We're on our way!

 What a great start to what is going to be a great trip....! First stop at Beechworth gave everyone a chance to visit the 'lolly shop' and re-stock the already diminished supplies!  We're already acclimatising  to Tassie weather with bleak, wet and windy weather before we've even left the mainland. A visit to the famous Beechworth Bakery was high on the list for many, trying out the hot food to warm up! Coasting down the highway saw us in Melbourne in time for a scenic tour of the city area, capably guided by Eric, the bus driver. His insights along the way are already proving to be informative and engaging. There is an incentive to listen carefully as Mrs Meyer will be using much of this information to form the basis of a trivia quiz later in the trip!

Arriving at St Kilda beach was met with great enthusiasm. Everyone was very keen to get out and stretch their legs and burn up some energy on the playground. One comment overheard was "I feel like I have been on the bus for 3 days already!"

Seeing the Spirit of Tasmania waiting patiently for us in the distance also heightened the sense of excitement and anticipation. We were thoroughly spoilt with a 'homemade picnic on the beach' (thankyou Mrs Meyer!!) before venturing to board the boat. It was so lovely to see the way the kids jumped in at the first opportunity to serve each other in handing around food and chasing other peoples 'blow away' rubbish (it was soooo windy!)

   

After the challenges of getting everyone through security (I confess, it was me that had a pair of scissors and a knife...I didn't realise it was like an airport!) boarding the boat was the beginning of  the next stage of the adventure! Finding our cabins, finding our way around all the levels and facilities and finding each other along the way have kept everyone busy for the last few hours.

Only 1 hour to go until 'curfew' and already many students are heading off to their cabins.....