…….Okay, since my last “Liffey Falls” update quite a lot has happened.  Hollywood and I ended up driving Tasmania’s east coast where we spent the night at a little beach resort called Scamander.  From there we drove south to Hobart where we spent a few days doing some tourist stuff and eventually made it to the southern most tip in Australia before driving all the way back north to Hollywood’s parents house.  So instead of me babbling on about the trip here are some pictures……

  The first stop along the way like I mentioned earlier was a little beach resort town on Tasmania’s east coast called Scamander.  Tasmania definitely has some awesome beaches……too bad it has been a bit too chilly to work on the old tan.

 Another good beach shot near Scamander……..I actually had to walk on the beach in my cycling cleats for this one.  Needless to say I was unable to clip out at my next piss stop and took a nice tumble…….lucky no one was around to see it though!

 The sunrise the following morning from the beach house in Scamander.  I love the morning…….sipping my Instant “Blend 43″ while the sun peaks its head above the horizon is pure magic!  Actually…..I believe I had to get up for a pisso and saw the sun was rising so snapped a picture from the balcony and crawled back to bed for a few more hours.  In all honesty I actually am quite miserable in the morning.

 Later that day Hollwood and I continued to drive south along Tasmania’s east coast where once again we stopped for a pisso which also serves as a good photo op.

 Eventually we made it to our next destination……Wine Glass Bay.  I believe it was a good 10 km round trip hike to the bay from the car park.  I tend to get a bit antsy while hiking because it is a bit too slow so I ended up running while Hollywood was worried about his legs getting sore so he walked.

 On the way to Wine Glass bay we came across a friendly Wallabie that was eager for a pet.

 The beach at Wine Glass Bay.

 Another “artistic” picture of the beach at Wine Glass Bay.  The coolest part about Wine Glass Bay were the two Dolphins that we saw swimming around in the water when we got there.  I had never seen “wild” Dolphins before however, they were a bit to quick for me to get a picture.

 After the Wine Glass Bay visit Karl and I hopped back into the car and drove even further south until we eventually made it to Hobart.  On the outskirts of Hobarts sits Mt. Wellington which is only about 1400 meters but when Hollywood and I drove up it…….I thought we were on Everest!

 There was a fair bit of snow on top of Mt. Wellington and it was extremely blowy!  However, there was an awesome view of the city of Hobart below.

 Hollywood having a peak at the overlook while trying not to get blown off the mountain.

 Just before we were about to drive down the mountain the weather got really bad and literally became a blizzard.

 Another picture of Hollywood and I on top of Mt. Wellington.

 After spending a few night is one of Hobart’s finest establishments (The Hobart Hostel) that Karl arranged for us we were off to Tassie’s far south.  Actually the Hostel was not bad at all……mainly because it was only $20 Australian a night which is like $16 US.  Anyway, on the way to Australias most southern peak we stopped at “The Tahuon Airwalk” which was complete garbage.

 We paid $17 dollars (which would have been another night in the Hostel may I add) to walk on a bridge above trees.  Hollywood looks like he really enjoyed it!

 I was very happy to have unloaded $17 dollars here as well.  At least it was the morning and we both used thier bathroom facilities…..so I guess we did not completely throw away our money.

 Once again we were back in the car and driving farther south until eventually we came to “The End of The Road.”  Seriously, the road ended and it was as far south as we could go.

 ……it was as far south as we could go by car but we could go even farther south by foot.  From “The End of the Road” Hollywood and I ended up running  about 8 or 9 Km farther south to “Cape South Bay” where we able to see the most Southern point in Australia……which is one of the three most Southern places in the world.

 I did not forget to mention that I even got Hollywood to run a majority of the 15-20 km roundtrip to the bay and back.  Take a hard look at this picture kids because I don’t think you will be seeing Hollywood run again anytime soon!  I will admit even my legs are a touch sore and I am not even soft!

  The “Great Southern Ocean” with the most southern tip of Australia in the background.

 Hollywood with the most southern tip of Australia in the background.

 The “Great Southern Ocean” with some massive waves.

 I was definitely impressed with Australia’s most southern point and it is hard to show by picture how massive the waves and rocks were.

From Australia’s most Southern Point Hollywood and I had to then turn around and drive back to Tasmania’s north central coast which took the better part of the evening.  Eventually, we made it back to Kevin and Leonie’s (Karl’s mom and dad) house where I am getting ready to fly to Melbourne and then onto New Zealand in the morning.

