Day 8 – Mt Field to Snug at Leisure

Last night Caroline and I headed on a little adventure while Danielle looked after the girls. We dressed appropriately for the occasion, wearing what would keep us warm that was still clean. Caroline looked more glamorous than ever, looking like a makeshift fisherman –  with her beanie, shorts, long socks pulled up to knee height and crocs. A kaleidoscope of colour. Nothing matching! Fortunately it was dark and not a soul in sight. I now wish I had taken a picture of her ensemble – a little different to the elegant and sophisticated Caroline we all love. We headed back to the Russell Falls by foot to see the infamous glow worms of the Glow Worm Grotto!

Walking in the dark, my head torch provided us with the only illumination, we traversed through a mob of wallabies before reaching a part of the path where torches had to be turned off as glow worms are reportedly sensitive to people shining bright lights on them. We waited for our eyes to acclimatise to the dark before setting off to spy glow worms. To ensure we didn’t fall off the edge of the walkway, the path had a railing to the left which we used to guide us along the walk. Within a matter of moments we saw glow worms – tiny specks of light in the distance randomly scattered in the bush. One thing I didn’t realise what that glow worms aren’t actually worms! This imposter is actually an insect only found in Tasmania that makes a spider like web of sticky threads to attract and catch nocturnal insects. It was magical seeing this spectacular light show with Caroline – it was unfortunate we couldn’t share this experience with our girls. It was magical and I am sure the girls would have associated it with fairies in a fairy garden.

On our walk back to the caravan, Caroline and I were greeted by an enormous possum and more wallabies – before I saw what I thought was a Tasmanian Tiger! I started thinking about the fame and fortune that would come. I could see the headlines; “Tasmania Tiger, NOT extinct!” Shining my head torch on the cubs, I was more concerned that Caroline captured footage of these animals on video than for rationalising that these animals may indeed NOT be Tasmanian Tigers. I didn’t consider the fact these cubs had white spots on their backs and looked a little like meerkats. In retrospect, Tigers don’t have spots, they have stripes. Rather than perform a Google search for Tasmanian Leopard, Caroline entered a few search phrases and identified the animals as Quokka’s. Not as exciting as discovering a species is no longer extinct, but cool to see animals I have never seen in the wild before!  I grabbed the hand of my glamorous girl and headed back to camp for a peaceful sleep.

The light was up, so too were the girls. It became apparent that after almost a week of camping, we definitely have our caravan groove on – operating like a an extremely well oiled machine. The girls went to the playground with Danielle whilst Caroline and I packed and we were moving by 830am. First stop, the Salmon Ponds before heading through Hobart to Snug – a caravan park next to the beach.

For those of you interested in history, or random trivia question, the Salmon Ponds are the oldest trout hatchery in the Southern Hemisphere, supplying over a million trout each year for the stocking of Tasmania’s lakes, rivers and dams. The ponds contained a few varieties of Trout and Salmon including Rainbow, Brook, Brown, Albino Rainbow and Tiger Trout as well as Atlantic Salmon. It had a museum of trout fishing and an angling hall of fame. It was quite a remarkable place. The girls particularly enjoyed feeding the fish pellets, trying to encourage the fish to leap out of the water, while Caroline had one thing on her mind – buying hot smoked Atlantic Salmon and Trout for tonight’s dinner.

We headed back to the car and made a detour to stock up on provisions at Kingston – and to see Auntie Emma. The girls were ecstatic to see Emma and have been asking questions over the last few days about Emma and Hamish. It will be fantastic spending the next few days with them – sampling some of the local produce… Including wine!

We continued southbound to Snug, a lovely caravan park on the waters edge. Looking across the water Caroline spotted Bruny Island – another one of our destinations in coming days..After unpacking the van, I headed into the quaint little township of Snug. A quick trip seeing as the area has four shops; two grocery shops, one cafe and a butcher. On my return, I told Caroline of my discoveries and she enquired whether they had oysters. Almost immediately after replying to her question, she demanded cash and headed off in the car to purchase some Bruny Island oysters. She had a smile on her face from ear to ear! Caroline returned with the oysters which were immediately consumed! It looks like this evening will be seafood themed. Caroline will be in heaven!

3 responses to “Day 8 – Mt Field to Snug at Leisure

  1. Nonna 2018-12-14 08:06:30
    Lachie – what were you thinking missing a photo opportunity of a picture which could be used and kept for posterity!
    Your night walk sounds amazing; maybe no Tasmanian Tigers but plenty more to experience. XX

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  2. Another fabulous day, would have loved a shot of Caroline, certainly does not sound like her.
    You were both very game but great explorers heading off into the night. I thought that glow worms lived in caves.
    Enjoy your day, busy one here with Gus and the boys.
    Love to u all
    Mum, Nanna, Rosie

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