Return to Penstock: A Serene Sojourn

With a wealth of time at our disposal before returning Anth to Launceston Airport, we embarked on a strategic sojourn to revisit the captivating Penstock Lagoon, a place we'd vowed to return to and explore more comprehensively. This time, we savored the journey, lingering at intriguing stops along the way.

The Steppes unveiled a heartfelt artistic tribute - a rock display lovingly crafted by a local, its weathered surface etched with symbols that spoke of the land's unique character. A little further on, we journeyed through time, exploring the weathered edifices of the Steppes homestead. The silence of these abandoned dwellings whispered tales of resilience and hardship, a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of bygone eras.

Arriving again at Penstock, we were determined to find the perfect sanctuary, and we meticulously explored every campsite, finally settling upon a secluded cove nestled beside the lagoon. Here, the days unfolded in a tapestry of serenity. Graceful black swans, their ebony forms gliding across the water's surface in an ethereal ballet, became our daily companions. Their long necks dipped and swayed as they meticulously foraged for sustenance, their presence a constant source of tranquility.

Just as we were settling into our idyllic refuge, a minor crisis arose. Anth discovered a malfunctioning grey water readout on our Victron display. A quick inspection beneath the Bus revealed the culprit - a missing sensor. A memory clicked into place. We'd bumped a rock on our departure a few days prior. Hopeful, Anth embarked on a determined 50-minute trek back to our previous campsite. He returned triumphantly, sensor in hand, a testament to his resourcefulness and unwavering optimism.

Days seamlessly intertwined as we tackled essential bus maintenance, ensuring the continued smooth operation of our mobile home. In between these tasks, we reveled in the tranquility of this hidden gem, our senses attuned to the subtle music of the wilderness. We observed the transient nature of our fellow campers, some stopping for a quick pitstop, others lingering for a day or two, before continuing their journeys on the ever-winding Tasmanian highway.

However, our idyllic spot turned out to be less than optimal for solar power. With limited battery reserves, dwindling sunlight filtering through the dense canopy of trees, and an ever-present cloud cover, we embraced a more rustic lifestyle, a welcome change of pace from our modern routines. We traded the convenience of our induction cooktop and air fryer for the charm of camp stove cooking, the rhythmic sizzle of food melding with the crackling symphony of the campfire. Cozy evenings were spent huddled around the flickering flames, sharing stories and laughter beneath a canopy of stars, the Milky Way splashed across the inky expanse of the night sky.

Fueled by this newfound reliance on the campfire, we embarked on a firewood expedition, one that serendipitously led us to an even more secluded campsite, bathed in sunshine - a haven perfectly suited for our solar needs. Our ever-adaptable bus, a testament to our preparedness, made a swift move, just in time for a severe weather warning that threatened the area with ferocious winds. Secure within the confines of our new sanctuary, surrounded by towering trees that offered a natural windbreak, we watched as the tempest raged outside, the temperature plummeting. Bundled in warm layers, we weathered the 'storm', a stark reminder of Tasmania's capricious nature, its beauty as undeniable as its power.

After eight idyllic nights and nine unforgettable days, it was time to bid farewell (for now) to Penstock Lagoon. Our water supplies dwindled, and our food stores waned, but our hearts brimmed with contentment. We departed with a silent promise to return soon, forever etched in our memories the serenity of this hidden paradise, the resilience of the natural world, and the spirit of adventure that propelled us forward.

On our way out, we paid homage to the Waddamana Power Station, a historical monument that stands as a testament to Tasmania's pioneering spirit. We marvelled at the colossal Pelton wheel turbines, silent sentinels of a bygone era, their once-gleaming surfaces now imbued with the patina of time. These titans of industry, once the lifeblood of Tasmanian energy production, now stood as a reminder of human ingenuity and the ever-evolving quest for progress. As we continued our journey, their imposing forms slowly faded into the distance, beckoning us towards the promise of our next adventure.

Other times we have visited here:

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