6th June

This morning started off looking very drizzly and overcast so when the sun broke through we decided to make the most of it and go for a walk up to see the Skansen firewatch tower which is surrounded by parkland and overlooking the city.  It was quite a steep walk even for us Tasmanians.  There was a series of either ramps or steps forming a pathway past homes on the way up to the top.  The homes were all so beautifully kept.  We were disappointed to find that the pond that was pictured next to the watchtower was no longer and bulldozers etc. were busy working turning it into a parking lot.  That Jodi Mitchell song came to mind – ‘pull down paradise put up a parking lot’.  We went a bit further on up the hill side but decided we were getting closer to where the funicular would take us later in the week so we decided to head back to town for some lunch.

An organic bread shop took our fancy – Solbrod.  We shared a salad roll and then shared another Norwegian treat – a Skillingbolle – a scroll with lots of cinnamon and sugar – delicious.

So back down to the wharf area to go on board the ‘White Lady’ for our fjord cruise.  We got a great spot on the top deck.  The first part of the trip was like going up the Derwent River past the houses of Sandy Bay etc. but that soon changed as the hills got higher the rooftops more pointed and snow peaks appeared in the back ground.  The colour of the trees is gorgeous – so many greens.  The houses looked so tiny against the huge cliff faces.  The photos flatten everything but in reality the rocky edges, waterfalls were huge.  It had been cool but comfortable travelling along but once the ship turned to head back to port nearly everyone headed down into the protection of the covered dining area – coffees and wines were in great demand.