A bridge over the Mersey with Formby on one side and Torquay on the other. We past Rutherglen Rd, Bracknell etc. If you’d first settled here what would you name your town/street?.
Tasmania, named after Abel Tasman. About 26000 sq miles, population 600k: cf Wales, about 8000 sq miles, population 3.2 million.
“In 1642 Abel Janszoon Tasman named his ‘first sighted land’ after his Dutch superior Anthony Van Diemen. While Tasman missed meeting any Aborigines, they knew their land as ‘Trowunna’, ‘Trowenna’ or ‘Loetrouwitter’. Despite the official name of Van Diemen’s Land, usage of the alternative ‘Tasmania’ gradually grew” until officially adopted in 1855. Abel didn’t live long enough to enjoy his fame.
Immediately differences from the main land are apparent. No water turbines, rather water holes. More tended gardens with flowers. Kookaburra’s laughing in the trees, echidna’s spiky coats. Well maintained roads thus far. Not so many signs about danger of fire. It feels the equivalent of the Isle of Wight to mainland UK, about a generation slower (that’s not a bad thing). Weather extremes – mainly flooding sweeping away bridges. Hillier.
In common are the variants of customised post boxes. Bungalows and broad streets.
We spent the bulk of today wandering through Meander Valley. A lot going on here: according to the numerous signs the proposal to build a high security jail is not popular; nor the an application for a bauxite mine.
Launceston is a rest day tomorrow so a day of exploring it’s wide streets.
Travelling reflections 