Gone Cruising

We motored up the Derwent River in very hazy conditions. Hobart is a very beautiful city, overlooking the Derwent River and has the most amazing backdrop Mt. Wellington which is very imposing and can be seen from every vantage point in Hobart. It is a beautiful mountain often in cloud, Mt Wellington changes colour often during the day giving us a different aspect each time we see it.

Paul phoned find out where we were to moor and we were lucky to obtain a berth for free at Kings Pier Marina, right near Constitution Dock where Chris and Lilly, Retour, Tinacria are moored. Lloyd Clark (whom we met in Orford) gave us this contact-thank you Lloyd. We have obtained a key from the Port Tower (see great view in the photosfrom the tower) for a fee of fifty dollars deposit (refundable). The showers and laundry facilities are excellent and clean. Lloyd also kindly gave us the use of a car during our stay which we have used to provision, travel and see the top of Mt Wellington and go further afield as far as Queenstown.
We also did the walk to Nelson Falls, shuch a lovley walk and the water fall looked spectacular ( if you click on the photo then you will see a small movie of the falls).

Peter who owned the pen come and introduced himself and came to dinner one night with his lovely wife Sue. It was a great night and lovely to meet these lovely generous people. Thanks Lilly for the great recipe-yummy.

Kings Pier is right near the CBD and have a two minute walk to be in the centre of the City. We have met some lovely people, a cruiser from new Zealand-heading around the west coast-so may meet them on the way and Greg-a sailor and ABC radio presenter in Hobart who took us for a drive and a drink at the Royal Tasmania Yacht Club and has helped us with contacts re fuel, etc.

We loved being so close to the city and the bustle but will be glad to go sailing to the peace and quiet as well. Constitution Dock is constantly changing with boats coming and going, all are rafted up and on constant view to the public-rather like a fish bowl. Cartref came in later on and told us of the fabulous sights on the west coast-they surfived and had a lovely time so now it is our turn. Angela and Robert from INDALI, whom have spent the winter on their boat (they dont recommend it-too cold), arrived back from a visit to WA and we all went to the Royal Tasmanian Yacht Club for a roast dinner luncheon. It was good to have a table of Western Australians together again.

The Salamanca markets are huge and have a variety of items for sale from vegetables to leather hats, all amazing and good entertainment.

Keith (Barrunner) with Leith and Karolyne, Chris and Tricia (Murphy's Law) from Orford invited us for a day out on the water and lunch at Maria Island so we drove to Orford from Hobart and had another day in paradise with great company, food and the best weather anyone could wish for. We had a bit much to drink so we camped at Keiths house in a REAL bed (lovely-I could stretch out and not touch the walls) and left the next morning back to Hobart. It will be sad to leave these lovely people, we really enjoy thier company. Chris and Tricia also took us out to lunch at the Boathouse another fabulous day-thanks guys. Also thanks for bringing Paul's hat back from Orford for him-it is greatly appreciated.

Paul went for a check up and found his blood pressure was very high and the doctor said as he could not be monitored (due to us sailing the west coast) that it best he go on tablets. I will have to stop nagging him. We have purchased a heart monitor machine to keep an eye on him.

Hobart is a very special place in our hearts but if we do not get moving soon, I feel that we will never move as we are having such a great time. The weather has deteriorated so have decided to explore the D'Entrecasteaux Channel for a while until it improves enough to head around to Port Davey-the locals say wait for the weather and bolt-do not stop, no not go slow go for it until you are safely in the harbour.