DAY 21 - December 30, 2022 - From Stanley to Hobart

We woke up to a very windy and chilly morning. Tasmania weather can be so unpredictable! We’re getting used to it.

We checked out of our lodging and found a Café – the Touchwood Café – where we had a very copious and delicious breakfast, more of a brunch really. The Café also has a small gift shop and I bought a nice painting for our apartment: a Tasman Devil with a yellow umbrella (see the photo of the painting on the wall in our living room).

Originally, we had planned to do a short hike in Rocky Cape National Park, a wilderness park with interesting rocky shores, caves, etc., but the weather did not cooperate with us at all.

It started to rain as we entered the park. The wind was also very strong. But we didn’t give up. We decided to enjoy what we could as much as possible.

In spite of the rain, we were still able to take some pictures of the park.

Short Hike to an Aboriginal Shelter Cave

We decided to brave the weather – in-between rain showers – and we went on a very short walk to an aboriginal cave/shelter. Jim, Jess, and Alex went inside the cave to explore… supposedly, we’re not allowed to enter but as Alex said, “he’s a native too of Tasmania, after all!” I stayed on the platform to capture a few pictures of their short adventure inside the cave.

This park seems very interesting with lots of hikes where you can explore caves, pools, etc. and there’s even a ramp for boats. Another spot to come back to next time!

We stopped at the House of Anvers Chocolate Factory in Latrobe for drinks and desserts. Since we had a hefty breakfast at the Touchwood Café, we were not hungry for lunch and sitting in the car also didn’t really open up our appetite. However, we ordered two cakes to share: a chocolate mousse cake and a cake called blackwood. Very fresh and very “chocolaty.”

I also bought some chocolate gifts for my team at work and friends – and of course for ourselves as well.

As we were approaching Hobart, Jess ordered three pizzas which we picked up on our way home.

We arrived at Jess and Alex’s house around 6:30pm. As the pizzas were warming up in the oven, we unloaded the car and got settled in.

We spent a quiet evening watching a good movie called Tombstone (1993). Lots of great actors who were just starting their acting career.

A very nice way to end a great trip… unfortunately, I started to see the end of my vacation. Only a few days left before flying back to New York City!