Today we head for the west coast wilderness known as the Arthur Pieman Conservation area, a tiny historical eco village called Corinna, just under 3hr drive from Wynyard. Its our first glimpse of mining in the Savage River area, its quiet surreal. Along the way we notice fires in the distance, not knowing which direction they were in, we soon find we are heading straight toward it.
We were assured it was no threat as the fires were in button grass plains on the southern side of the river. Although the roads across the river were closed to traffic for safety, so the barge was not operating. We checked into our riverside camp site. A fantastic spot, on the banks of the Pieman River, with 2 platforms for our tents. We were the envy of all other campers, as we had the gun spot as other platforms were not water front, but set back amongst the trees.
We settle in at camp then hit the Corinna Hotel for happy hour.
Next morning we woke to a beautiful clear morning, with stunning reflections on the Pieman.
We were happy the forecast for showers was wrong and also that the smoke had cleared, as we were off on the Arcadia II cruise today. This is a beautiful Huon Pine pleasure craft built in 1936 in Hobart for a rich business man, it then served during the war in Hobart & PNG also used as a scallop boat on Eastern Tasmania. It has been lovingly restored, by our captain John, and was an absolute pleasure to be on for our 1.5hr journey down the Pieman River to the coast at Pieman Heads.
Captain John gave Max & Leni the helm for some of our journey – thankfully it was part of the river that was over 60 meters deep.
At Pieman Heads we were given lunch packs and took a brief 15 minute walk past some old sea shacks to the wooded beach for lunch. Here we ate and foraged for just over an hour before boarding to head back to Corinna.
That night we enjoyed a very starry night on the Pieman, with the Milky Way reflecting beautifully into the calm river.
Gaz was getting itchy feet and needed to scale a mountain – so off to Mount Donaldson, for a 360 ° view of the surrounding area. Though a rainforest below then changing to a button grass mountain top.
The Girls pulled up short, with only the boys making the last 20 min to the summit.
Day 3 here and we chill for the morning before taking another ride down the river, this time aboard a smaller vessel so we can gain access to some of the tributaries, and Lovers Falls, only accessible by water.
The fires had flared up again today, so the Helicopters were back water bombing, an unexpected highlight of our personal cruise was being close to the Helicopter refilling. He returned to refill near us several times, which was thrilling to witness.
The Savage river hides a shipwreck, allegedly scuttled here by the crew to avoid retuning out the dangerous heads. (Tough times)
Our skipper Dale took us up the Donaldson River as far as we could go, up to the first log jam. He pointed out this amazing old Huon Pine tree, drooping down over the water on the bank, and now growing upon its withered bark is a very special trio – a small Myrtle, Huon Pine and Celery Top. The little copper coloured dot in branches above the baby Huon tree is an Azure Kingfisher, the 3rd we have seen along these wooded rivers.
Corinna is very easy to relax, we stay on for another day, only problem is our battery is dying and fridge not coping, so Gaz goes for a drive around the Savage River to recharge. Next morning the gas bottle runs out – so reluctantly we pack or site up and leave – as there are no supplies here. 
Gaz has spent these last few relaxing days working on a small version of the Arcadia II from a piece of Huon we found at Pieman Heads. He leaves it as a parting gift for the crew at Corinna.
Karina we leave Corinna on your birthday!!! Hope you had a great day – Sorry still no service here either!!