We are on a mooring off the Royal Hobart Yacht Club (complete with picture of the Queen in the entrance hall). Can use the facilities, and had a good cheap meal there last night, their schnitzel evening. There is a big social membership and everyone was rather smartly dressed - we had come straight from a walk into the centre of the city, with rucksack and all. No one seemed to mind though, and they were very welcoming. Also here is a Swedish boat that we know from New Zealand, and an American family we last saw in the Tuomotos. Otherwise no other foreign boats as far as we have seen.
We anchored a couple of nights in a bay with nice beach and park only a mile from B and B's house, but unfortunately there is nowhere safe to leave the dinghy there. Anyway we are closer to the centre of the city here. When we took the anchor up to leave there was a little seahorse clinging to the chain. Have never seen one before, it was such a surprise!
Hobart seems a very pleasant place, not too big, and lots of renovated buildings dating from the early 1800's, particularly around the dock area. As in many places it has all been done up with lots of cafes, restaurants and arty shops. We have had a couple of days of calm warm weather, long may it last.
It has been fun having B and B on board. B hasn't sailed much but was keen to learn - good preparation for their week with T in the summer. B had a lot of success fishing with a line over the side in the evenings, and was very chuffed. Caught enough for lunch a couple of days running. Also collected shellfish a bit like cockles called pipi and had those as a starter one evening. We ate pretty well because we had home grown veg and potatoes from B and lots of plums off B's sister's tree.
Will stay with them on Fri night and go for a walk with them on Sat for quite a long day. Nice to do some 'land' stuff.
January 28, 2010
January 25, 2010
hello from Bruny Island
I'm afraid it's ages since I last wrote. We seem to have spent a lot of time battling high winds or motoring with no wind at all, today in short sleeves an shorts, and other days with fleeces and windproof jackets.
We eventually got to Hobart, and anchored in a bay only a mile from Bob and Barbara's house. That evening they drove their pick up to the little beach, and loaded our dinghy on to it so that we could go to their house for dinner and not worry about it! We are a bit sensitive these days. Then yesterday we loaded up and set off with them for a 4-day trip to Bruny Island. Tuesday is Australia Day, so lots of people make it a long weekend. Quite a few boats in the anchorages, (ie 6 with us here!) . This part of the island is a national park and very pretty. Position 43 24 661 S and 147 06.585 E. B and B went for a long walk today, while we kept an eye on the boat and did a longish beach walk and part of their path too.
On our return we will probably get into a marina as B and B have kindly said we can borrow their car to do some land stuff. B starts school next week but walks to work, and B uses the pick up. They have a lovely little stone house dating from about 1830, and B has done a huge amount of work on it, adding roof windows so that they can use the roof space as a bedroom - with views over the distant mountains, and they have replastered the walls and put in a new kitchen.
Well, the gang are busy eating all the snacks and drinking up the wine, so I'll go and join them but will write more soon.
We eventually got to Hobart, and anchored in a bay only a mile from Bob and Barbara's house. That evening they drove their pick up to the little beach, and loaded our dinghy on to it so that we could go to their house for dinner and not worry about it! We are a bit sensitive these days. Then yesterday we loaded up and set off with them for a 4-day trip to Bruny Island. Tuesday is Australia Day, so lots of people make it a long weekend. Quite a few boats in the anchorages, (ie 6 with us here!) . This part of the island is a national park and very pretty. Position 43 24 661 S and 147 06.585 E. B and B went for a long walk today, while we kept an eye on the boat and did a longish beach walk and part of their path too.
On our return we will probably get into a marina as B and B have kindly said we can borrow their car to do some land stuff. B starts school next week but walks to work, and B uses the pick up. They have a lovely little stone house dating from about 1830, and B has done a huge amount of work on it, adding roof windows so that they can use the roof space as a bedroom - with views over the distant mountains, and they have replastered the walls and put in a new kitchen.
Well, the gang are busy eating all the snacks and drinking up the wine, so I'll go and join them but will write more soon.
January 18, 2010
Hello from Triabunna
Tasmania is even chillier than Nova Scotia, though the water is warmer. It is mainly the wind as in a sheltered spot when the sun comes out it is nice and warm. But we have certainly had plenty of wind recently. 35 gusting nearly 50 the other day and we seem to have had quite a few days when we didn't feel happy leaving the boat because of the strong winds. The scenery too is very reminiscent of Canada.
Stayed in Lady Baron until last Wed, mostly on board as the holding wasn't very good and we dragged twice in high winds. Then had a very slow trip to Tasmania proper. Little wind, wrong direction, a fair bit of tacking and motoring until finally the wind shifted round behind, came up to 25 knots, and we had to reef, surfing down the waves at 11 knots at times. Found a good little anchorage on the Freycinet Penninsular (42 15.444 S and 148 16.705 E) which is all national park, and actually managed to have a good walk along a deserted beach.
