Hobart: Wednesday 27th March.

We awoke to a blue sky day and forecast warmer temperatures which was perfect for our planned day cycling.

There is a cycle shop not far from the apartments so we made our way over there and got 3 e-bikes plus a normal bike for Steve.

We were going to bike up through the botanical gardens over to MONA as had heard that the bridge is not nice to bike over, although the best cycling is on the other side.

In the end we decided to ride over the bridge (there’s a joint cycle and pedestrian path on both sides) as it was not windy at all. Steve has a fear of heights so he walked his bike across. To be honest the rest of us were pretty close to walking also. The path is very narrow and it gets even narrower at places where there are signs or bits of infrastructure jutting out. I’d be surprised if it’s even 800mm wide and the hand rails on each side reduce clearance from the handlebars. We were very relieved to get across the 1.3km span.

Once reunited we went left, found a cycle path and followed it around until it petered out. The views across the water were beautiful. Such a lovely morning.

We stopped in at a yacht club and had coffees. It was great to see the place really busy with a mahjong group in one area and another group meeting a bit further along plus other assorted cyclists.

We then headed back the other way, under the bridge and along. A lovely ride.

We went to the end of the cycle path, past the stadium and yet another beachfront high school, end then came back to a restaurant for lunch.

Why would you build a stadium here? Surely it’s prime beachfront?

I had the pan fried fish (I think I’ve had fish for just about every meal) and it was yum. Mike had a nice seafood chowder and I think the others also had some version of fried seafood.

These people have a sense of gardening humour

This place is just up the road. Opposite are 2 dead gum trees with big signs beside offering a $10,000 reward for information about who poisoned the homes of these cute owls (also pictured on the signs). Wonder which new home owner might have done that??

By the time we finished lunch the wind had picked up and it was noticeably colder. By the time we got back to the bridge it was positively windy. The ride across the bridge was not fun but we had at least got the hang of our bikes and had that increased level of confidence that comes after a bit of riding. Nevertheless we were glad to safely get to the other side. Steve did well to complete the crossing, even walking. He is significantly taller than us so his views over and down from the bridge are more enhanced, which is not a great benefit if you have a fear of heights!

Much prettier view out our apartment windows with the sun shining

We got back to the apartment at 4ish and met up for drinks, crackers and leftover cheese, tomatoes and salami for tea. A nice, relaxing way to finish the trip.

Hobart is very appealing. I can totally see why people would want to live there.