Huon Valley

We Took The Long Way Home Around the Peninsula

We picked up our rental car on day five in preparation for our move north.  We took advantage of the freedom to explore the Huon Valley, southwest along the peninsula out of Hobart.  For those of us from home, it reminded me of the Okanagan Valley in the 1960s and early 70s.  Fruit orchards lined the road with a few vineyards and wineries sprinkled in.  The history of the valley traces its roots back to the 1800s and is dotted with picturesque small towns and bays. 

Our first stop was the Homehills Winery just out of Ranelagh.  At this latitude white wines are their specialty.  The ladies did the tasting and the results were less than favourable but like most wineries, a beautiful setting to visit.

Homehills

The Boys Waited Patiently For The Girls

Back in the car, we headed to the village of Cygnet for lunch.  What is most interesting about these little towns is the lack of modern buildings and major chain stores.  You can stroll the main street’s few blocks and feel like you have gone back to a much simpler time.  I visited the local museum and learned that it was first explored by the French and had its most productive early years as a logging community. 

We returned to Hobart via a secondary road along the water.  In honour of those in the car we stopped for pictures at Randall Bay and gave a nod of recognition to the village of Gordon.  We didn’t know anyone by the name of Flower Pot so we breezed right through. 

You See A Lot Of These Signs

We also stopped at a sheep cheese and vodka farm operation.  Grandewe Cheese Shop makes use of every part of the sheep.  The milk is used for the cheese, the whey is used to ferment vodka and the meat is ground into sausage.  The paddock has a grand view of the sea and tables are available for picnics.  The only unsettling part was the Beware of Snakes sign.  The proprietor assured us that while plentiful, the Tiger snakes (one of the most deadly snakes in Australia) would be slightly less aggressive than usual due to the cooler weather.  Tiger Snakes are the #1 biter in South Australia at a rate of about 3000 a year.  Suffice to say we didn’t picnic. 

A Little Ewe Art

The Southern Ocean in Background

Deborah Didn't Even Like the Sign

We finished the day at home with a feast of a mixed grill of local meats.

Master Griller Randall

Beef, Lamb, Sausage, Veggies & Salad (& Wine)