On Saturday morning we did the fairly short trip to Triabunna (42 31 286 snf 147 55 040) where we picked up B and B. Lots of dolphins playing around the boat, and dozens of very large brown and white jellyfish which were not so nice to look at. On Sunday sailed out to Maria Island, what should have been a 2 hr trip. Again strong winds, mostly head winds, so it was lunch time by the time we got there. Still they enjoyed the novelty of the sail so we weren't in a hurry. A lovely long beach walk in the afternoon, a much needed bit of exercise as we seem to have spent a lot of time on board recently. Great fun was had by all and sundry in the late afternoon as a fishing line dropped overboard produced a fish in no time (in fact they were multi-hooked lines, so caught a couple at once sometimes) including several very ugly looking gurnard which fanned out large spiky fins and had huge mouths in large heads. B phoned a friend to find out about edibility and they evidently are, but we didn't fancy them! Plenty of fish for dinner anyway.
In fact we ate very well because B has just bought a pressure cooker and had been experimenting with various casseroles which she brought along. Also lots of fruit and veg from her allotment and Bob's sister's garden. Delicious greengages which are evidently dropping off the trees so we hope to do some jam making when we finally arrive in Hobart. At new year they left us a large bag of macadamia nuts off their tree. They have extremely hard shells, so we had to go to a rocky beach armed with hammers to crack them. The trick is to wedge them in a rock because the shell is as spherical as a large marble and just shoots all over the place, the hammer then hitting fingers instead.
Are quite looking forward to Hobart and a safe harbour and a bit of time in one place where we don't have to worry about the anchor all the time. However for the next 4 days there are storm warnings and southerly winds, so we have to be patient. We were up and off at 5am this morning back to Triabunna to drop B and B off as B had to get back to work, but they are planning to come up again by bus to sail the last bit to Hobart with us.
Stayed in Lady Baron until last Wed, mostly on board as the holding wasn't very good and we dragged twice in high winds. Then had a very slow trip to Tasmania proper. Little wind, wrong direction, a fair bit of tacking and motoring until finally the wind shifted round behind, came up to 25 knots, and we had to reef, surfing down the waves at 11 knots at times. Found a good little anchorage on the Freycinet Penninsular (42 15.444 S and 148 16.705 E) which is all national park, and actually managed to have a good walk along a deserted beach.
On Saturday morning we did the fairly short trip to Triabunna (42 31 286 snf 147 55 040) where we picked up B and B. Lots of dolphins playing around the boat, and dozens of very large brown and white jellyfish which were not so nice to look at. On Sunday sailed out to Maria Island, what should have been a 2 hr trip. Again strong winds, mostly head winds, so it was lunch time by the time we got there. Still they enjoyed the novelty of the sail so we weren't in a hurry. A lovely long beach walk in the afternoon, a much needed bit of exercise as we seem to have spent a lot of time on board recently. Great fun was had by all and sundry in the late afternoon as a fishing line dropped overboard produced a fish in no time (in fact they were multi-hooked lines, so caught a couple at once sometimes) including several very ugly looking gurnard which fanned out large spiky fins and had huge mouths in large heads. B phoned a friend to find out about edibility and they evidently are, but we didn't fancy them! Plenty of fish for dinner anyway.
In fact we ate very well because B has just bought a pressure cooker and had been experimenting with various casseroles which she brought along. Also lots of fruit and veg from her allotment and Bob's sister's garden. Delicious greengages which are evidently dropping off the trees so we hope to do some jam making when we finally arrive in Hobart. At new year they left us a large bag of macadamia nuts off their tree. They have extremely hard shells, so we had to go to a rocky beach armed with hammers to crack them. The trick is to wedge them in a rock because the shell is as spherical as a large marble and just shoots all over the place, the hammer then hitting fingers instead.
Are quite looking forward to Hobart and a safe harbour and a bit of time in one place where we don't have to worry about the anchor all the time. However for the next 4 days there are storm warnings and southerly winds, so we have to be patient. We were up and off at 5am this morning back to Triabunna to drop B and B off as B had to get back to work, but they are planning to come up again by bus to sail the last bit to Hobart with us.
January 9, 2010
Visiting Lady Baron
From our anchorage we could be in the wilds of Scotland, or the Bay of Islands in NZ. Fairly bare, reddish brown hills, little rocky islands and inlets. Looking at the map we are the furthest south we have ever been with the boat which accounts for the fact that we had (I had) thermals and socks on for the night watches. Now though it's about 20 degrees with a clear blue sky and 25 knots of wind. A beautiful spot.
Lady Baron is a little fishing town in the south of Flinders Island, off the north of Tasmania. We left Eden on Thurs pm and had a good following wind most of the way until it died on us last night. We thought we would arrive at about 2am (Sat) and have to negotiate the well marked but tricky channel in the dark. However it was 11am when we put the anchor down, having battled an outgoing tide and 30 knot headwinds. Also had trouble with the autohelm so brush replacement and a general motor overhaul are on the cards for tomorrow. Similarly the toilet which obviously needs a new valve somewhere as what should be pumped out is pumped round. Nuf said!
