Yesterday was spent kicking around Tassie’s northern stretches and making our way, after two road detours due to storm wash outs (my weather timing after this weeks’ rain and snow storms was perfect), to Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park.

Along the drive to the Park, outside Launceston. It turns from big town to countryside in the blink of an eye.

Indeed.

These murals astounded me. They were in the middle of nowhere, painted on the sides of a hydro electric plant building. How someone managed to get them there on ribbed walls fifteen feet high was beyond me. Natural art surrounded by nature – nice.

We had to turn around twice on really small back roads en route to the Park because of storm road damage and wash outs. Determined, we pushed on with good old-fashioned maps (no GPS or cell signals out there). The effort was so worth it – Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is really something to behold.

Approaching the Park. High alpine tundra.

Surprise – me in front of the lens, captured by my crafty assistant.

Our timing was fantastic – it was really socked in a half hour away, the peaks barely visible through thick clouds, and as we finished our hike, the weather quickly closed in again. When we arrived and during our stay, however, things were perfect. We’ve really been blessed weather-wise the past five weeks. Someone has been smiling down on us, for sure.

Snow made the hike a bit slippery, but the woods and views were beautiful. Finally, it felt like winter down under.

Alas, the hand of man appears starkly in Queenstown and its environs in the form of mineral mining. Mountains laid low in a place where nature rules supreme is a shock, but reality often intrudes unexpectedly.

Heading back to Hobart, late afternoon, through Tassie’s gorgeous lake country.

Another terrific day. Tasmania is incredibly special. I hope to come back on my next visit down under. There’s so much more to see, and the people are so warm and engaging here, that returning is a must.

Off to Perth and Fremantle tomorrow. Urban drama – should be fun.