 Before I go I would like to say thank you very much to Kevin and Leonie for letting me stay at their place for the past two and a half weeks.  Not only that but they let Hollywood and I use their car to tour the state and did not even get mad when we ate all of their food.  Thank you very much guys……and also thanks to Brett, Bron, and Jack (pictured above with Kevin, Leonie, and Karl) for letting me stay with them for a few nights and also to Dane and Bec.

I have also forgot to mention that aside from having a brother (Brett) Karl also has a lovely sister (Shalanna) who unfortunately lives in Western Australia and thus has been sadly omitted from the family pictures.

Finally, without getting all teary eyed, I would like to say thank you to Karl who organized my entire stay over here and had to put up with me for one month more than had too!  He made my trip happen and his tour guide expertise allowed me to experience all the amazing attractions that Tasmania has to offer.  Thanks Hollywood I definitely appreciate…….okay, now I have to run and grab a tissue!

Thanks again everyone I have had an awesome time in Tasmania and now I am off to New Zealand.

Happy Halloween,g.

Made it back to Karls mom and dad’s place on the northern coast of Tasmania this evening after spending the past few days touring the east coast and down to the southern most tip of the island.  I am tired and am going to bed but hopefully tomorrow I should have some more pictures up. 

later,g.

For the better part of two days Hollywood and I have been down in Launceston, Tasmania staying with his good friends Dane and Bec. The first day that we were there I got a tour of Lausnceston which is a really nice town.

 A few minutes hike from the city of Launceston is the famous Cataract Gorge.  This is a picture looking down the Gorge at the bridge that goes into town.

 A bit futher up the Gorge we visited a place called  ” The Shitter.” Here is Hollywood taking a piss in one of Australia’s famous “piss troughs.”

 Nothing like making a wish while out on a hike.  It has been a few days since I made my wish and I am still looking for some abs……….rubbish I think!

 The flowers in the area are out in full bloom with summer being just around the corner.  Here is a peacock enjoying the flowers.

 After visiting Cataract Gorge Hollywood, Dane, and I took a trip through the Tamar Valley.  The Tamar Valley is known for its wine which we happened to sample along the way!  The Tamar Valley runs north from Launceston all the way to the Ocean…….or Bass Straight as locals call it.

 Dane one of our three house guests for the past two days.  Thanks Dane, Bec and Zabel for the place to stay!

 Karl and his “special” friend……I am not sure what happened from here since I went to bed but one can only wonder!  Seriously though this is Dane and Bec’s dog Zabel who was very well behaved…..except around Karl of course.

Next I am suppose to have a picture of Bec but unfortunately she did not allow me to photograph her so I respected her desire.  However, I do have to give her a bit of a hard time.

The following day after the tour of Launceston Karl and I went and checked out Liffey Falls which I am going to say is the best place I have been so far since being in Australia.  To get to the falls it is a good 30-40K drive into the mountains but well worth it.

 The trail from the car park that goes down to the falls.

 Liffey Falls are actually located in a rainforest which I thought was really neat since I had never been to a rainforest before.  There were massive ferns and moss everwhere which was rather amazing!

 Eventually, we made it down to the river.

 While climbing out on that tree to get a picture for the blog I actually fell into the frigid water and my leg was wet for the rest of the afternoon.  I did learn that green rocks tend to be a bit slippery!

 Liffey Falls.

 Sitting next to Liffey Falls.

 Sitting behind Liffey Falls. There was a bit of a ledge behind the falls that I was able to stand on and see the falls from behind……also very slippery though.  Things in rainforests tend to be slippery and slimey.

 A picture of Hollywood……while I am behind the falls and he is in front.

 Liffey Falls were definitely impressive……if you ever find yourself in Tasmania I suggest to go check them out!

Today, we are heading down the east coast of Tasmania to Hobart.  I think we will be in Hobart tomorrow?  I heard it is suppose to snow down south………that sounds lovely for the training……which I have still been doing by the way!

Have to run…….

later,g.

For the past day and a half Hollywood and I have been in Port Sorell, Tasmania visiting his younger brother Brett, sister-in-law Bron, and nephew Jack.

Port Sorell is a bit of a summer beach vacation place so with that in mind we headed down to the beach to check things out.

 The nice smooth sand beaches where people tend to frolic during warm summer months…..if you look really closely you can see the beach is packed with people!

