Sunday 15th February Day 8 20150215

Day 8 – my last day in Tassie. I woke up during the night thinking it was dawn, but there was a security light on outside – and stray light was coming in through my window. Finally I did wake at 6:30, set the alarm for 4:30 tomorrow morning (don’t want to miss the boat) and got up for my shower. Very soft water, very warm. I got dressed and had orange juice for breakfast, Then I went down to find the garage open, so I wheeled SUZI out. The owner spoke to me as I went upstairs to get both bags (on and fastened), the tank bag and helmet and finally me in my jacket. SUZI started straight away, I logged the odometer and, after saying farewell to Wayne and Bronwyn, I was off. I had intended to have a hamburger for breakfast as the takeaway just down the road, but despite the notice in the front of the store, they weren’t on the menu yet. So I headed off after getting the Mercury, crossing two intersections and finally settling down on the road to Burnie. I felt sure I’d get something there. I arrived in Burnie and looked around. MacDonald’s (no thanks, not that desperate yet) was the only place I saw open, so I headed further down into Penguin. Two takeaways open within ten metres of each other, so I ordered a hamburger and went to look to see if I could find a souvenir penguin clock for Elizabeth. No luck. So I rang about accommodation – first cheap one had no vacancies. I had my (obligatory) photo taken with the giant penguin and then headed off. Every place I passed displayed a “No Vacancy” sign, so I tried my luck in Ulverstone. The first pub I saw advertised rooms starting from $69 so I thought I’d spoil myself for the last night. Success! And the room was available immediately, too. However another fellow, a Kiwi form Perth, had to wait until at least 2 to get his room. I found where it was and then unloaded my gear. I decided to ride along the coast for about an hour or so, seeing the sights and then turn around and come back. I started, then ran into a group of cyclists who recommended having a look at Wynyard, so my tour extended that far. The coastal scenery is very good, but I wonder why a coastal tourist train can’t run – the rail is right on the coast and offers more spectacular views than the road for less concentration. I stopped at a few points and took some photos, but not that many. When I got to Wynyard, I went to the Tourist Information Centre, bought a postcard for Abby (but she won’t get it until at least Wednesday) and then looked at a vintage car collection. Beautifully restored and very interesting, as there was a plate next to each one (but I didn’t photograph each of the plates). I left to find it had been raining, but it was stopped now. I saw quite a few other motorcyclists in Wynyard. I drove back on the main road – a lot faster, but no real scenery. Within a short time I was back at the hotel in Ulverstone. After taking the tank bag and helmet up, I walked a few streets. I had some chips and then a pie (lunch and tea combined). There were interesting fact plates on some of the buildings which I read while eating. I took a few photos while walking, then found trees and posts that had been yarn-bombed, so I photographed them. I returned to my room, realised it was later than I though at changed for bed. I had a cup of tea, some biscuits and watched a movie on TV. I snoozed, then realised it was after the time I had set to go to bed (I have to be up at 4:30 tomorrow) so I went to sleep.