TASMANIA FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Wow, what a change after the desert of Uluru and Alice Springs. I landed in Launceston in full daylight at 8:30 PM, temperatures just like an early June day in Seattle. (i.e. be sure to take your jacket when you go out!)
Like much of Australia, this town was well developed by 1840 and has somehow managed to keep many of the structures in good use. Like a time warp to see most of the town’s buildings pre-dating 1900, and many from before 1850. They have done so much better at preserving their historical structures than we have done.
Tasmania is small. Launceston is north central, but the east coast was an easy day trip followed the next day by my trip to Stanley on the far north western coast.
Although it is just another Australia state, its island status makes it seem a bit like its own country. They are justifiably proud of all that they produce, from food of all types to cheese to wine and beer, always with clear notation that it is from Tasmania.
 |
| An official highway speed limit sign, dripping blood. I love their directness. For instance, where one would purchase cigarettes, we would have “Warning, the surgeon general blah blah blah.” They just have a large sign right over the display “SMOKING KILLS.” |
| The East coast of Tasmania. |
| A very typical view in this area. So pastoral. |
 |
| They have temperate rain forests as well. That giant fern/palm like thing is actually a heath of some sort. |
| I saw this approaching a small town. I thought it was graffiti on the rocks, but then came to find out it was a fish! Pretty good rendition, I thought. |
Beautiful pics, as always, Dan. Except for maybe that last one. But then, look what you had to work with!