I Heart Tasmania

Ok, so we have only been here for a day, and we have only really seen Hobart (the capital city), some cold-climate wine vineyards (mmmm....wine tastings!) and Richmond (a tiny colonial town 20km away), but I am in love.

Tasmania is an island south of the Aussie mainland that is about the size of West Virginia and has a total population of less than 500k. There is ALOT of rugged nature, alot of rugged coastline, and surprisingly (to me, anyways), alot of foodie foods and wines.

Hobart is in southern Tassie and its surrounding geography is resplendent with rolling hills and lakes boasting vineyards (eg: attached pic with Addi in it), open fields with grazing sheep and cattle, and small settlements; all set against a backdrop of lush green mountains and ocean. Hobart its self reminds me of Acadia in northern Maine in that the green mountains roll into the sea with rugged coast line. The city is small and walkable with historical neighborhoods reminiscent of Victorian era. Richmond, home of Australia's oldest bridge (photo attached) is the beginning of the convict trail. It is slow and quaint and lined with shops selling local crafts. Outdoor cafes everywhere.

All much slower than Melbourne....to use your words Greg, it's 'easy does it' and we love it.

Side sad note: We learned that the Tasmanian Devils are now endangered species thanks to a strange facial cancer killing them off.
Side cute story for the grandparents: we stumbled on a fairy alley in Hobart, lined with dangling jewels and feathers and butterflies and fairies and the like. Addi was entranced, ooh-ing and ahhh-ing in amazement of the magic. I was soaking her up when she closed her eyes and whispered to a dangling fairy (in the not very quiet whisper of a three year old) "I wish....I wish....I love EVERYBODY"

Tomorrow we head west 'into the wilds' of Strahan. can't wait. Please keep your comments coming- we really enjoy them!

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