Day 17, Saturday 11/1/2014, Tasman Peninsula

Another glorious 30 degree day (with a lovely cool breeze). After a bit of a sleep-in, we spent 6hrs exploring Port Arthur. Mind blowing history at its finest. Eliza and Amara did well to cope with this. They had fun doing their cards (exploring a historical person), hugging everyone and exploring the ruins.

Our day included a little cruise and talk on the Isle of the Dead. This was a highlight as the guide was so animated, funny and informative. The saddest part for me was visiting the memorial for the victims of the massacre. I couldn't help but cry.

Morgans hadn't eaten much that day so they went straight to the Tavern near our camp for an early dinner. Williams and Parkes went to Remarkable Cave to hike down into the cave, although our teenagers bailed and went back to camp. The cave really is remarkable! Fiona and I had fun with our cameras with Col and Bruce as gorgeous models.

Needed to stop at IGA on the way back to grab a couple of things. I was totally jealous of the Morgans eating out as I was too exhausted to cook, but our food will go bad if I don't. I had some fresh salmon pate from Bruny with some Tassie wine to ease the burden and Col helped by BBQ-ing the meat.

Jordan came for a little walk onto the beach with me for sunset photos which was wonderful. I made her model for me and she had me cry-laughing when I attempted a massive close-up.

After tea, Leah, Gary, Eliza, Amara, Fiona, Bruce and I all went back to the lookout to search for the aurora. Not even a glimpse of it the the perfectly clear sky. Maybe last night was our only (missed) opportunity. There were some lovely photos taken regardless, and Eliza and Amara enjoyed modelling for Leah's ghost photo.

Day 16, Friday10/1/2014, Tasman Peninsula

Today was the most perfect weather ever. 30 degrees celsius, blue sky and a light breeze.We all went on the amazing boat tour around the south east coast of Tasman Peninsular. Absolutely spectacular scenery! There was a bit of jet boating, darting between rocks and into caves. The tallest sea cliffs in the southern hemisphere that looked like thousands of pillars and very jagged rock formations. There was a pod of dolphins playing in our wake, an albatross cruising around, plenty of seals and a lighthouse on Tasman Island.

The kids all had a great time. Eliza sat between Col and I and often screamed in delight and sometimes fear. Jordan almost cried with the prolonged close up encounter with the dolphins. It was a 3hr trip finishing near Port Arthur historic site.

From there, the Morgans headed to another Tasmanian Devil encounter, the teenagers to a chocolate factory. Col, Bruce, Fiona and I had lunch at the famous little pie shop (scallop pies) and did a couple of little lookout hikes (north eastern end of peninsula). After dropping Fiona back at camp so she could do some washing, we checked out the most southern lookout to possibly use for aurora viewing.

I couldn't believe how knackered I was and had to have an afternoon nap, as did Bruce, Jordan and Jack. Even Fiona needed one! Then it was food, coffee, reading and charging camera batteries. I changed lenses and got ready for night photography, heading off for our ghost tour at Port Arthur.

I volunteered to carry the candle lantern and be first into all the buildings. I couldn't believe no one else wanted to. It was fun going into them alone, but sadly not at all scary for me. My favourite was the basement beneath the surgeon's house. It had sandstone tunnels and rooms. Even Jordan wasn't freaked out, so it must be tame. Next time we'll have to do the overnight one where they use scientific tools and sensors to try to prove a spiritual presence.

The sky was a blanket of clouds, and even a few drops of rain so we didn't end up going to the lookout. There was no sign of the aurora from Port Arthur and Leah and Gary had tried while we were at our tour and only saw black clouds.