As we set off for Hadspen, near Launceston, we again encountered the trials of travelling in a convoy in busy towns and cities, but eventually we all arrived at Sheffield for lunch. It was a return visit for some of us but the mural art around the streets and parks makes it an enjoyable stop.
These two murals with a sense of fun caught my attention.
As we passed through Railton we had to stop to photograph some of their topiary.
Back at 'base camp' we always gather at about 5 pm for drinks, instructions for the next day and general chatter about the day past.
Another day and another adventure, in fact this one was another highlight of our trip. The brief simply said 'Travel to Ben Lomond National Park', and that is what most of the group did. Ben Lomond, and especially Jacob's Ladder, had a double dose of WOW Factor.
Jacob's Ladder is the name given to the road up to the summit and is described as " a steeply winding and precipitous ascent on a steep and narrow zigzag road." It is dramatic and scarey.
Geologically the area is described as "steep dolerite screes and columns".
Note the vehicles going up the zigzag, keeping well apart.
The higher we got the thicker the cloud cover.
We only saw this sign on the way down!
A stop at the look-out proved fruitless.
With the fog coming in we opted to go back down Jacob's Ladder to find a picnic spot.
The next day was another free day and in the morning we went to Woolmers Estate at Longford. This is a UNESCO World Heritage listed convict site, recognized for its ability to convey the story of the Convict Assignment System which operated in Van Diemens Land until 1840. The neighbouring property Brickenden also shares this status. The properties were developed by Thomas Archer and his brother William.
We were free to roam the many outbuildings of the property which once resembled a small village. This including workers cottages that are now holiday rentals, one of the oldest and grandest wool shed in Australia, a cider mill, the coach house & stables, the store, the chapel and much more.
Woolmers House (below) was built c. 1820 with an addition in 1840. The original house faced the river at the rear, the later addition was to show the increased status of the family.
The walled garden includes a smoking room, a summer house and a fountain, as well as a sweeping drive way with significant plantings.
We did a tour of the house but no photos were allowed. The house remains as it was when the last of the family, Thomas VI died in 1994. This Thomas was single so the house remained as it had for generations before him.
The river at the back of the house, the gorgeous octagonal pump house and my favourite, the wooden windmill.
Home for a late lunch, with a song from a couple of kookaburras, then we went into Launceston.
We crossed Cataract Gorge on the chairlift and walked many of the paths around the river's edge and up the gorge. Wallabies were easily seen among the trees.
That evening at the nearby village of Prospect we found THE best fish and chip shop we have ever seen. Sorry I have no photos!
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