After checking photographic gear, getting camping gear ready, and packed everything into the vehicle, it’s time to get away from Hobart and make the four hour drive north to Devonport to board the car ferry “Spirit of Tasmania”. The next port of call (I hope) is Melbourne City. I then drive west for a further 10 hours to Adelaide where I plan to spend the night before continuing the journey north to the Flinders Ranges.
I can’t say anything eventful happened during the trip to Devonport other than becoming frustrated at trying to learn how to operate my i-pod to play some music. It soon became apparent that driving a vehicle at 75 MPH (120 KPH) whilst fooling with dials and switches was not exactly the most sensible thing to do.
The ferry trip was quite smooth compared to several crossings I have done in the past. Usually Bass Straight is very lumpy with 30-40 foot waves (10-12 meters). I was lucky on this trip as the crossing was smooth. I opted for a cabin so that I can turn off the lights and sleep. I used to grab one of the airline seats and try to sleep sitting up , however, attempting to sleep with 100 other people sitting up like a statues in a small room is not conducive to a good night’s sleep - especially when there is a long drive the following day.