Port Arthur Prison

We stayed overnight in a cabin at Sunset Beach close to the famous prison location, so we were able to arrive and catch an early tour. The tour included a cruise about the harbour.

The Port Arthur historical prison site was established in the early 1830's. It was a natural prison because of the narrow isthmus, guarded by ferocious dogs. The prisoners were taught a trade and they made everything there to last. There was even successful shipbuilding done there for the Government of Tasmania, by the prisoners. There was forced attendance of church services. It was a harsh place, and when punishment was not effective physically, it was dealt out psychologically through isolation confinement, even to wearing a mask when being moved.

We were amazed by what remained. Such history. The church had burned down but the stone walls remain. The officers quarters was dismantled along with some other buildings, but there is much that is still there. The area is very large and the restoration work covering many different periods.

One part of history this tourist establishment has not yet wanted to record was the 1995 massacre, when a gunman (or gunmen) killed many visitors in and about the main building and car park. Maybe this will happen with the next generation. The pain still lingers. The pain from the 1830's onwards sill hovers there.

Hobart Harbour

So we fuelled up the car and drove down the central highway to Tasmania's capital city. We followed the signs and blended in with the afternoon city traffic, passing the Tasman Bridge, and finding the wharfs, almost by accident. We did have a general map of the whole Island, and there were some city details on the reverse side, so we did OK with what we had. We found we had missed the famous weekly market by a few hours, but were able to watch the city workers returning the streets back to there normal look. All's good. We strolled through the wharf area and got a feel of the place for next time.

We were impressed that a person could take a ride on an old sailing vessel for one and a half hours for $15. Not bad when compared to other expenses.

Tasmanian Coffee

We left the confines of Neverland and started to explore the sights. A first port of call was the obligatory coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate, you name your fix. This was shared at the nicest place, with the nicest garden, with nice people. Though we visited many other places this place left a lasting memory.

Barb's Fiftieth

Barb can cherish a special day. It began early with breakfast in bed. Next it was off to the beach to get sand. Then it involved finding Peter who had just arrived on the ship from Melbourne. Then there were more presents and cards followed by a DVD of Barb's life that Donna had edited to perfection.

Neverland had a bit of a 'makeover'. The push mower could be heard during the afternoon. The table was set to perfection.

We all had to dress up in a formal fashion. John kindly loaned out ties. We sat down to a very exotic meal which included freshly cooked prawns. The birthday cake was a recipe with almond flour and boiled oranges (get your head around that one). We had champagne and wine.

Later we had the official viewing of Barb's life on DVD, and Barb spoke to us from her heart about what each of us meant for her. It was a small fiftieth as fiftieths go with just six of us, and that is why we are posting it on our blog site so that it can be shared. After all, Neverland is a pretty out of the way place. You family members who could not be there, thank you for your calls. You have been in our thoughts.

Finding Neverland

This place in David street Devonport is a photographer's delight. This is our Neverland, a place with 'cottage garden' look magic spaces. From this spot in the evening we could watch the ship turn around in the harbour for its return voyage.

Mowing it was an adventure because the push mower caressed the grass and helped to decide the outcome. In and out of these outside spaces was where the fairy candles went. Their translucent glow helped bring the lights of the city to join us for the birthday.

Voyage to Neverland

The trip there was an adventure in itself, that is if you want to avoid flying and take the ship. Yes, flying is cheaper, but after all, this was a special week.

There are two identical ships that pass each other in the middle of the night. We left in the evening of one day and arrived in Tasmania the following morning. Sleep? Well, it depends on the weather. A five metre swell will make it more challenging to do that. The basic cost (business class) gives you a recliner seat in a large room facing aft through large windows. Quite nice, and the reclining action is good for a reasonable sleep. For those who are not good at sleeping that way, there are cabins at about twice the cost and upward of that for a high class cabin.

The ship tied up in Devonport, which suited us perfectly, because that was where Neverland was. That was where the birthday was going to be.

Birthday Girl

Barb's 50th is just around the corner and already celebrations have started happening. With still days to go an early party produced a surprised guest from Western Australia who was the famous Nonna, our dear friend of many decades. And what a surprise it was. It was so good that they had to do it again and again for the those who were too slow to get it the first time with their cameras. It was the perfect start to a very big week which even involves a trip on the ship to Tasmania.

Nonna gave Barb a necklace with a red coral setting and matching earrings. This happened at a Chapel Street cafe with Bec, Gord, and Jasper (Piper being baby-sat), Jesse, Bec, and Nonna, Peter and the birthday girl.