Day 16 - West of Smithton to Woolnorth

After a cold morning we thought we were to be blessed with a sunny day.  But that lasted half an hour or so and then we were back to the ever reliable overcast skies, with occasional showers and the ubiquitous  wind.  The car's thermometer showed 14 degrees for most of the day but did rise to 15 degrees for two minutes.

We were heading due west today to take in the NW corner of Tasmania. Alas, we never got there because the road, a few km east of the Woolnorth Farm, terminated at the entrance to property owned by the Van Diemen's Land Company.  That aside, for 73 km we passed through fertile coastal plains with the usual large dairy herds filling the scenery.  The country here was quite green.  Maybe it receives a bit more rain.

120315 The end of the road after Woolnorth.
Van Diemen's Land Company property

120315 Pretty antiquated unauthorised entry warning

We thought we might be able to get to the coast via the roads to the Studland Bay and Bluff Point Windfarms, but these roads were gated too.  How disappointed we were.  We learned later that tours are conducted into the north west area through the Van Diemen's Land property, but we had moved on by then.  We made do with a photo of a photo from the roadside tourist information site.

120315 Bluff Point Windfarm from their advertising poster.
Could not get to the coast here

On the way home we diverted into Stony Point near Montagu and that was where our disappointment ended.  We arrived at the Point's boat ramp just as a boat returning from oyster leases was about to enter the ramp.  After some discussion we were the proud owners of two dozen fresh oysters for $11.  Two dozen means 34 in fishermen's language, at no extra cost.

120315 The launching ramp at Stony point

120315 Stony Point north of Montagu  

120315 More of Stony Point - well named - large tide fall
Robbins Passage and Robbins Island in the background

So happily, we toddled off home to shuck the oysters for lunch, with lemon and fresh bread of course. They tasted wonderful although they were not the plumpest oysters we have experienced. Then again, beggars can't be choosers.  The fishermen did say they were being sent down Hobart way to be fattened up.  On the upside we did not have to provide cooling for them.

120315 Lunch from the oyster farmers at Stony point

Well, our mixed day ended with occasional sun, plenty of wind, a warm caravan and 10 oysters for entree this evening.

Tomorrow we leave Stanley for points further down the west coast.