EXCEED March/April 2019 Vol 36 No:2 | Page 42

TRIP REPORTS The manager of the museum very informative, the local tin mine closed in 2003 which devastated the town, the population dropping from 2000 to 500. After reopening the mine now operates on DIDO with the work force living in camp hence the town continues to struggle. From Zeehan I travelled to Trial Harbour, camped and enjoyed freshly cooked crayfish around an open fire. Next day I drove to Granville Harbour, drove most of the way to the Pieman Heads before returning to camp at Granville Harbour. Next day I headed east to Queenstown, this time having time to visit the museum and art galleries. I plan to re visit the are in 2021 to again coincide with the Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart and will post a club trip prior. As per original schedule, not that much had been followed sorry Paul, we ventured to Hells Gate camp ground at the entrance to Macquarie Harbour Strahan for our last night together. A bush camp area run by local council, basic toilets only infrastructure, but magic position. After setting up camp the three men walked along the estuary and enjoyed the sunset, a magic end to the trip. Day 8 – 26th The day we say good bye and go our separate ways, and after a final walk together on the beach, its time. Nick and Anna and James to head back to Devonport via Derwent Bridge, the Great Lake and Sheffield to catch the Tuesday night ferry. After meeting in Mole Creek the group travelled approx 800 kms. We were not affected in anyway by the fires, though locals stated they had had cancellations. The weather had been kind, with the exception of Cradle Mountain, and we had no vehicle problems. Thank you to Paul and Sue Harris for putting the trip together, sorry you were not there to enjoy it with us. As I still had 5 days I headed back to Zeehan, this time taking the time to visit the museum in the old School of Mines, certainly worth the effort, history of the whole west coast with lots of amazing photos. Graham Halliburton. #1740