Sunday, April 18, 2010

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!

13 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your wonderful achievement.Have a well deserved rest and ready yourself for more adventures. An incredible and inspirational journey.
    Way to go Jamie.

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  2. Congratulations Jamie on completing that long and 'cold' leg. Great descriptions. I've just read book on Bass and Flinders adventures up n down NSW n Vic coasts and circumnavigating Tassie. It doesn't sound like it has changed much, discovering it for 'the first time' through your eyes.
    Did you experience any seasickness?
    Once again fantastic sailing.
    enjoy your rest
    Craig

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  3. Well done, Jamie! Well done! Heaps of CONGRATULATIONS to ya!

    Enjoy your time in Hobart....you deserve every minute of this R&R time!

    Blessings,
    Janell in Oklahoma, USA

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  4. Fantastic Jamie. Isn't that the longest bit under your belt? It'll be easy from now on :-)
    Best wishes
    Caroline

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  5. Hey Jamie,
    Congratualtions!
    What a wonderful achievement I new you could do it. Enjoy the well earned rest and say Hi to Jo and Bella.
    Eat heaps to get your condition back, bananas and all.
    Go Aussie Go!
    Lots a love Cathie

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  6. Congratulations Jamie,
    Very pleased to read you made it to Tassie safely particularly with some of the weather south of Oz.
    Again Mate you’re amazing and a “bloody Great Bloke”.
    Take care Jamie.
    Ric (in Adelaide)

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  7. Jamie. Congratulations on your fantastic achievement.Enjoy some well deserved r&r in Hobart. Look forward to following more of your inspirational journey.

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  8. Congratulations!!!!!
    What else can we say?
    Even saw you on the ABC news headlines.

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  9. Hey Jamie, what's going on here, are you starting to keep executive hours. Shouldn't you be out at sea sailing somewhere? Seriously glad that you made it safely to Hobart, you are well out of that terrible weather. Enjoy yor break. Regards, Jeanp.

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  10. Hi Jamie,
    Well done! Congratulations on completing such a difficult leg of your trip. I'm in total awe of your courage and strength.

    Hopefully, it will be a bit warmer and calmer from here on.

    Cheers

    Mike (Avoca Beach)

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  11. Congratulations Jamie!!! Excellent achievement!!
    Enjoy yourself in hobart and have a well deserved rest.

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  12. Congratulations on a job well done..Have a good rest and "prime the pump"...
    Ready to sail to Sydney and God permitting, you might welcome our other hero Jesse as well..I am sure she will appreciate that very much...

    Godspeed.... you are a living example what a "Can do approach" means..

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  13. Well done Jamie arriving safely in the beautiful Hobart, the big question did you get those lamb shanks you were dreaming of. Love Naomi and family and Dalkeith reidents.

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