We set off in our hire car today to check out the surrounding areas and see some more sights. First thing that was confirmed is it’s very dry around here, the cattle look very thin. We drove east towards  Wynyard  and stopped at a few beaches on the way. Unfortunately they have over-developed several of the beaches with a few remaining shacks, as they call them here, surrounded by monstrosities.

Anyway they don’t like dogs (“No dogs” signs on all the beaches) so the buggers can live how they like. The second thing we noticed is every second place is for sale, looks like things are a bit tough down here.

Had a look at the lighthouse at Table Cape right in the middle of Tulip country. Every spring they have a big Tulip festival nearby. Today they were picking spuds and onions.

Wynyard has a Save a Buck shop, full of junk it appears people buy and a Mother Hubbard shop so Caro was in her element. The only person in the known world who look for things and checks prices against Vinnies, luckily they were open too. (Editor’s note: I actually prefer the proceeds of my vast purchases – 3 coffee cups – to go to Vinnies rather than a junk shop!)

Came back to Stanley to look at Highfield house originally set up by the Van Dieman Company. Back in the early 19^th century they were given 15,000 acres to set up wool growing properties. Unfortunately they didn’t last very long with sheep and the house and surrounds were leased out. Great spot and the buildings would have been awesome when they were built. They were also given a whole lot of convict labor to build the place. We then went on to Smithton to return the car. The owners’ wife drove us back to Stanley and was telling us about the tough times in the area but it’s good to know the local council is still run by Muppets, they want to spend 10 million on a swimming complex, the total population for the whole area is 3000 people of which about 20% would swim.

Had a treat tonight, we bought a crayfish for dinner, very special on the aft deck watching the sun go down.

Looks like we might be able to leave for Deal Is tomorrow just before nightfall so we are prepared for a bumpy ride back heading into NEly, but we live in hope.