Monday 5 January 2015
05:30
– ALARM – out of bed, shower and AWAY
We
were picked up in the hotel lobby by “Chris” and driven to the docks for the
ferry across Bass Strait - “Spirit of Tasmania II”. The traffic in Melbourne, even very early as
we were, on a Monday morning is very heavy.
There was a lot of traffic queued up to load onto the ferry.
We
checked in, very much like at an airport, although it seems the majority of
passengers are taking a vehicle and there are only a few travelling as walk on
passengers. Child passengers are given
an activity bag including a pack of cards, Tasmania themed activity book and
pencils, a Spirit of Tasmania map and a fridge magnet photo frame with
detachable words to add to your photo; all in a zip up carry bag. We were on board just prior to 08:00. There was then a long wait while the vehicles
were all loaded and secured in the lower decks.
Departure
from the docks was about 09:10; Hayden was very excited by the idea. Being day passengers we had not booked a
cabin and did not get to see what these were like, but the main deck with the
restaurants, tourist information and mini cinema were beautifully appointed and
kept very clean. Hayden and Drew watched
“Planes – Fire and Rescue” in the on board cinema. Next time, I think I would like to have a cabin.
We
spent some time out on the decks in the wind.
The sea was extremely calm and flat however it was very windy,
particularly on the eastern “port” side of the boat. We passed the heads, out of Port Phillips
Bay, at around 11:35, and were into Bass Strait proper – still calm and flat. Beautiful weather to be out on the water.
During
the peak season summer months there are two sailings per day (one overnight and
one during daylight hours) in each direction.
We passed the “Spirit of Tasmania” travelling from Devonport to
Melbourne at about 14:00.
Interesting
stuff I learnt about the Spirit of Tasmania included:
1. Melbourne to Devonport crossing is 429km
1. Melbourne to Devonport crossing is 429km
2.
Spirit of Tasmania II is 194.33m long
About
two hours before we reached Devonport we could see the coastline of
Tasmania. When we entered Devonport, I
was surprised at how narrow the Mersey River was – it must have very steep
drop-offs from the bank.
After
disembarking, we collected our luggage and hire car – A silver Subaru XV10 –
very nice!! Tasmanian Registration
Plates D60WF. By this time we were all very tired and very hungry, we stopped
off for hot chips and made our way to the small town of Sheffield. We checked in to the Kentish Hills Retreat –
lovely staff, with very large clean rooms that were well presented.
BED!!
https://kentishhills.com.au/
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