Good morning faithful followers, I just have to say that I a currently sitting in a wonderful bed and breakfast in a lovely little village called St Marys on the Eastern Coast. It is 6.40 and it is chicking it down and blowing a gale!!! Now this side of Tasmamia is known for its stunning beaches and views of mountains (Wineglass Bay here was voted top 10 in the world) but tbis morning I cant even see my car in the drive.......Hey ho maybe I will have to rethink my plan for Day 8!!
Still, onwards and upwards with day 7! My plan to day was to head for the East coast and in particular, Bay of Fires. Here there are crystal clear waters and rocks as red as fire, ideal photo opportunity! There are two routes to get there, both very scenic but one in particular winds its way through the mountains and the rain forests. It takes about 2-3 hoirs as it is a bit wiggly, but it is the recommended route for things to see. So be it. But first to my breakfast.
I headed to the breakfast room to be met by the 2 hosts, still very charming, and plumped for a mice little fry up to go with the help yourself toast, cereal, fruit, coffee etc (well you gotta make the most of it!) A few minutes later I was presented with 2 eggs on toast, tomato and my bacon had been fashioned into the shape of a rose! Bless!
After eating my fill and saying my goodbyes it was time to find the road to Bay of Fires. On the map it looked like were a few places to stop on route if I wanted to, and then I was struck by how English everything sounded! St Helens, St Marys, Derby, Falmouth, Exeter, Bridport and there is even a Cranbrook here too! Now bear in mind that I had just been told that this road had a few bends in it, and that I had just driven one of the most famouse bendy roads, The Great Ocean Road, but what greeted my was unbelieveable! Bendy??? Bendy??? Bloody hell it was like driving the Ute through a coiled slinky toy! It was truly amazing. The road snaked its way around and up every peak, making your ears pop, and then the same on the way back down the other side. Through lush vegitation on both sides, up and down, curving back on itself almost 360 degrees, at some points I was going at 10km per hour! This would go on for about 10k then you would have a little village or a flat bit down in a valley, then it was repeated again and again. As I got higher up the mountain an into a section of rainforest I rose into the cloud and mist (and a bit of rain!) and at one viewpoint the view of an apparent mountain range was totally obscured by cloud. It was awesome! The commentary for this whole ride was 'Oooooo, Ahhhh, Christ, Eeeek, Shit, Bloody helll, OMG, Shut Up, No Way, Aarrrrrgh, Ooops, Eeeeek, Shit, WOW, WOW and more WOW! There were no barriers just shear drops and narrower roads than the Great Ocean Road and it made me want to be a rally driver, with no other cars on the road so that I could take the bends and really drive this road! Me and the Ute had great fun, so glad its not automatic! The bikers were out in force to and I totally understand why now. And what do the call this amazing piece of road? The Great Scenic Tree Drive? The Amazing Rollercoaster to St Helens? The Big Dipper ? No, its simply known as the A3!!!! Thats it, the A3. And even though I had been told it was a bit bendy, no one had prepared me for that drive. It rivals the Great Ocean Road in terms of thrills and spills, and a completely different backdrop. Totally stunning!
So after all that excitement it was time for some calm beaches (well sort of calm, the wind was still blowing and the sky was looking a bit grim) The Bay of Fires was next, and it is a long stretch of coast with little bays peppered with these red rocks. Really was a great sight and even on a stormy day the sea was still aquamarine. After stopping to admire for a while I decided to head for St Marys and my bed for the night. Its a quaint little town with the first Ambulance station I have seen! It was only 3.30 and I wad getting a bit peckish so I headed for a place called Elephant Pancakes that was not far away and would give me the opportunity to do a drive by of Addlestone House! I neednt have worried it was a gorgeous as the pics I had seen. I drove through Elephant Pass to reach the pancake house, and altough very nice and scrummy, not as marvelous as the leaflet had made out! Mind you I did have a sweet one but the savoury ones sounded fab. As I was the only customer, I didnt linger and headed back to Addlestone.
And what a little gem! A gorgeous house, beautifully decorated and owned by Peter, a really lovely guy who made me feel welcome and at home. This place only has 2 guest rooms and I was the only guest. The room was beautifully decorated with floral prints and an amazing bed, really clean and welcoming, just as a Bed and Breakfast should be!
So after settling in and sharing stories of Peters ancestors (he had some great old pictures on the walls) his girlfriend arrived and I retired to the guest lounge. But Peter being so lovely asked me if I would like to join them for dinner and I said I would love to! We had a lovely meal and it was great to meet hos partner, Elaine. So after dinner I left them to it ans went to my room to blog on! The bed was so comfy I was almost immediately asleep! Night night all! x
wow looks a bit like here with the weather but the scenery is better. glad to see your spot has gone,the b&b sounds great. love the cow shaped poat box has given me some idea's, not to ma's likeing,the drive sounds exciting love to hav a go at it. maybe, maybe, ah!! ma say's not. anyway lunch calls, ma really, you know how she likes lunch on time, oh how I miss the pub,[not realy]. have fun love you, MA.POP'S & MOO,MOO. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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