Boating Around

 The cliffs that surround Port Arthur are on visible by boat, so we took what appears to be a very popular tour this morning around the point.  The geology around these rock formations is fascinating and varies as you head down the coast.  You can see where the rock was forced into the air, mostly at an angle, which gives the impression that the water is not level.  Caves also pocket the walls.  Monoliths jut into the sky which are a popular climbing destinations although not easy to get to.  

We ran across a pod of seals laying on their backs warming under the sun.  Our guide told us they have fat that warms in the sun which explains their position in the water.  We also saw other seals while out sunning on the cliffs not really minding our intrusion.   

Because it was a calm and sunny day we were able to go out and around the island that housed the lighthouse for the cliffs.  This sounded like a horrible assignment for the four or five families that inhabited the island.  In order to get provisions, their boats would have to be hoisted up the cliff to a landing area where it could be unloaded and taken up to further to their houses by cable.  Keep in mind, the waters were often too rough to perform this maneuver and they would be stuck for a time without new provisions.  The wind could be so strong that the children would need to be tied together to keep them from being blown away.  There’s a volunteer group that helicopters over several times a year to maintain the houses.  

The waters were significantly rougher as we journeyed around the point, and this was a good day!  We had strategically sat near the back of the boat so we avoided much of the boat motion but those sitting in front sounded like they were on a fast, steep rollercoaster.  You could see the water being sucked out and then return to fill the void.  This was one of the best things we have done on the trip and would happily do it again if we ever return.

Before we ever left home David requested a visit to Hartshorn Distillery about twenty minutes outside of Hobart to purchase gin made of sheep’s whey.  Our son had brought some to us when he lived here and we couldn’t not find it in the US.  The tasting room is small but they offered both a cheese tasting and spirits tasting.  We tested some of the vodka as a warmup to our target of gin.  They also have a ‘whiskwhey’ and a dessert liquor.  In the end the gin won out and we bought what we thought we could carry home in our luggage.

Our accommodations for the next three nights is in the Salamanca area on the water.  With lots of bars, restaurants and shops we can easily entertain ourselves for a couple of days.

Tomorrow: Mona