There are some lovely deserted beaches to explore in our smart new dinghy - bigger and deeper than the last one, though instead of a bow wave splashing over we managed to get pooped by a breaking wave as we landed on a beach in Eden. It has an aluminium base, so is nice and light.
2 albacore tuna in the frig, no lures lost. Position 40 12.837 S and 148 15.515 E
Lady Baron is a little fishing town in the south of Flinders Island, off the north of Tasmania. We left Eden on Thurs pm and had a good following wind most of the way until it died on us last night. We thought we would arrive at about 2am (Sat) and have to negotiate the well marked but tricky channel in the dark. However it was 11am when we put the anchor down, having battled an outgoing tide and 30 knot headwinds. Also had trouble with the autohelm so brush replacement and a general motor overhaul are on the cards for tomorrow. Similarly the toilet which obviously needs a new valve somewhere as what should be pumped out is pumped round. Nuf said!
There are some lovely deserted beaches to explore in our smart new dinghy - bigger and deeper than the last one, though instead of a bow wave splashing over we managed to get pooped by a breaking wave as we landed on a beach in Eden. It has an aluminium base, so is nice and light.
2 albacore tuna in the frig, no lures lost. Position 40 12.837 S and 148 15.515 E
Eden
Eden has an enormous wood chip business that works 24hrs per day. Otherwise a very scenic little place. We arrived after dark last night, and were very confused to find a huge loading jetty seemingly cutting off the bay where we wanted to anchor. We had spoken to the coastal rescue patrol earlier who said that there were a few other boats there and that it would be a good sheltered spot. Eventually decided to be brave and edge past the jetty though it didn't look as though it led anywhere. And suddenly there was the bay with 3 other boats and plenty of space. What a relief. Have now updated our chart and cruising guide.
We had a pretty good trip down from Sydney with the wind and varying current behind all the way except for the last 15 miles when it swung south as expected. It sounds as though it will be back to north east the day after tomorrow, so if it looks settled we will attempt the infamous Bass Strait to the Furneaux Group of islands just of the NE corner of Tasmania.
There is a good volunteer system of marine rescue services along the Australian coast. We can log in at our departure point, and our details are passed on to the next station down the coast. By 'logging on' every 50 miles or so, a record is kept of progress, and presumably a search would be mounted if you didn't arrive Also the volunteers have local knowledge, and are happy to give details of anchorages and facilities as well as weather reports.
We hope to go back to Sydney later in the year, so didn't explore much this time. B and B took us to Bondi beach where we had a swim - quite chilly water compared to the warm waters north of Brisbane. Also no surf as it was a calm sunny day. B and B had bought tickets for Mama Mia, the stage show, which was great. All that 70's music is so nostalgic, and it was a lovely razzle dazzle. The other (for me) very nostalgic moment was having a pie and mushy peas at the famous Harry's pie stall in Woolloomooloo. I last had a pie there in 1971!
We had a pretty good trip down from Sydney with the wind and varying current behind all the way except for the last 15 miles when it swung south as expected. It sounds as though it will be back to north east the day after tomorrow, so if it looks settled we will attempt the infamous Bass Strait to the Furneaux Group of islands just of the NE corner of Tasmania.
There is a good volunteer system of marine rescue services along the Australian coast. We can log in at our departure point, and our details are passed on to the next station down the coast. By 'logging on' every 50 miles or so, a record is kept of progress, and presumably a search would be mounted if you didn't arrive Also the volunteers have local knowledge, and are happy to give details of anchorages and facilities as well as weather reports.
We hope to go back to Sydney later in the year, so didn't explore much this time. B and B took us to Bondi beach where we had a swim - quite chilly water compared to the warm waters north of Brisbane. Also no surf as it was a calm sunny day. B and B had bought tickets for Mama Mia, the stage show, which was great. All that 70's music is so nostalgic, and it was a lovely razzle dazzle. The other (for me) very nostalgic moment was having a pie and mushy peas at the famous Harry's pie stall in Woolloomooloo. I last had a pie there in 1971!
January 4, 2010
all at sea again
Left Sydney midday Mon to catch a couple of days of good wind. Hope to get as far as Eden which will be our jumping off point for Tasmania. Have had one night out, and 90 miles to , so if all goes according to plan will arrive at dawn or before tomorrow morning (Wed).Will write more about Sydney later.
Position at 9am Tues 35 39.959 S and 150 37.924 E, nearing Bateman's Bay
No fish, no rain, we are rolling along with the wind behind. Plenty of shipping so the AIS is doing its work for us.
Position at 9am Tues 35 39.959 S and 150 37.924 E, nearing Bateman's Bay
No fish, no rain, we are rolling along with the wind behind. Plenty of shipping so the AIS is doing its work for us.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)