Arrived by car late evening Monday 10th. June 2002.

Every so often we come across such genuine, sincere people on our travels it makes up for a lot of those aggravating situations. This stay was one of those.

Driving along in the dark, peering through the drizzle, I appreciated all the lights being left on, so the number was clearly visible.

Parking up the side of the house, I was met by my host John Gibson who escorted me to a delightful double room with the heater already on. When asked what time I'd like breakfast, I requested 'late' as I really hoped to sleep in.

The electric blanket had been turned on for me, so catch up with a bit of reading before falling asleep to the sound of the ocean.

Tapping on the door interrupting my dreams, and my hostess Betty peeks in to tell me she has to go out for a while, my breakfast awaits. And yes, it's already ten o'clock !

The sky is clear, the sun is shining, and I can see down the beach from my window, back to Monty's across on the headland. Have a shower in the neat little bathroom, and once dressed I head for the front of the house where I remember seeing the dining table.

Walking into the sun-filled room, with the ocean just across the road was a delight ! There are railway tracks between the road and foreshore, and I watch as a diesel engine travels to the east with a long string of containers on the trucks.

Once I've had my breakfast, coffee, and read the paper, I realise I'm all alone in the house, and neither of my hosts are here. Nor have I asked the rate ? So I take a wander out the front, take photos, then head back inside where I collect a jigsaw from the family room to complete while I wait.

Reading through the Guest Book, all the comments are complimentary. There are so many appreciative notes from overseas visitors who have been treated like one of the family, including being shown part of the countryside. Nice !

Once my hostess returns she tells me of her family, and how she needs to collect her husband from nearby, do I wish to come aloneg ? So off we go to the other side of town, to a rather smart-looking industrial complex that fits out ambulances. From here we look back down over Penguin, with the sea shore a picturesque crescent shape surrounded by homes in against the hills.

Will I stay for lunch ? "Only a salad" I'm told, yet it's so nice, sitting here, in this sun-filled room. There is a map on the wall indicating the travels done over the years, conversation is pleasant, interesting, and easy. And now the jigsaw is complete.

Prior to leaving I'm shown another guest suite, the front corner room. How wonderful it must be to wake here in the morning, with the sea spead out in front of you.

There is a complete double ensuite off the little hallway, with a full sized bath and heaps of towels.

Everything here is well cared for, neat and clean. The little soaps, knick-nacks and homely touches evidence of the constant care and loving attention to ensure this is a real 'home stay'.

Thoroughly enjoyable stay with such pleasant hosts, certainly recommended.

Left by car early afternoon for Launceston.

How far is it ? - 148 kms. (2hrs)