-- From Franklin to Sorell

On Monday April 12, after having published the website pages n Huonville I moved towards Bruni Island by the splendid coastal road N°639 from Cradoc to Cygnet along Huon River then to Kettering by driving along D'Entrecasteaux Channel passing by the Gordon Jetty. The sky was very black but the rain was not going on.

In Kettering I embarked on a ferry of 13.45 to arrive 10 minutes later in Bruni Island in the rain. The Island owes its name, of course, by the explorer Bruni D'Entrecasteaux. Many places bear French scientist's names who took part in the expedition in 1792/93. I bivouacked on The Neck, strip of land connecting the north of the island to the south.

The following day I went for a suggested walk to Fluted Cape 8.6km long GPS clockwise. The track skirts the ocean then is inserted in a splendid eucalypt forest to release bronchi before climbing the cliff which gives its name to the cape at an altitude of 272m.

Back I visited Bligh Museum which exphibits the discovery of Bruniy Island from Captain Cook to Nicolas Baudin in 1802 with era files. The Nicolas Baudin's letter to King of France exposes the French concept of exploration unlike to that of English! In the early afternoon I ran aground Captain Cook Memorial Caravan Park.

The following day I repeated by making a trekking in Labillardiere peninsula, the name of a French botanist. Announced for 15km the GPS gives them 17,8 km traversed in 3h40 in a splendid landscape along the coast sometimes in a forest of eucalypt, by uphill and by down dale, on the sand of beaches and finish in heather.

On Thursday April 15 I left Bruny Island with regret so much there were dramatic landscapes and pleasant walks. I took a last picture, Cape Bruny Lighthouse.

I crossed Hobart without stop to look in New Norfolk  for “The Oast House”, remarkable Georgian house. Back looking at a campervan at the edge of Derwent River I was going to hold it company for one night.

I left Hobart by the Tasman Bridge then by the Convict Trail passing by Richmond and its bridge the oldest in Tasmania, built in 1823 but not by convicts.

The it was Sorell a stopover to have a coffee before Tasman Peninsula by crossing the Eaglehawk Neck and the four geological sights, Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and Blowhole.

I arrived at Fortescue Bay in the early afternoon alas too late for walking a long trek. I strolled around the bay on the track of Bivouac Bay, traversed partly 6,2 km GPS in two hours. The barometer had climbed at 1025 millibars. The sun was resplendent, a marvellous autumnal day. At the campsite fishermen offered me a prepared fish ready to cook.

Port Arthur

Port Arthur was established in 1830 as a timber station then transformed into penitentiary. Although the transportation of convicts ceased in 1853 the prison was operational until 1877 at that time more than 12,500 men, women and children passed through what was regarded as the harshest institution in the British Empire. Port Arthur was described as "a machine for grinding rogues into honest men". The cogs of this institution were discipline and punishment, moral and religious instruction, classification and separation, training and education. I spent a great half-day to stroll in this sumptuous site, today, green lawns, murmuring rivers and glittering autumnal colours do one of them charming resort! I had bought a ticket including a guided tour and a boat cruise around the Isle of the Death, the cemetery, and of the Isle of Puers, Boys' Prison. I profited from a splendid weather. In the afternoon I headed to Lime Bay to bivouac, I were alone, a true happiness.

On Sunday April 18 I traversed the Walking Track: Cape Raoul  14,8 km long GPS in 3h50 more a lunch pause of a half an hour. The sun was part and a quasi summer temperature. It was a splendid day with odorous plants and exceptional seascapes. Tasmania has a rare nature. The only regret is not to see the native animal of this area, Tasmania Devil, emblematic animal. Back I headed to Sorell where I wanted to publish my site the next day.

Once again I threw last fires of my youth before my seventieth birthday.

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