they call it lonny

Talk about changeable. One minute its a crisp but clear sunny day, not a cloud in the sky - the next, cold grey icy blasts of wind and biting rain. Wait 15 minutes and the sky is clear again. The weather is definitely schizophrenic down here.

Took a very satisfying hike up the Launceston Gorge this morning for 200,000 kilometres (well I dont know maybe it was 10 or 1 it doesnt matter) it took several hours and ended up at a place with the unlikely name of trevellyn hoo hoo hut. It sounds very exotic but was in fact a mission brown brick public toilet block with a sign nearby proclaiming "Deadmans Knob".

Now you have had a chance to stop tittering, the walk was beautiful and I was lucky to do the entire Gorge in a spell of clear skies. It began to change just as I returned to the first weir where there was a conveniently placed cafe which looked like it was straight out of Wuthering Heights, a la English Rose-Gardenny complete with peacocks.(The wallabies jarred the image slightly.) So I had a good reason to stop for a coffee and pastie while waiting for the 'change'.

Launceston itself is very "Englishy" - lots of stone 2 story houses, rhododendrons, and the air redolent with the smell of woodfires. They are very proud of their history (already heard the phrase "3rd oldest city in Australia" 4 times in less than 24 hours.

I have been making a few last minute preparations for the Cradle mountain walk which I begin on tuesday - which happens to be my birthday. Very excited about it too!


Launceston Bridge


Launceston Gorge


Launceston Gorge


Launceston Gorge


Launceston Gorge


Launceston Gorge


Launceston graffiti


Launceston graffiti



More soon.

Terry