Morning comes the 8th Day

 Disappointment.  Our Tasmanian tour was based around getting tickets on the West Coast Steam Railway 7 weeks in advance. Our anticipation was blown away when advised, No Go. The sole remaining engine had broken down! Instead of the planned trip up and down the rack railway, we would get a diesel trip only out 1/3 of the route. Too bad, so sad, but we tried to make the most of it. Because we had ridden the rack railways at Mt Snowden in Wales and on the Isle of Man, we looked forward to the Australian experience. Seems they desperately need apprentices to come and learn the unique trade of maintaining these specialised ABT locos. On with the journey by diesel.


We went to the last station before the mountain, Lynchfield- did some gold panning & walked around the river.



With the altered train trip, we had spare hours. And disappointment turned to opportunity. As part of a Roam Wild trip we had booked we got a tour of the local theatre which had been restored. In decline it had been converted for indoor cricket use! Its fortunes turned in 2003 when purchased by the current owners. It's used now for movies, live streams and live performances. 

Seating designed with tables so food can be served.




Superb art work throughout. One Ladies' toilet door!

My favourite. They have retained the projection room etc . 
Our afternoon excursion, after walking more of the town, was to Lake Margaret Power Station; remote to say the least. And it was raining....hard! A history tour with an expert guide 4 hrs.

The pipes are all constructed of wood- amazing.

Inside the power station. I found the social history more my interest.





Some of the original houses in the inaccessible village

Spectacular plants/ mosses

And waterfalls. Wet but wonderful. We saw such beautiful natural environment my 100's of pics can't convey.
We came back soaked but took refuge in the historic Empire Hotel for dinner. Some staircase they have!.
And so ends the 8th day with a night view of the Empire Hotel





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