The beautiful world of Tasmania.

My arrival to this magical and mysterious world was on Sunday June 13th at Hobart-a city of all seasons. Shaped and defined by ocean, river and mountain and based at the slopes of Mt-Wellington and adjacent to a great harbour. And yes of course a world class cycling/pedestrian path along its bottom slopes. What a sight, what a thrill to visit and experience such an exotic place. The adrenalin explodes through my veins. It’s a natural high observing the weird vegetation, and scenery. Although I didn’t see any kangaroos, wombats, Koalas, emus or Tasmanian devils my imagination was playing tricks. Ñ

Monday June14th my hallucinations came true. Andrew Evans of Tigers eye Tours Tasmania set me straight on nature’s wilderness path. We started by visiting The Tasmanian zoo where I saw 3 Tasmanian devils fighting over Wallaby meat. What a spectacle, three raving animals fighting over raw meat with sinister growls wild hissing and tons of furtive moves to elude each others greed. The Kangaroos seemed to behave in mindless, aimlessly roving behaviour. Friendly though. They weren’t fighting over food at least. Furthermore, they were approachable and semi domestic. Likeable beasts, but intimidating fore me all the same. They were many caged birds. Native species mostly. Many, with impressive colours. We topped off the visit here with a cappuccino and a delicious meat pie.

We then drove to Australia’s Premier Convict site, Port Arthur penal camp. Port Arthur is one of Australia’s great tourism destinations. Created with convict labour, the impressive architecture, delightful gardens and chilling prison facilities have survived 125yrs of non-use. The guided walking tour provided a fascinating glimpse into the past. I particularly enjoyed the museum with the displayed collections and artefacts. Creepy place though, with long shadows and somber cells. Musty old wooden smells. Wouldn’t like to spend the night in one of those cells. Ghosts come to mind. And grotesque figures.

I spent Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the magnificent town of Hobart. So far it is my favourite city. It has world class charm with small country town friendliness. The cafés and restos along the ocean side boardwalk was my highlight. So was the roller skiing. And Joanne Banks too ! Hi Joanne.

Next visit was Launceston where I enjoyed staying at the James Cook Hotel and the Prince Albert. Both prestigious hotels I was able to sleep in a very quiet, clean and comfortable setting. It was a nice change. The Launcestonians reminded me of the Hobartonians and I was surprised to see a difference with the Davenport people. They were less receptive to my health awareness message. The Davenport folk were generally less diplomatic to my message. I had to use extra tack and patience to explain my reason for visiting them. It was a little bit frustrating. So from this I will change subjects to mention all the tours available in the area. Chocolate cheese & honey tours. Cheese & nut tours. Crackpot and Cradle tours(In the mntn’s). Wine tasting tours. Devils Gullet and Cave tour. Delightful Devonport tour(where I met the same English guy twice). Emu valley Rhododendron gardens tours. Upper Natone Reserve tours. Fernglade Platypus trail tours & last but not the least the beauty point magic tour where people get to visit a gold mine, sea horse farm, a sea taxi and fantastic small coastal town scenery. But please believe me when I say that nothing in the whole wide world beats a roller ski tour…the feeling…the rush…the endorphins…the focus…the ecstasy…the attention and the total experience is unheralded by anything else imaginable. Roller skiing like cross country skiing is the ultimate mode of travel and touring or visiting! Please believe me I wouldn’t keep going so far and so long if this feeling wasn’t true. Signed, Phil Shaw. And then there was Burnie. Situated in Tasmania’s Northwest Burnie was my last port to call on with the Health awareness message tour. Today June 20th was a sad day for all Tasmanians’ because the recent premier Jim Bacon died of lung cancer due to cigarette smoking. Like many Tasmanians Jim was oblivious to tobaccos ill effects. My sympathy goes out to his wife Honey, his family, the Tasmanian government and its people. As for Burnie I enjoyed the nearby platypus, seal, penguin, eagle and wallaby colonies. Although I didn’t see any of these magnificent beasts I was thrilled knowing they lived nearby. How come such primitive “beasts” as we call them have the wisdom to avoid smoking and other human vices? Maybe we should call them entities or animal beings or something more respectful. Burnie is a hub for road, rail air and sea transport systems linking the North West Coast of Tasmania to the rest of the world. It was thus fitting that I left this very beautiful, friendly and remote island from the nearby airport. My heart went out to all Tasmanians as the plane hurtled towards mainland Australia. I love you Tasmania and I can’t wait to visit you again. www.discovertasmania.com.au