Beer free zone!

So that was one significant thing about today – for the first time on my trip I didn't have a single drop of beer!

I peeked out the window when I got up and the sky was blue and the sun shining.

I headed/hobbled out – my shin was still quite sore. First stop was Hudsons for a flat white and then I decided to explore Cataract Gorge. It's only a short stroll from the centre of downtown Launceston, but It's pretty spectacular. There's a bit of bushland, cliffs and the South Esk River cut through in a steep sideed gorge. Also there is an open air swimming pool which looked very appealing – the temperature was climbing. I got the chairlift from one side of the gorge to the other, had a drink amongst the peacocks(!) and then walked back in to town.

It was now time to explore the Tamar Valley, or more specifically the wineries of the Tamar Valley!

First stop was Pipers Brook Vineyard, just under an hour away. I had lunch here before I did any tasting. I ordered the 'Tasmanian Tasting Plate' which was a selection of local food – cheeses, seafood and other deli type fare. It was pretty good and went well with the Estate pinot noir that I also ordered.

It was now time for some tasting! I tried most of the wines on offer and ended up buying the Estate pinot noir. Just as I was about to leave a group of vineyard workers came in (I think they were from S.A.) – a fairly motley crew. They proceeded to taste the wines. I can't really see a similar group of men in the U.K. Appreciating wine like this!

Next stop was Jansz, which is next door to Pipers Brook. They only make sparkling wine here. The 3 I tasted were fantastic and again I walked away with a bottle.

After a quick detour to George Town, I crossed the River Tamar (on the Batman Bridge) and went to Tamar Ridge Wineries. I think this was the best winery 'experience' of the day, mainly because the guy doing the pouring was so enthusiastic. I tasted a selection of the wines. The riesling was delicious, but again I bought the flagship pinot noir, and rather randomly a dessert riesling! The dessert wine was the last one I tasted, and like the 'pouring guy' it was 'liquid gold'!

My final stop on my winery tour was Goaty Hill. This was a bit disappointing. The wines were good and the lady pouring was fine, but it was just really quiet – I was the only person there tasting. I bought the riesling which I'll have to drink tomorrow night as there's no way I've got enough luggage allowance.

I went to The Metz Bar for dinner – a calamari salad and then the 'meat lovers' pizza (from the very visible wood fired pizza oven). Predictably it was all good (have I had a bad meal?).

An early night tonight as the plan is to get to the Aquatic Centre in the morning.