THE DROP BEAR DIARIES - CHAPTER 1 "THE SPIRIT OF TASMANIA"

By way of introduction, we'd like to introduce you to the Australian Drop Bear, a mysterious, and quite possibly, mythical creature often mistaken for a Koala Bear.  This assumption would be a serious mistake with potential life threatening consequences:  the Drop Bear is actually a carnivorous marsupial with some extremely dangerous habits. 

Drop Bears never leave a trace of its victim.  Apparently the reason a Drop Bear’s prey is never found is because the carcass is carried up into a particular species of Eucalyptus that is very tall and hollow.  Imagine!

It was with this troubling knowledge that we set off with Roger and Julie on our Tasmanian adventure hoping not to make the acquaintance of this sky falling demon which, we were warned, preys on non-Australians.

Note the Australian male with upturned collar

We should say it’s a little known fact that while Drop Bears are attracted to non-Australians, when Australians (especially the male) leave their homeland for extended periods they pick up a scent which concentrates itself on the back of the neck. This is why you often see Australian men with their collars turned up.

And now to our journey across the Bass Strait!

There are two vehicle ferries that make the overnight trip between Melbourne in Victoria and Devonport in Tasmania - Spirit of Tasmania 1 and 2

Not quite first in line for boarding in Melbourne

In 2005 Spirit of Tasmania 1, our vessel, ran into heavy seas and experienced waves that reached a height of twenty metres, smashing cabin windows and flooding decks as high as Deck 9. 

Unaware of this incident, but conscious of the fact the Bass Strait can be quite rough, we drove on board.  Vehicle loading seemed complicated with cars pointing in all directions.  Ferry staff had quite the process and were very patient.  We noticed that throughout the vehicle decks steel cables anchored to the floor were deployed to secure cars and trucks in the event of rolling seas.

Sumptuous dinner in the Leatherwood Dining Room

Our cabins on Deck 7 were modern and surprisingly comfortable.  The Leatherwood Restaurant a nice surprise with very good food and excellent service.  A great start to our trip, and thankfully a smooth overnight crossing.

Next morning we pulled into Devonport.  It was dark and raining.  Disembarkation was just as complicated on the vehicle decks.  

Ferry staff rely on drivers to follow their instructions to the letter and some folks seemed to listen better than others.  

The lovely Karen

Passing through quarantine Roger consulted our lady “in charge of way” better known as Karen our GPS.

We came to love the dulcet tones of her soft Australian voice as she guided us through the highways and byways of Tasmania then onward to the Snowy Mountains and Canberra.

Are you sitting comfortably?  Then buckle up!