LOCATION: Queenstown, Tasmania, Australia.
WEATHER: Nice. Highs about 60
We got up early to make the boat's 9:00 AM departure. 
This is a world heritage all-day cruise. The focal point Is famous /infamous due to its history as a penal colony area. Our first sights were Hell's Gate, so called because the convicts had to pass through here to the prison island. It is also treacherous due to its strong currents. We are where the Pacific Ocean meets the Indian Ocean.
We slowed to watch the salmon farm-fishing area.
We stopped at Sarah Island, a large penal colony in the 1800s. The tour guide gave us an excellent narrative.
This prison was for criminals from England who had re-offended in Australia. The conditions were terrible. More than 1200 prisoners passed through here.
Back on the ship, we had an excellent lunch, including delicious smoked salmon. We stopped along the way to walk through a rain forest on the Gordon River.
As Americans, we are a bit of a novelty. People ask us where we are from. Today, when I told a lady that we are from Minnesota, she lit up. She said her brother had gone to Mayo Clinic in Rochester in the 1980s to have an unusual, successful operation. She talked on and on about the positive experience there.
George tried his hand at piloting the boat....
When we returned to Strahan, we went to a Huan Pine woodworking shop, then headed out. We drove about 30 miles to Queenstown, where we will take a steam engine trip tomorrow.
DINNER: Lamb stew. I boiled up the leftover bones from last night's dinner with carrots and potatoes. I added some wine for additional flavor. Turned out well!
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