We also went on a drive , to a place, in the country, where we walked. There was a spot on the place called ‘Ladies Tarn’. A misnomer if ever there was one.

Domhnall has also built his own climbing wall… Domhnall & Glynn spent happy hours route setting!

We also went to see In Bruges. It is definitely one of the better (Irish ish) movies I have ever seen. It is, I think, a black comedy .. really worth seeing anyway. It provokes thought. This next pic of the blackboard in the bathroom – it got quite a lot of use while we were visiting..

Next it was off to the Tasman Peninsula – just 2 hours ish away from Hobart. There’s a classic rock climb called the Totem Pole.. we only got to see it from a distance.. but this is what we would have been like ;)

http://www.rockclimbing.com/flash/FlowPlayer.swf

We did have our informal picture competition (Glynn’s idea I think)… It was a most satisfactory result ;)

On the way back we walked (scrambled really) up a hill (Mt. Amos).. It was pretty steep in places and would have been savage in the rain.. At times it was more like a really easy rock climbing route. The view from the top was stunning though – out over Wineglass Bay.

On the way back the others (yes, I am a wuss – and not a massive fan of cold water, except when I’m crazy, which happens rarely) went for a swim (at honeymoon bay! – not sure how much of a honeymoon it would have been with this lot about! ;)…

There was also an insane amount of Scrabble played on the trip – I’d say we averaged about 2 games a day! This next picture is of Glynn’s only?!? time starting the game… and what a lovely open start he gave. On another of the games I had to pass on my first turn as I think I had something like QXJRNVC. Lovely letters, one at a time..

Also had a little time around Hobart.. Glynn was in seventh heaven (anyone know why there are 7 of them?!) in the beer shop. The book I am holding up is a New Zealand one where distilling is legal. It’s not legal to distil in OZ.. it is however, legal to sell all of the equipment and literature to distil – as our lovely shop assistant explained :)

Had a great trip to Tasmania. Glynn flew via ChCh so we met in the airport. It was great getting to spend some one on one time with him since he has been spirited away to Wellington ;)

I think the best thing about college for me was definitely the friends I made.. most of what I learned (crammed ;) in lectures has gone – but the good friends remain (how cheesy is this post? ick – sorry will try to be good from now on).

So… met up with Domhnall (and the very lovely Gill) in Hobart – the capital of Tasmania.

It is a funny old place Hobart – not particularly unlike ChCh really – similar population size and access to the Great Outdoors.. Domhnall and Gill have, literally at the end of their driveway, a mountain bike track.. no wonder they’re fit!

An odd picture of a dog outside a coffee shop..

The first adventure was off to a place called Freycinet. It was about a 5 hour drive through some nice scenery to some sea cliffs where we climbed and hiked for a couple of days.. Domhnall has some nice pics on his new website www.dreapadoir.com.

It was so great to be out climbing on Real Rock again.. gyms are fine – but sea cliffs.. there’s a feeling.. Eating cheese and crackers on a simple rug over sandy ground after a long days climbing and a glass of wine or three… all good.

mind you, getting up the next morning can be fun.

Having a great time in Tasmania – though slightly looking forward to being back in New Zealand with my 3L of duty free allowance. Yes, 3L. And up to 5 bottels of port/sherry etc..

Have been climbing and hiking – so lots of pics of those to come. Anyway – yesterday had a very informal picture taking competition… my (new) compact up against the heavyweights of the digital SLR world. So… three pics below, feel free to vote (once only please) for your favourite.

Door Number One

Door Number Two

Door Number Three