Day 2 Our Road Trip in Tasmania Begins

On Wednesday, December 8, 2010, after a scrumptious buffet breakfast at the Intercontinental Hotel in Sidney, we were off to the airport for our 2 hour flight to Hobart, Tasmania.  We waited in the Qanta's VIP lounge with three of our guides, Rick Cosgrove from Event Architects in Chicago, and Matthew Cameron-Smith and Leslie Neil from Tourism Australia and ID Australia.  As we deplaned, there on the tarmac were two cars awaiting to surprise  us on our own private road trip of Tasmania.  We were also met by Ruth Dowty, the wonderful representative from Tourism Australia who had arranged this incredible tour for us, who had "fought" for us to come there on a road trip after seeing the original show! Wow!

We then split into two cars with our drivers Rosemary for Cathy, Mary and Peggy's car and Rob for Deb, Ev and me. We drove to a remote beach parking lot for our driving lesson as the Aussies drive on the other side of the street.  Here we met up with our Harpo producer, Veronica Votypka and our camera and audio crew. Andrew, Adam, Mike, Paul and Peter. As Cathy was having her driving lesson, she bumped into a log while trying to navigate a sharp turn and missing slightly. After we all checked out the damage and finished up our lessons we were off to Port Arthur along the magnificent, scenic roads of the Tasmania Paradise - only the beginning of our grand exploration of this land of natural beauty and diversity. We drove along the beautiful shores of the Tasman peninsula to Stewart's Bay Lodge Stewart's Bay Lodge, First night in Tasmania . From the web site you can see how truly picturesque this piece of heaven was. In this tranquil bush setting, at Taylor's Restaurant, we had a delicious dinner prepared for us by the countries best regional chef, Steve Cumper after a cocktail party by the fires where a rainbow appeared for us. We were entertained by Cary Lewincamp and his wonderfully reflective compostions.  I cannot put into words the flavors of Rock Oysters, Abalone, two kinds of lamb and the wines and much more! delicious beyond description. What a marvelous gourmet dinner.

Then it was back to our luxurious  2 bedroom deluxe spa cabins with a fully stocked kitchen, living room and balcony overlooking the bay.  What a magnificent day.