And we are away !!

Left the east coast and boarded The Spirit of Tasmania for the overnight journey to the big island. It was pretty smooth sailing, though the food on board was rather average. If we had our time over we would have settled for a National Pie from the gift shop instead of paying $25 for a plate of blandness. Though worser things have happened.

Our biggest worry was Barney, and how he would cope with the trip. He is used to being in a crate since he was a puppy so that was on our side. Pets on board are put in a RSPCA approved cage for the night, next to the other dogs and we weren’t allowed to see him until we were birthing in St. Kilda the next morning. It turned out he was fine, thank goodness – with not even a single smelly surprise all night!

Tip for anyone planning on taking their fur children on the Spirit; Walk your pup twice that day, make sure he’s well fed up and all energy expended. Plus toilet them shortly before boarding. Additionally, you are actually allowed to keep your pet in your car – something we didn’t find out until it was too late. Hindsight is lovely isn’t it?

 

Once we were off the Spirit we pretty much B-lined it straight up into the Tarra Valley to where Fred’s folks and siblings were waiting for us. We stayed in The Tarra Valley Caravan Park (dog friendly of course), and it was magnificent ! Situated in a rainforest, with the Tarra River running close by there were loads of short walks, waterfalls and fresh water swimming pools to be exploited. Plus is was anything but crowded !!

The boys managed to catch some fresh water crayfish for a nibble – don’t get too excited, they were actually not that tastey. And seeing as it takes one crayfish 25 years to grow to 20cm length it would seem a catch and release method might have been a better option !!

Aside from exploring the Tarra Valley itself through short walks and bike rides, we also managed a few family trips out of the Valley to the coast. Seaspray beach was a bit over an hour drive and a much needed ocean drenching, sand and sun bingeing day was had. (A dog friendly beach of course).

Port Albert is an old sleepy fishing village we visited another day. The towns’ small maritime museum provided some great history of the old port, and the café over the road makes ridiculously delicious cake !!

Barney came along on all the adventures too. We haven’t had too much difficulty travelling with him yet – he gets a big early morning walk everyday, off lead wherever possible, and as long as he has shade and water plus an occasional juicy bone he is generally the happiest shepherd you would meet !

 

After 5 beautiful days in the Tarra Valley it was time to move on and say goodbye to Fred’s family. It was such a special few days with them all, and I’d like to thank Wendy (Fred’s mum) especially for planning and organizing us all. A time that will not be soon forgotten.

 

The Great Ocean Road here we come !!!

xo