Day 4 - MONA and the Mountain

Day 4 - Monday 28th March

We were at the dock just in time for the ferry to MONA. A cool looking vessel with a bar, an expensive bit and some sheep to sit on in the budget section. We were too late for a sheep seat, but settled in anyway.

It was only about 20 minutes to MONA. under the bridge, past the Regatta grounds and the old zinc works - still chugging away. It looks a lot bigger from the river than Steve remembered.

On the way to MONA

We climbed the 99 steps to the entrance without incident. 

Everyone who has been to MONA says it's awesome. That's because it is. The building has been carved out of a sandstone cliff and is a stunning piece of engineering and architecture. A Masterpiece on its own. It's intriguing inside. Armed with out iPhone guides and headphones, we started wandering. 

At the entrance

It was the last day of the Gilbert and George exhibition, so we started there, These guys have stood the test of time (google them!) and their huge pieces filled about 5 or 6 rooms. We saw most exhibitions (although it was hard to tell if you've covered them or not - great design!)

We stopped for a light beer and some nuts half way through, picked up some souvenirs and were back on the boat after three hours or so. 

Steve got a sheep seat on the way back. We ordered a couple of glasses of Cab Sav and were back at the docks around 2.

We stopped for a curried scalloped pie from one of the restaurants moored in Constitution Dock (It was just average) and headed up to Mt Wellington.

Suffice to say Ged is a nervous passenger at the best of times, but she found going up the mountain particularly hairy. The word petrified comes to mind. After more than a bit of closed eyes, gripped seats and "Look Out"s we made it to the top. Normally Mt Wellington is freezing with a gale blowing. Not today - 7 degrees, clear views and just a zephyr of a breeze.

Tasmania does tourism will and the Mountain is no exception - Timber board walks, good information and shelter if you need it. We spent 20 or 30 minutes and headed back (with a few less closed eyes, gripped seats and "Look Out"s)

A clear view

Overlooking the valley where he grew up

We were indebted to Nic and Stu for their hospitality, so all headed out to Dede Indonesian and Thai in North Hobart for dinner. Generous serves, nice wine and packed!

Were both in bed by 10, in preparation for our trip to Russell Falls in the morning.