#Day 9

Friday 9th March.
Everyone was eager for today to begin, for tonight we would
be in Launceston. And we also had lots of stops to see along the way. We left
around 9.30am and our first stop was St Columbus Falls. We walked through some
beautiful rainforest before stopping in front of the magnificent falls. Needless
to say we took a lot of photos. On the way back from the falls we stop at
Pyengana Cheese Factory, for some tasty cheese tastings, and a picnic lunch and
fresh milkshakes. The girls enjoyed using the play equipment while we ate. After
we headed out and turned onto a gravel track after what felt like we were lost
we found what we were looking for. Mt Paris Dam, It used to be a dam, but they
no longer use it, and the community wanted to keep it, so they blasted holes in
the wall. We were able to walk through and around it, the walls were really
high! We then travelled through Scottsdale and onto Derby. Dad wanted to check
out Derby tunnel. So Dad + Alex, Des, Chris + Sophie and myself equipped with
torches and a pick, headed in search of this tunnel. After walking down a bush
track for a while we found the entrance. Hmm, seemed interesting enough, so
seeing no signs that said do not enter, we walked in and walked on, and on, and
on. It became darker and darker, lucky we had the torches! We walked on, it was
UNREAL! At one point we thought, lets turn of the torches see how dark it is. Couldn’t
see a thing! And then we looked up and what do we see, Glow-worms! Amazing, millions
and millions of them lit up the tunnel ceiling, none of us had ever witnessed
this before, what a great experience. We then kept on going, but the floor was
getting wetter, and harder to walk. We nearly got to the end, but came across
deeper water, and not knowing what was in we decided to head back. Upon coming
out of the tunnel, it was crazy feeling the temperature difference, the once cool
outside air now felt really warm compared to the tunnel air. In derby there is
the Tin Tunnel Centre where there was information on the tunnel and why it was
there, but we were unable to stop. We then left Derby and continued all the way
to Myrtle Park, to stop and say hi to De Ruiter family and other members of the
church who were all staying there. From there we drove into Launceston. This is
not a small town that I was expecting, the houses went on and on up the hills,
and then we drove into the town centre, talk about steep ‘hilly’ streets! Mum +
Dad had told us we were staying in Prospect, which is about 20 mins (I think)
from Launceston. We turned into Atkinson Road (where hidding’s used to live)
and dad pulled over. We pulled up next to him, and then parents told us that we
would not be staying in prospect but rather here in Grindelwald and the Swiss
Village (Tamar Valley Resort) The ‘kids’ were so excited all screaming that
they couldn’t believe it. This place holds special memories for them, since it
was around the corner from where they used to live, and as kids they used to
play at the resort grounds. We then drove up Atkinson rd, passed chirs’s old
home, and turned into the resort. WOW what a spectacular place to stay. We were
given a 2 bedroom apartment (and Des + Sue) while mum + dad are up the road in
a 2 bedroom ‘house’. With heated swimming pool, gym, putt putt, 18 hole golf
course, jumping pillow, aqua bubble, day spa we were all very excited to be
here.
That night Kate picked up Lee + Alex for dinner with friends. While Dad + Mum,
Des + Sue, Chris + Myself orderd room service from the restaurant. Was very
yummy.