Gone Cruising

Reluctantly pulling ourselves away from beautiful Wineglass Bay, recognising that we had a destination (Swansea) and a deadline to stick to in order that the kids could catch the bus to Hobart. Heading off through Schouten Passage we saw Dolphin III ahead of us so pulled into Crocketts Bay. Another lovely bay, full of boats and with white, white sand. We can see the bottom very clearly.

After a coffee and some catching up, Dolphin III kindly gave us some abalone which we cooked up to celebrate Tamara's 18th birthday on board Cockatoo II.

The weather changing direction we headed off over the other side to Bryan's corner, another delightful Bay with clear water and white sand, to sit out the winds. Heading out eventually to Cole's Bay so the kids could explore what that had to offer-coffee shops, newsagency, etc -retail therapy. A huge cruise boat anchored also in the bay.

About lunchtime we headed off to anchor just off Swanswick so that we could have a picnic lunch. Launching the tender we all hopped aboard and headed up the river-big sandbank so towed it over the sandbank - narrow channel and a lot of weed out of the channel plus there was not a lot to see or places to pull ashore so we ate our picnic in the boat before heading back to the boat. The winds picking up we headed off to Swansea to anchor for the night, but Azure called up and stated that it had turned an easterly and was very uncomfortable so all headed back to Cole's Bay.

Anchoring in Cole's Bay started off okay but the swell built up makjing it very uncomfortable. We moved early morning (pitch black) to the other side of the bay which was more protected. Leaving about 5.30 at first light to Swansea. All of us felt very ill with the swell and once anchored could not wait to get ashore.

Having coffee and breakfast we waited for the bus where Tracy and Paul said a tearful farewell to Samantha and Tamara as they boarded the bus to Hobart. We will miss them dreadfully and wish they could stay but realise that they are grownup and all have their own lives now.

Setting the sails we headed back to Bryans corner to meet up with Azure. We are currently sitting out a SW before heading off to our next destination-Orford. We will keep you all informed.