9. Dilston

 

On my last day, I took the A8, the East Tamar Highway out of Launceston, towards the fruit growing region of Dilston.  On my left, the Tamar River followed my course as I headed north on a bright, clear morning, towards the sprawling orchards.

I could sense I was approaching it, and pulled over to take a photograph; but I couldn’t really say I had any recollection of the view. It just felt familiar.

The sign has changed since the days the band depicted it on their 7″ single, The Orchard.  Plus there are new orchards now, heavy with ripened cherries and other fruits.  If Lees had been open I would have bought some fruit, but as it was, I was only able to take a few photographs.

The return drive towards Invermay is close to the river’s edge, where the blackberry bushes grow wild in the sunshine, and the river boats cruise by, heading towards the Seaport.

My distant memories of Dilston are of walking the darkened orchard at night, amongst the fallen apples, close to Mark’s house. It’s a beautiful spot – I’d forgotten it was 14km from the centre of Launceston – a long return drive to the Nurses Home on those dark evenings, when I lived and worked at the hospital.

Memory can change everything.  I’m so glad that I wrote it all down in the days after I left.  My love for Tasmania, and for my friends who live there now will never diminish.  That’s why I wrote a book about it.