Betten On Bike: DAY 13 - 3/3/2015 STRAHAN

Day 13 – 3/3/15 – Strahan – Gordon River Cruise

Walter & I left Roseberry early to drive to Strahan. Walter had originally wanted to cycle the scenic downhill 71 kms from Roseberry to Strahan and that is why we had chosen the 9am Gordon River Cruise. BUT when we looked at the time it gets light here, it is after 6.30am and the ride would be close to 3 hours so time wise a bit too close because Walter would need, of course to shower and change.

So he was a bit disappointed but realistic about the time frame. We had a relaxing drive – it was rainy, very cloudy but as always I was optimistic that the weather would lift and it would be fine.

We enjoyed the drive and I particularly enjoyed the solid white low bands of cloud, which hovered over the forested landscape.

The weather lifted and we boarded ‘The Eagle’ launched in 2007 and constructed at a cost of 5.2 million dollars we travelled up the serene Macquarie Harbour. We were told that the vessel travels at a comfortable speed of 50 kilometres per hour. ‘The Eagle” we were told had towed a total of 145 water skiers in 2010 to achieve a world record which the captain proudly announced was a good news story.

We proceeded up Macquarie Harbour and into the shallow Kelly Channel and were told to look to our right to see Macquarie Heads, the longest beach in Tasmania at 140kms long.

Hells Gates was a narrow opening and we travelled through it to enter the open rugged waters of the Roaring Forties.

We were informed that a 3 kms long 7 metre high wall built by hand transforming Macquarie Harbour into a working harbour

On returning back towards the mouth of the Gordon River we visited the Atlantic Salmon & Ocean Trout Sea farms, which are successful environments for the fish due to the fresh water element namely the Gordon River, which feeds into the Macquarie Harbour. We viewed the large pens where the fish are matured in and witnessed the feeding of fish pellets by hose into the screened off pens. We were told 18,000 fish are housed per pen, which apparently is an acceptable amount per pen to make for a sustainable and happy living environment for the maturing fish.

Then it was on to visit Sarah Island infamous for being one of the cruelest convict settlements in the whole of Australia. Apparently re-offenders and serious offenders were sent here and we were told the flogging rate was 90% and the harsh climate and hard labour in cutting down the huon pine trees made the convicts’ lives hell on earth. We listened to the informative commentary given during the walking tour and saw the brick remains of some of the buildings. It is the tour guide pointed out, a part of history that as Australians we should be ashamed of and hopefully we have learnt lessons from. But this guide added maybe we haven’t when we look at some of the history now being made.

The Gordon River itself is grand – very grand and wide and flanked on both banks by lush tall vegetation and massive green-forested hills. We stopped and enjoyed the opportunity of a walk through the lush mossy forest and enjoyed seeing the new huon pine trees being to grow.

Lunch was a buffet of yes – local delicious smoked salmon – mountains of it and great tasty salads and French bread & cheeses.

We enjoyed this day so much – such a relaxing and informative trip. The Eagle is a wonderful comfortable boat with lots of viewing decks on a number of levels and the allocated seats we were assigned to in the lounge provided excellent viewing as well.

On returning we checked into our cabin and drove over to Steve & Gill’s RV site to say hi and pick up Walter’s bike, which they had kindly transported, to Strahan for us.

Steve & Gill cooked tonight in our cabin – a lovely chicken & vegetable risotto. Afterwards we had a lovely big walk to the Strahan township. It doesn’t get dark until just after 8pm so the evenings are nice and leisurely and long.