 Hollywood looking a little soft at the end of the jetty.  Actually, the beach looked really nice but was completely empty due to the 40F temperatures and bone chilling wind.  I did not think it was that cold and I even sun bathed a bit but Karl complained about being cold the entire time!

 After checking out the beach we got a take a peek at the neighbors baby ducks which I will say were a bit cute.

 From there we headed inside where Hollywood continued his off-season training!  Keep in mind this is my training partner who has completely shut it down for the season.  Meanwhile I am still trying to train and get ready for Southland in a few weeks…….Hendy if I am not going well at Southland it is Menzies fault!

Aside from that Brett Hollywood and I went to a local “country” Aussie pub which was a great Australian experience that is for sure.  When you think of Aussie……the people in the pub were the most Aussie that they come!  Definitely some of the nicest people I have met but even though we spoke the same language (sort of) we really could not understand each other which was rather funny.

Later on in the evening I did play  “Kenny Rogers…….The Gambler” on the juke box and after that everyone in the pub thought I was a fine bloke (Thanks for the help on that Brett)  So if you are ever down under with some countryish folk just play ”The Gambler” and they will love you!

Today, Hollywood and I are heading to Launceston.   From there we will be making our way to the southern part of the island and stopping in Hobart before heading back up north so I can catch my flight to New Zealand early next week.

later,g.   

PS. Thank you Brett, Bron, and Jack for letting me stay at your place the last day and a half.

After getting our for a bit of an early ride yesterday morning Karl, Bron (Karl’s sister-in-law), Jack (Karl’s 3 year old nephew) and myself (Karl’s mentor) drove over to the Mole Creek Wildlife park to check out some of Austrlia’s native animals.  That is right a Wildlife Park and not a Zoo. I guess zoo’s are bad sort of like prisons where as Wildlife Parks I guess could be compared to a Spa for animals.  Here are some pictures from yesterday:

 The first stop at the park was to see the Kangaroo’s.  Here is a mother with its little Joey (Austalian for baby) in its pouch.

 The wildlife park was really cool because we were able to feed the Kangaroos which was fun.  Here is Bron and Jack feeding some ‘roos.

 Me feeding a Kangaroo.

 Uncle Karl looking after Jack.

 Hollywood sporting the backpack that he bought while we went shopping in Melbourne.  Apparently “Bob the Builder” backpacks are the new rage for late 20 to 30 year old men in Australia.

 Hey it is Karl…..oh wait it is a Tasmanian Devil…..but if you look clos enough you can see the resemblence!!  Okay that was a joke…..sort of……..Anyway, we learned that the Tasmanian Devil is not as devilish as its name makes it out to be and that males with bite marks on their buttocks are the most successfull breeders!  So guys I guess that means if you get bit on the ass by a girl it is a good thing!

 Sorry mom but I had to show this.  Mom hates snakes but what is a trip to a Wildlife park w/o seeing a deadly snake.  Shown here is the deadly Australian Tiger snake…..which we were not allowed to pet by the way.

 This little guy is called an echidna which is basically a ant eating procupine.  The funny looking silhouette to the echidna’s right is me taking a picture of the echidna.

 Koala’s are definitely not the most motivated of creatures.  They sort of look like me when I first get out of bed in the morning only they look like this all of the time.  I was tempted to go and buy this guy a little espresso to see if that would get him going.  These guys are soo lazy that they even have exta padding on their butts so they can sit down for longer periods of time.  Talk about a hard life eh?

 Me petting one of the Koalas.  They do have really soft fur.

 On the way out we even spotted a peacock.

 The best part of the day for sure was when I got a chance to ride a Tasmanian Devil.  I never realized how big these things got!

 After a long day at the Wildlife Park we made it back home for a bit of a family reunion.  Here is three generations of Menzies (From left to right: Kevin (Grandpa/Karl’s dad), Jack, Brett (Jack’s Dad/Karl’s brother), and last but not least Karl). It is sort of scary to think that there is an entire family of Karl’s but it does exist.  Luckily they are all nice guys!

 That brings me to today where I was suppose to do a four to five hour ride instead I am sitting on the couch drinking tea since it is rainy and 40F outside.

  While I am drinking my tea Hollywood has been showing me his collection of yellow jerseys.  I already knew he was fast but I am sligthly impressed by his collection especially when compared to mine.

later,g.