There is an ongoing symphony praising Him 24/7 in nature, in His uncorrupted creation. David Herzog

We got up this morning with no other plan than to wander around the city. Then we came across the Red Explorer bus, and sitting on a bus tour seemed more appealing than walking. This is one of those buses where you can hop off at any point and then hop on the next bus. We just stayed with this one, though. We saw sights such as the Cascade Brewery, the Female Factory and the Wharf. Well worth the money.

All over the country people took part in the March for Australia today. Hobart’s was in Salamanca Place just down the road from our hotel. The lefties, of course, organised a counter protest, hoping to provoke violence, and it was also just down the road from the hotel.

After the speeches and songs, they moved on to do the actual marching, which (surprise, surprise) took them towards the counter-protest, as they headed towards Parliament House.

We heard part of the speeches at the counter-protest. It was the usual leftist talking points about “fascism”, the evil landlords and capitalists and supporting the workers, all delivered in a private school/ university accent. Meanwhile the real workers were the ones carrying the flags at the March for Australia. That disconnect is what is driving the marches.

After the excitement died down, all the marchers dispersed, and after we had a nap, we went to a different park for a short walk before it got too cold. In the soft cool climate grass there are masses of alpine daisies.

Our Tassie holiday has come to an end. We fly out of Hobart at 11.35 tomorrow morning, arriving at Sydney about 1.35. From there we leave about 3.30, arriving in Tamworth about 4.30. Then it’s just a short 2 hour drive home.

Today we moved on from St Helens to Coles Bay, a 2 hour drive. We spent some time having lunch and checking out Bicheno. The ocean was amazing in its range of colours today, from really deep blue to the turquoise close to the coast.

There was a raging westerly gale today. It snowed in the highland regions. We are so thankful that we did that part of the trip last week. They are talking about snow down to 300 metres tonight, perhaps even in Hobart.

Although we weren’t able to get to the Bay of Fires yesterday, both these photos show the orange lichen growing on the rocks which gave the bay its name.

At about 2 pm we rocked up to our studio apartment in Coles Bay. THis will be our home the next couple of nights

It is very cosy, and much better than just a motel room. The first thing that Margaret did was get some dirty clothes into the washing machine and then the dryer. The apartment comes with a wood heater that I think we might be lighting tonight.

And here is the view from our front door.

As the sun set behind us this afternoon, it really lit up those mountain peaks. I won’t be too surprised if they are white in the morning,

We left Strahan this morning, heading to Launceston via Cradle Mountain. Much of the road winds up and down through the mountains. It is very wild country.

Cradle Mountain is part of the World Heritage area that includes the Gordon and Franklin Rivers. There is a shuttle bus that runs from the Visitors Centre up to the top at Dove Lake. The bus drivers seem to be selected for their bushman appearance and ability to tell tall tales with a very dry voice.

Unfortunately phone signal is quite weak up there.

The Grand Chancellor Hotel in Launceston is a cut above our normal choice of accommodation. It is very civilised, with a separate dressing room and plenty of space in the bedroom. All of our hotel rooms have had king size beds, which is quite luxurious. Although if you want to cuddle the wife, you have to do the old “Coo-ee” call to locate her.

Being civilised people we like a cup of tea, made the proper way, and the Grand Chancellor delivers that.

Driving into Launceston was quite pleasant. After you get down from the mountains, the country becomes quite flat. Coming in on Sunday afternoon meant that the traffic wasn’t too bad.

We are here for 3 days, so we will have lots of opportunity to check out some district attractions such as the seahorse farm, a raspberry farm, a tea blender, and much much more.

Scripture

So then since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitudes he had and to be ready to suffer too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.

Observation

Christ suffered physical pain on our behalf, so we must be prepared to suffer physically for Him. To undergo suffering means that we have sided with Christ and against sin.

We used to sin in the past in the same ways that all godless people do – immorality, lust, feasting, drunkenness, parties, and idol worship.

Our old friends are surprised when we no longer follow the ways of the flesh. They respond by slander, but they will have to face God who will judge everyone.

Application

If you have a choice to deny Christ or else endure some kind of physical suffering, perhaps torture or loss of your job or family, which would you choose?

When we are confronted by people or systems that set out to oppress us because of our faith, it focuses our choices. Will I be faithful to Christ or will I choose an easier path?

This choice has been with christians in all ages from the time of the Apostles until now. Many christians face death, imprisonment, loss of home or family. Even in the West, where Christians have historically been the dominant force in society, we are now seeing christians arrested for going against popular narratives.

Where do we stand in all of this? Will we be faithful to our convictions or will we aim for a quiet life and not make waves?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you gave everything for me. Please help me to stand firm in you especially when to do so is costly. Amen.