Tuesday 20 February: STRAHAN to LAKE ST. CLAIR

An early start and on the road by 8.15. The Lyall Highway takes us through the mountains on hairpin bends through scenic passes and the unappealing mining town of Queenstown. We stop at Nelson Falls and have a let breakfast in the van before walking through ancient rainforest to impressive waterfalls, 20 minutes return. Then onwards towards the southern end of the Cradle Mountain / Lake St Clair National Park where we check in before boarding the 12.30 ferry to the top of Lake St Clair. A picturesque 30 minute trip in glorious sunshine and I am looking forward to a sunny walk back. We walk then last leg of the Overland Track beside the lake which seemed like a good idea at the time but infact is a 5 and a half hour slog through deep dark rainforest with barely a glimpse of the lake, or the sun! As Simon said, the novelty ran out out after half an hour, although we were certainly alone and in the wilderness. My legs are very tired by the end but a welcome viewing of an Echidna ( a type of porcupine ) and a beer raises spirits. Ellie cooks Ardene's Prawn Linguine pasta dish, delicious! What a lovely way to spend our last night together.