Today was superb in terms of weather, scenery and vibe. Just north of Swansea, heading for Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park.

Brekky view in Coles Bay, overlooking the Hazards in Freycinet NP.

The Hazards (named for sailors’ comfort, no doubt).

View towards mainland from Cape Tourville Lighthouse.

Friendly Beaches in Freycinet NP. Yes, that’s their real name.

Not sure why, but I had to stop and capture this. Hard to know if it was a good deal.

Lunch view in Bicheno. The seafood here is just fantastic.

Wish I had my GS here. The roads are perfect for twisting the throttle and ripping it up.

Even the animals have a majestic natural glow to them. This was on the ride from St. Helens to Launceston. I was gonna meander on the north coast, but I’m so glad I drove this way. The scenery was off the charts, with winding roads, mountain passes, tiny villages and crazy beautiful views everywhere.

His friends moseyed over for a peek. All young bulls. Then they stared me down…

Ben Lomand National Park’s skyline, north of Derby.

Female youngsters up the road.

The earth is just electric here, buzzing with energy and color.

Salmon fishing is religion here. This wonder was painted on a cliff and measured about a hundred feet across. Cool.

Chasing the sun en route to Launceston, late afternoon.

Launceston, Tasmania’s second largest settlement (74,000) after Hobart (200,000), appears out of the forest primeval in the north country. A bit surprising to see a pretty big town up here, but I had fun last night hanging with some locals. Exchanged numbers and texts with Adrian, a musician and petroleum engineer, before calling it a night (they were heading off to another pub and we were tired), and when we woke up and I turned my phone on this morning, I received his text, sent sometime late last night, saying, and I quote: “Hey, Richie, sorry to bother you but things turned south after we parted. I’ve been locked up for best part of the night. Could use your services?” Wow. Good call parting ways. .. Adrian has’t responded to my text today, so I guess he’s OK, or a prison guard has a new phone…  Off to Cradle Mountain National Park and other exotic treasures.