Strahan boating

Woke up this morning at Cradle Mountain after hearing a couple of drops of rain on the roof. Cloudy but warm, a good day for driving down to Strahan. Booked on the Gordon River cruise this afternoon so was hoping the weather would hold. On the walk down to the harbour we felt a little misty rain. By the time we got on the boat at 2.40pm and heard the safety talk, the sky had cleared and we had beautiful sunshine till we got back in just before 9pm.

Looking east towards the receding clouds as we leave Strahan Harbour.

To Hells Gate - the only entry/exit into Macquarie Harbour. Hundred and fifty metres wide, plenty of ships have come to grief in and around this section over the years. We went out into the Southern Ocean for a kilometre or so then back in and towards the Gordon River.

Lighthouse at Hells Gate

Feeding trout at the fish farms in the harbour.

The mouth of the Gordon River. The Holcombes enjoying the view from the top deck.

One of those self portraits I know you are all waiting for.

The other catarmaran on the river.

Reflections on the water. Near the rain forest walk. We learnt plenty about all the trees of the forest.....then promptly forgot almost all the information. We did find out that Huon Pine is the premium boat building timber, which is why this area was settled in the first place. No more Huon Pine is being cut; washed up waste timber is collected in the harbour and beach area and it is only used these days in craft/wood turning type pursuits.

Sarah Island. Once a cruel penal colony. Setting for some of the book, 'For the Term of His Natural Life.' Has a very interesting convict history. We had a sensational (insert sarcasm here) guided tour. We will know better next time and take the independent route!!!!

Sunset at Sarah Island. With another one below on the way back into Strahan.

Late night and surprisingly we will sleep well again tonight!! Till next time Vernon/Pam