Tasmania - Part 1 (expect a sequel)

'Tassie' (as us locals call it!) is a breathtakingly beautiful island and we're so pleased that we had the opportunity to spend some time there and see a little of the island - as usual just not enough time! It's a outdoor lover's paradise with lots of wildlife, wonderful national parks and superb beaches with crystal clear waters. Another added bonus is the climate, it's much cooler than the mainland making getting out and about much easier.

This is at the marina in Oyster Cove near where our friends Rick and Doreen live. We decided to do a spot of sea kayaking here which we really enjoyed.







This is Elvis singing 'Hawaii 5 o' at full speed - just about to 'ram' the innocent photographer!

This is the ex-photographer closing in to ram the new one!

Rick and Doreen very kindly lent us a vehicle so we could get out and about whilst we were staying with them. The next set of photos were taken on Bruny Island. We caught the ferry next to the marina from the port of Kettering and 30 minutes later we were on the island. Bruny Island is almost two islands joined by an isthmus (also known as a 'skinny bit'). As you can see there is some superb coastal scenery - check out those beaches and lots of picturesque walks.

This is the 'Skinny' bit of the island - you can see both sides of the beach. Notice - hardly anyone else there! You can still lie on the beach here, but you have to be a little more brave to swim - the water is much cooler.

This is the end of a walk that winds its way along the coast to this point here, which leads off to the open sea.

This is a little blue Wren - it made us think of our pal Jenny Wrenny!

For a small island there are some wonderful dense forest, this is a walk around the trees (the Mavista Nature Walk) in the middle of the island

This area was covered in sea birds - as we approached the sand bar they all took flight. It makes a nice change for us to pester the seagulls.