Wednesday 24th April 2019
Well today was a very slow start. We lay in bed late as it was quite cold and we were a little weary. We really took our time to get on our way. We still hadn’t really decided where to go as we left the National Park. We had a general idea but that changed as the day unfolded. We drove in the general direction of Devonport with the intention of getting further west at the top of Tasmania. As usual in Broadbent style, we took a few detours and only made half the distance.

We had a pleasant drive through the Mersey Valley, past farmyards and lovely countryside. We stopped at the Mt Roland lookout for old time sake, pondering at the lunacy of climbing that mountain in the 4.5 hours we had before catching the ferry last time. We then detoured via the Mole Creek Karst National Park as we could time a cave tour in the Marakoopa Caves. We tried last time to see the King Solomon Cave in the same area but timing was out. So this time we managed a tour ($19 each). The tour guide was very animated and interacted very well with the visitors.

As we walked through the caves we had the usual discussion are Stalactites from the ceiling or stalactites. We had decided that stalactites were from the ceiling and were given an easy way to remember. Stalactites hang tight on the ceiling. We also learnt how they were formed. The initial drop is a hollow straw which eventually blocks and then the drips form on the outside. When they drip from the stalactite to the ground they eventually form a stalagmite. When the stalactite and stalagmite meet this is called a column. Their are other types which form in the shape of a curtain. It was an enjoyable tour.

We then headed to Sheffield to see the new murals since we were last here in 2017. When we arrived it was Mural Festival Week which is when the artists are painting the murals for this year’s competition which meant it cost $5 to view but was really interesting watching the artists at work, chatting with them. They have one week to complete their mural which they have painted in smaller scale on display so you can see what the finished product will look like. It was interesting to watch how they painted in layers to reach the finished product. At the end of the viewing you could vote for the winner. It will be interesting to see who wins this year and to be a part of the voting. This year’s theme was based on the poem below. It is interesting to see each artists interpretation of this poem.

“Beauty Surrounds us” by Pauline Baker.
As we travel life’s busy roads
Across oceans vast and wide
We see a world of inspiration
As beauty surrounds us.

After seeing the works in progress hopefully we will have time to look back in and see the finished product and winner on the way home.

As it was quite late we decided to head back to Mersey Bluff Caravan Park at Devonport for the night. Not quite our intended destination but who needs to rush. Not us this time. So far.