Breathtaking Arrival

Arrived safely at Constitution Dock in Hobart this afternoon at 4.30. I was extremely excited today at seeing Jo and Bella for the first time after two weeks, but had to contain my excitement a little as it was all unfolding in front of media cameras. The day's trip coming across the bottom of Tasmania and up the Derwent River into Hobart was just surreal. It is such a beautiful and unspoilt part of the world. I haven't seen coastline like it anywhere - very "lost worldish" and oozing with life. Birds and seals everywhere. At one point I saw what looked like about 50 seals all surface at once, then disappear on mass and I didn't see them again! Unless fatigue was getting to me and I imagined it, but I'm sure they were real. Also saw some huge Albatrosses, biggest ones of the whole trip, Sarah you'd have loved it. But there was such variety and quantity of birdlife out there. Just amazing.

I'm now adjusting to being back on land and in the chair again, instead of dragging my backside around the boat. Will try and be back out on the water in about a week, there's not a lot to be done to the boat but some essential repairs have to be completed before I take off again. A big thankyou to Steve, Hugh, Ian and Michael who came down to help me tie up. I have enjoyed the champagne and pizza - thanks for that guys!