
Hamilton was our next destination with antique shops to check out. A little disappointed at what was there we hit the road again. Getting close to New Norfolk we came across a chap standing beside his parked car and giving us all the big thumbs up as we drove past.This was a moment that I think everyone got a huge smile out of. To see someone else getting a thrill out of our convoy was terrific.
So then the next thrill for Rick and I was driving through New Norfolk and hearing someone sing out, "that's Ditto". Here I was trying to convince Rick he must have heard wrong!!! Around the corner and we all pulled up.Then here are these people that Rick thought had called out Ditto's name.Yes they did reconise Ditto-what a laugh!!Tazztiger was there to meet us,thanks to Terry ringing ahead.Was just fabulous to meet Peter, Tanya and Lara(Guys I do hope I got your names correct ).What a buzz!! Meeting more forum members is such a wonderful thing, and makes our group very special to me the more I meet.Petrol stop for some of us while here.
On into Hobart and Rod lead us to the Wilson Brothers Mini Workshop.These boys were fabulous to us, allowing us all in to have a look around and a chat.Pete's moke was first in as he was concern about some problems.Tony and Claire also wanted the boys to look at their moke.It was decided that Rod would take those that were wanting to get to camp to Seven Mile Beach Caravan park to get set up.Terry stayed to bring the others on when they were finished.
Once at the park we were to find there had been a slight missunderstanding about our booking.We thought we were staying for 4 nights, but we were booked for only 3nights. Because of the wooden boat regatta and other events on in Hobart, we were not able to do the extra night at the same park.(I always believe that things happen for a reason and our fourth night ended up being at a interesting backpackers place at Eagle Hawk Neck.)
I don't want to waste too much time going on about the Seven Mile Beach Caravan Park.Only to say I don't think any of us would recomend this park.The men's shower facilities were very basic and much like football dressing sheds.Extra rooms in the cabins were locked so that those hiring them could not put their gear into them(this is the first time I have ever seen this).The Lady here was not approachable at all and did cause problems between our group that was uncalled for.Thankfully we had a great group and everything was soon sorted out.
Now to the GOOD bits!!
Another nice surprise for me was this moke pulled up at our camp and the fellow said "you must be Netty".Wow, this was Tim. Thanks Tim for coming and introducing yourself. It was a busy evening and I wish we'd have had more time to chat.
Faye Owers joined our group tonight with Lasagne and pasta to feed all.It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL and a BIG THANKYOU TO FAYE.We all appreciated it.Also LOVED the photo's Faye arrived with and handed out to us all.(Ours has been placed in a frame and sits proudly on the dinning room wall so I can see it everyday and smile.)Terry had prearranged for Julie and Vern to make and hand out Moke bow ties so we would all dressup to go to Dinner.No Bow Tie/No Dinner. Kinga presented Terry with his new hat she bought at Stanley.
This was another fabulous day that couldn't even be spoilt by a mean,cranky woman in the office. 

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