November 12, 2002 (Styx, Giant Trees and Mt. Field National Park)

We had the opportunity to wander around Hobart this morning because Phil, our new tour guide, needed time to sort out the transport issues and Sarah had to file a report of her stolen properties at the Police Station. With a couple of hours to waste, Tracey decided that she would help me spend some money. Proxy purchase is what she called this shopping activity. I think I have found the perfect shopping friend. Hahahahah We headed off to a sporting goods store and got me properly equipt with walking boots and other accessories. True to form, not only did I walk away with boots but a pair of zippy pants and one of those backpack chains as well. And in hindsight, I should have bought that waterproof parka. But I am getting ahead of myself...

Right then...we had breakfast at Banjo's Bakery, I swear after 5 days of toast and OJ, a tall latte, and croissant with poached egg and ham was what my soul needed. Variety after all, provides the spice of life.

Phil could not find a garage that can fit a new window to our bus so he had to settle for heavy plastic secured with duct tape. And off we went to the Styx Valley to see some giant trees. They promised us the opportunity to see the tallest hardwood trees in the world. The California Redwood according to Phil are the world's tallest softwood trees. And indeed, we saw some giant trees. What tickled Stephen the most were the signs and info plaques posted around the Valley. There was a nice little area, cleared of debris and well-paved with a plaque that said, "The Big Tree" and then a few meters away, another plaque announces "The Bigger Tree". Hahhhaaha the Styx Valley is still not fully surveyed specially the south side of the Styx River so there may yet be a "more bigger" or "most biggest" tree out there. Hahahahah

Stephen, yes, a new face in the crowd. In Hobart, we also said goodbye to B and Natalie. And now there was five people left from the original group that left Launceston. We picked up four blokes in Hobart, and they were Stephen, a management consultant from NYC but a true blue Englishman; Aaron, a computer programmer from Massachusettes (thank God another American!); Thomas, recent high school graduate from Northern Canada (how far north? How about close to the North Pole!) and last, Bob, a retired Physics teacher from Canada as well. So now, the hormonal balance in the group has shifted. From the initial estrogen-strong group, we now have a testestorone-rich set. The dynamics of the group have really changed.

From the quite whispers of girls we were subjected to the boisterous humor of boys. Stephen with his quick wit and subtle sarcasm is the complete opposite of Thomas, a boy of 18 pushing 40 with petulance and cynicism. Bob, forever a teacher has discipline and Aaron, well, he stood back and held his own ground with charm.

Anyway, after seeing giant trees, we led to see a couple of falls. There was Horse Shoe Falls and Russell Falls. We finished today's hike at the Mt. Field's YHA.

I am Mary Grace, in need of Vodka hence drinking Lemon Ruski tonight!