Wednesday, April 5th, was a sea day as the Ship sailed between Hobart and Melbourne. A quiet day on the ship – tonight was Gala night. For dinner, I had jumbo shrimp cocktail, chicken soup, two lobster tails, and dessert, the flourless chocolate cake with ice cream. I also had a bottle of Grolsch beer.
On Thursday, the Ship docked at Melbourne. We went on the Holland America excursion to see Puffin Billy, a steam engine train ($95 US), leaving at 8:30 am.
A first rate bus - first, we went to a Visitors Centre to see wild birds and tall trees. There was also a gift shop, and lots of picnic areas.
Then we went on the Puffing Billy steam train - younger people sit on the window sill and hang their legs out. The seats were arranged vertically, and every vehicle that we passed, both the drivers and all of us, waved.
A very interesting stop at Mt. Dangenong - wooden sculptures, English country garden, and a Maze store with a model train.
An interesting tour that lasted about 4 1/2 hours - we really enjoyed Puffin Billy - back to the Ship at 1:30 (Tip $5AU).
For dinner, hot and sour shrimp soup, grilled
corvina fish, and for dessert, chocolate mousse in a chocolate cup and
strawberry sorbet.
Photos belong to Phil Bianco
