Morning came the 9th Day

 ....with some uncertainty. Would the bus leave as promised although there was a road closure until 11.15a.m.? Would the connecting bus wait?

The jovial Paul arrived on time and we departed.......for only a few kms. The Targa cars had gone through but we had to wait for a police clearance, which wasn't too long.  The road was steep and winding- we passed several race cars on trailers, race over! Including a Hillman Imp. Pouring rain on and off. At that point I thought,"I really have no reason to come this road again! "  I was feeling quite queasy from the constant road bends, so focused on the misty horizon.


About 35kms along we were stopped again. This time it was more serious. Not far in front there had been a fatal accident.  Suggestions were we may be turned around. At which time Paul, our driver, said he would take us in tomorrow in his ute. Kind but not thrilling! We must have been at the site just before they closed it for forensics as after about 15 mins we were allowed to proceed. A sobering experience.

We arrived at Derwent Bridge not 5mins before the connecting bus. But poor Paul. The road back was closed for the next five hours.

We journeyed through Ouse where we had a stop..but we were the only patrons.


Then the little village of Hamilton which we had explored on a previous trip. Hamilton in Scotland was the home of one of my family branches. This is the local church.


Following the Derwent into Hobart we arrived around 3pm,which was the exact time theTourist Info Centre closed. Back at 10am tomorrow. We are staying neat the piers on Macquarie St so wandered down. Sunshine!
The waterfront is quite different to our last visit, but plenty to see.

The 01 Hotel outside which stands a sobering memorial to the women and children convicts who had arrived at this port. On the base was engraved names, birthdays,crimes of which they were convicted, etc. A real work of art.

We saw quite a line up of  Porsches from the Targa, About 30 were competing.

Although it was still early, crowds were gathering so we decided to sit and sip. We settled in at  Mures and indulged in Tasmanian scallops.
And so ended the 9th day ........early!


 












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