Friday 16 February: FREYCINET to CRADLE MOUNTAIN

No Kookaburras this morning! Breakfast outside with the sound of the sea before setting off. First to Bicheno on the east coast to stock up on supplies from the supermarket. We visit the blowhole to see the tide spurting through the rocks and to the Gulch where lots of penguins are seen in the evenings. We think we do see a penguin on a faraway rock but without binoculars this is only confirmed later on when viewing the camera on zoom. Good looking lobster rolls to take away from an authentic shack. Rather a long day driving across the country towards the mountains. The weather seems to get greyer and the temperature is falling. Lobster rolls enjoyed in a dusty truckers picnic area off the main highway. The roads are narrow and twisting and Simon does well to navigate the van around hairpin bends without Ellie and me feeling too queasy. The weather is cloudy with occasional sunshine and occasional showers although the mountains are enshrouded in mist. We arrive at Cradle Mountain just before 6pm and have a struggle to reverse into our tight pitch. Rather grey all round and the temperature is now only 8 degrees. We are all feeling very underdressed. Spirits are a little low I confess but improve somewhat after a beer and some crisps. Simon cooks Chicken Schnitzel washed down with Clare Valley Voignier and some Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and we even have the heating on. Two duvets tonight perhaps....