Day 1

Spent the morning exploring Port Arthur with an interesting and informative guide before heading off to explore ourselves.. The whole site has been transformed in recent years - many buildings have been restored and represent an accurate depiction of convict life. Others have been left in the condition left by fire and natural decay. The cottages are beautifully presented with appropriate gardens featuring plantings of the period. Hugh oaks and elms are everywhere and orchards and vegetable gardens reflect the people who lived there.

                   The main penitentiary. 

The church, unconcecrated because used by all denominations, is truly beautiful  although destroyed by bushfires in 1890. The stone and brickwork are works of art.

At 2.0 we boarded the boat for the trip to the commencement of the walk. The Boatie gave us a taste of the peninsula taking us for views of the dolomite cliffs, headlands and  Tasman Island.

After cleaning our boots in the bootwash station we began a steady climb towards the first hut - deceptively gentle at first (lulling us into false security) but soon climbing more steeply. 

We have pared our weight down to a minimum and have nothing that is not necessary but still felt quite heavy. Daresay we'll grow accustomed and it will lighten as we eat.

 The track is so well made and maintained. 

After 1.45 hours we spied Surveyors hut through the trees and gratefully shed packs and boots! 

The hut is great - well equipped and self-sufficient in truly pristine bushland. We had a great dinner of beefcheeks in shiraz with mashed potatoes and green beans, followed by  cheese from the Wicked Cheese. Yum! Tomorrow dehydrates! 

A big day tomorrow with climb but only 11K. (Only?). My knees are a bit stiff and I am tired but loving every moment. Alastair is soldiering on and doing well despite no preparation. It is so wonderful to be sharing this experience with him.

                 8.30 but I am off to bed!