D’Entrecasteaux Monument Historic Site

We headed towards Hobart, less than an hour's drive away, with a sense of anticipation tingling in the air. The morning sun bathed the landscape in a warm glow as we navigated the winding roads, the bus purring contentedly beneath us. Our first stop was at camping store to update Anth's footwear. His old pair, having weathered many adventures, had begun to wear thin on the soles. Finding a new pair felt like preparing for the next chapter of our journey, each step forward imbued with a sense of readiness.

Navigating through the bustling heart of Hobart, our first goal was to visit the post office to submit our passport applications. Our much-anticipated trip to Japan in November to visit our son Torrin loomed on the horizon, and this was the first step towards that adventure. However, today wasn’t to be the day. The post office couldn’t print the application forms, a small hiccup in our plans. Nonetheless, we managed to get our passport photos taken, a small victory, and planned to finalise the application process by the end of the week.

Our next stop was another post office, closer to where Sal would be staying with her friends. Here, we picked up a few items ordered for Anth's recent birthday and the new diesel heater for the bus. Each package felt like a piece of a larger puzzle, slowly coming together to enhance our journey.

With errands done, we made the short drive to the Airbnb where Sal would spend the next four nights. The cozy house, with its inviting warmth, offered a temporary haven. Anth took the opportunity to luxuriate in a hot shower while quickly getting a load of washing in. The scent of clean laundry mingled with the fresh Hobart air, creating a sense of homeliness. After our temporary farewells, Anth headed an hour's drive south to Abbot's Point and the Gordon Foreshore. This stunning camp spot, right on the water’s edge, offered breathtaking views of Bruny Island. The rhythmic sound of the waves, just meters from the bus, provided a soothing, constant melody.

At the campsite, Anth set about reworking the garage to free up space for the diesel heater. Although this one was a portable unit, we planned to install a fixed one eventually to keep us warm during the colder months. The task of reorganising the garage felt almost therapeutic, a way to bring order and efficiency to our mobile home. In addition to the repacking, Anth managed to lay the foundation for the next step in our online business, a venture that would support our nomadic lifestyle.

The sunrises at the foreshore were nothing short of magnificent. Each morning, the sun would rise over Bruny Island, casting a golden glow across the ocean. The sight was breathtaking, a daily reminder of the beauty of our journey. The days, however, were often overcast, limiting the amount of solar power we could generate. This was a recurring theme for this time of year in Tasmania, but our energy reserves were deep. Our little SOTO gas burner, sent by our son from Japan, proved invaluable in keeping us warm and well-fed.

The last two days at the foreshore saw the wind pick up, a fierce reminder of the gusty summer days we had experienced on the northwest coast of Tasmania months ago. The bus rocked gently with each gust, a reminder of nature’s power and unpredictability.

Meanwhile, Sal’s catch-up with Liz and Jan, friends of 30 years, had been filled with joy and laughter. Their girls' trip was a whirlwind of playing cards and sharing wine, walking through Hobart’s picturesque harbour, and reminiscing about "the good ol' days." Sal had shared many life events with these two women—marriages, pregnancies, births, house moves, relationship breakdowns, and countless joyous moments. Their reunion was heartwarming, a deep connection rekindled with no agenda other than to enjoy each other’s company. After indulging in a bit too much cheese and dark chocolate, Sal was ready to return to the rhythm of bus life and get her body feeling ship-shape again.

Before we knew it, Friday arrived. With an early start, Anth set off towards Hobart to reunite with Sal. The drive was filled with anticipation, the sun casting a golden glow over the winding roads, each turn bringing him closer to our next chapter. As Anth pulled up to the Airbnb, the excitement of reunion mingled with the anticipation of continuing our shared journey. Sal's eyes lit up at the sight of the bus, and we embraced, ready to face the adventures that lay ahead.

The road ahead beckoned, filled with promise and adventure. Anth’s stories about the serenity of his campsite had Sal eager to head back and experience it herself. After quickly submitting the passport application that had eluded us earlier in the week, we restocked our food and water reserves. The familiar routine of preparing the bus for travel brought a comforting sense of purpose. With everything in place, we headed back south towards the Gordon camp once more.

When we arrived, the wild Tasmanian wind had left its mark. A huge gum tree had fallen not far from where Anth had camped earlier. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but we decided to choose another spot a bit farther from the trees for safety. The new location was just as picturesque, with the ocean stretching out before us and Bruny Island in the distance.

We settled in for another five nights, with Sal finding just as much joy in the peace of the spot as Anth had earlier. The tranquil setting, with the constant melody of the waves and the breathtaking sunrises, created a perfect place to unwind. Each morning, we would wake to the sight of the sun rising over the ocean, casting a golden hue across the water and filling our hearts with a sense of wonder.

During our stay, we were joined by Ruth and Darryl, who arrived in their Coaster bus from their home in the north of Tassie. The couple brought a sense of warmth and camaraderie that enriched our experience. A quick introduction led to an invitation to share their fire, and soon, evenings were filled with stories of travels and adventures. The fire crackled, casting a warm glow as we shared tales of the road, each story weaving a richer tapestry of our shared journey.

A couple of days later, the rain set in. For us, this was not a negative; instead, it transformed our view from clear vistas of Bruny Island into mist-shrouded peaks in the grey distance. The rain added a mystical quality to the landscape, turning it into a scene from a dream. The sound of raindrops tapping on the bus roof became a soothing lullaby, and we relished the change in weather, finding beauty in the mist and grey skies.

However, the weather prompted Ruth and Darryl to decide to return home. The rain had made travel more challenging, and they felt it was time to head back. Saying our farewells was bittersweet. We exchanged contact details and promised to stay in touch, feeling grateful for the connection we had made. Once again, we found ourselves alone in our serene campsite, enveloped by the natural beauty and tranquility of the Gordon Foreshore.

Our solitude was short-lived. It wasn’t long before two more vehicles pulled up, each carrying a very different individual. After introductions, we connected with Tevin, a 27-year-old traveling full-time, and Justin, a 52-year-old plumber. Their story was fascinating—they had met at a 10-day silent meditation retreat and had become friends despite not speaking for the entire duration. Deciding to travel together for a short time, they had found their way to the Gordon Foreshore. Once again, the road had provided new friendships and shared experiences, enriching our journey.

The days passed in a blend of serene moments and lively conversations. We shared meals, exchanged stories, and found common ground in our love for travel and adventure. Tevin's youthful exuberance and Justin's steady wisdom brought a balance to our camp, creating a dynamic and enriching atmosphere.

After a quick phone call, another opportunity for Anth to add to the Japan travel kitty arose, but it required a flight to Melbourne for a day. Plans were quickly made to catch up with the infamous Jack, and flights were booked. The prospect of seeing Jack added an element of excitement to the trip, promising more stories and memories to add to our collection.

We decided to revisit the Forcett Inn Hipcamp, where we had stayed the last time Anth flew out from Hobart. The site had left a lasting impression on us, and we looked forward to the familiarity and comfort it offered. As we packed up and prepared to leave the Gordon Foreshore, we reflected on the rich tapestry of experiences and connections we had woven during our stay.

Each encounter and every change in the weather had added depth to our journey, reminding us of the beauty and unpredictability of our nomadic life. The road ahead was filled with promise, and we felt a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. With hearts full of gratitude and anticipation, we set off once more, ready for the next chapter of our adventure. The journey continued, each day unfolding like a new page in the epic story of our travels, filled with unexpected encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and the enduring joy of exploration.Read more