Early morning getaway or at least it was supposed to be. A bus parked Michael in which delayed our start by about 15 minutes. Today was the day of a long drive, including the road of 99 bends through Queenstown. One of our passengers, not mentioning any names, did struggle with those bends (it wasn’t Michael, Karen, Mark, Donna, Al, Wayne or me).

We drove to ‘The Wall in the Wilderness’ at Derwent Bridge. Greg Duncan is an amazing relief sculptor using Huon Pine as his medium. Photos are not allowed so I can’t show the detail in each of his murals. Incredible – totally worth a visit.

We went to the Hungry Wombat for breakfast – they did a great bacon and egg roll.

We then drove to Lake St Clair and spotted two echidnas on the way.

The walk was beautiful. Robyn and Al had unfortunate footwear as they didn’t get the memo. Al did ask someone where the Overland Track started.

We continued our drive to Hobart and got stuck behind a log truck being towed. Got past it eventually. Stopped at a quirky PO and cafe at Hamilton for refreshments. Towed log truck went past as we dined.

Arrived in Hobart and checked in by 4:45.

Team messages: Meet at 5:30; don’t change; happy hour starts at 4:30.

I only heard happy hour and don’t change. As a result, Wayne and I were in the lobby by 5pm and Wayne still in shorts and me without a jacket.

We walked to the waterfront for dinner and ended up at the Customs House pub.

Karen was awarded play of the day: spotting everything from the echidnas to the Hamilton cafe.