Is this something I should be worrying about?It has been going on for days now.
No, weeks.
What to do about it?
Visit the doctor . . .
“Son, if you like bushwalking go to Tassy” heard on my way to the top of Bluff Knoll.
The statement became so loud late last week that Saturday night I called Spirit of Tasmania.“I want to go to Tasmania – when can I get on the ferry?”A friendly soul on the other end checked for me.
“I can get you on tonight or tomorrow night.”
Saturday was far too soon.I was still somewhere along the
“Sunday, Please.”
A few minutes later I had a booking.I dreamt of the Tasmanian devil I thwacked on the head at Lake St. Claire and thought about my hike over the Overland Track ten years ago.
Was it that long?It seems like just yesterday.
Sunday afternoon I was close enough I knew I could make the ferry.For some reason I had a notion thought, “Read your rental agreement.”When premonitions like this happen I’ve found it is often wise to listen.
Pulling out my agreement I started reading . . .
Things were looking good until the bottom of the second page.Rental good for continental Australia only.Special permission needed for island trips – Kangaroo Island and Tasmania.
Buggers.I rang Spirit of Tasmania again.“Is it possible to change my booking until Monday?”
“The next sailing you will fit on is next Friday!”
“Keep what I have but I’ve got to work on some things.”
I called Traveler’s Auto Barn.“We are closed at this time.Please call back during regular business hours.”I was deflated.
Then I had another premonition.“Check the Nomad phone.Haven’t you seen names for all the Auto Barn locations in the address book?”
I started down the list of names in my magic Nomad’s Ambassador mobile.
Surely something will work. . .
Maybe there is a number in here that is somebody’s direct line.Maybe somebody will be at some office burning the midnight, Sunday oil.
Sydney – the same message.
Melbourne – nothing
Brisbane – nobody
Perth – busy . . . busy somebody is there.
Time zones are wonderfully confusing but sometimes convenient.It was still a couple minutes before 3:00 in Perth.
Chris Auto Barn – I’ll try that.
“Hello”
“Is this Chris from Travelers Auto Barn?”
“Yes, Yes.”Sounding a little confused.
I explained who I was and my situation.
“You have done the right thing, calling to check in.We just want to know when our vehicles go there.”Did I hear him right, “I’m in Berlin, but I’ll send an email to my coworker for you.Thank you for checking.”
Ecstasy.I was going to Tassy – going to arrive on my birthday.
I called Spirit of Tasmania again.“I would like to confirm my booking.”
We talked for a few minutes – verifying my details.
Finally, “Are you at the terminal now?”
“No”
“How far away are you?”
“About 40 kilometres.”
“You aren’t going to make it.The last boarding on the ferry is in 15 minutes.”
Panic!
“What time does the ferry leave?I thought boarding was from 6:30 to 7:15, that gives me an hour?”In the background I could here people talking.
Laughing, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry; my coworkers here at the centre are all correcting me!You’re right you have lots of time.You’ll make it.”
Hearing somebody else struggling with time made me feel better.For the last week I have been utterly confused.A 45 minute jump ahead somewhere out on the Nullarbor.Another 45 minute jump as I entered South Australia.Was it 30 minutes when I crossed into Victoria?Then I was supposed to arrive in Tasmania at 7:30 am but my watch said it was 6:30 am – I put it to not changing my watch.It wasn’t. I’m now on Tasmanian daylight savings time.Tasmania switches to daylight savings time three weeks sooner then the rest of the country.
My head is reeling . . .
Which reminds me.Two months ago I arrived at Kununura.As I stepped out of my Auto Barn Ford Falcon somebody immediately asked, “What time is it?”I looked at my watch and answered, “1:30.”They looked startled and rushed off down the street!It took a while, but I finally realized I’d given them a time that was 1 ½ hours later than real time.She must have been really early for an appointment.I chuckled.
What time will it be when I get back to Melbourne in a few weeks?
PS.Are you wondering what the Spirit of Tasmania is like?If not don’t read this.
It is a massive red-hulled ship more again a Cruise Ship than a ferry – at least the ferry’s I know – emblazoned with white letters “Spirit of Tasmania.”
There are two boarding decks.Automobiles are ushered up a long gangplank to the parking garage.Over height vehicles enter the lower level.The Nomad van qualifies as over height.I entered the belly of the ship along with cargo containers, excavators, trucks, campers and caravans.Somewhere between the two entry doors there are apparently two more levels to stash even more automobiles.
From the garage it is four flights of stairs up to reception, the gift shop, restaurant, buffet, bars, theatre and lounges.Level 8 is the main sleeping area with bunkrooms, staterooms and seating area.Level 9 is an observation deck with floor to ceiling windows.Level 10 is another observation deck but has a bar and bandstand; neither of which were being used.Level 10 is also where the veteran cruisers quickly move to with blankets and pillows.Sleeping on the floor is prohibited, but here there are a few padded benches just wide enough for a slumber party.Yes, just in case, I had tucked my sleeping bag into my daypack.The temperature on Level 10 is cool – perfect for sleeping – while the temperature below was maintained too warm for my bedroom tastes.This is also the bridge level.
On each of the top levels there are also outdoor decks.Unfortunately frequented by smokers.Being that the sailing was at night; temperatures were cool and the view poor so I didn’t feel I was missing too much by not being outside.
Great Ocean Road
– another story – and not willing to leave so soon.
