STANLEY & THE NUT

Posted: December 15, 2015 by admin

Stanley is a historic town on a spit on the northwest coast of Tasmania. It is unique geologically due to an ancient volcanic plug that occupies the end of the 6 mile long spit. The “nut” as it is called. The town is built around the base and has the feeling of a quaint New England fishing village.

With the help of Lonely Planet I found a totally cool accommodation, the @VDL which was a converted wool storehouse built in 1843. Only 3 rooms, keys in an envelope taped to the main door. Inside, it was all modern furnishings, but looking at historical sketches, the exterior is essentially unchanged since it was built 172 years ago.

I did climb the nut, and then purchased the tee shirt commemorating that. Yes, only a 400’ elevation gain, but damn near straight up.

Now, it is on to one of my planned trip highlights, 3 days in Cradle mountain National Park.

OK, this was pathetic. Lonely Planet wrote this up as fun, so I stopped. Ranger Dan (I did work for the National park service!) failed. I could not find the center and took about 45 minutes wandering around. To the point that the staff was worried when I finally appeared. Taking pity on me, and adding further embarrassment, in 2 minutes they took me to the spot. I meekly departed tail well between my legs.

Well, what would you expect if your town was named Penguin? In further creative Australian naming, the penguin that inhabits the area is the smallest of all penguins, so they very creatively named it little penguin. It is nocturnal, so I never saw one. But I have this statue instead. All decked out for Xmas, too!

Totally cute, huh?

“The nut,” in Stanley. A very extinct volcanic plug.

Downtown Stanley

My boutique hotel, the @VDL.

My room.

View from the top of the nut down to my hotel and the harbor.

Cliffs of the nut.

I liked the contrast here.

These were the convict barracks at Highfield. Instead of slaves, in Australia the British used convicts for the labor needed. To this day, an active working ranch.