Tasmania; Beautiful one day and bloody beautiful the next.

I know I've been a bit slack on the blogging of late, but I do have a good excuse. The Crazy Ladies and I have been sailing down the beautiful east coast of Tassie. I would have to rate the east coast as spectacular, the anchorages are remote and the water is soooooo clear and vivid in colour, its a source of continual amazement. (check our map & zoom in to see what I mean) The camera does not do the colour justice.

We are constantly amazed by the helpful locals and fellow sailors who go out of their way to offer information about safe anchorages etc: eg: Dave from SV Josida (the sailing pope mobile)was concerned we had nowhere safe to sit out the gale, that is blowing at the moment. (50 knot gusts) He gave me the phone number of West Marine a local mooring contractor. I rang him and he directed me to one of his own moorings, telling us to use it as long as we liked, no charge.

Here is a quick rundown on where we have anchored since leaving St Helen's.

Long point: as expected it's a headland that is protected from NE winds, a beautiful sandy beach with good potential for surf.

Sleepy Bay: good place to sleep. Jen needs to describe this place, as words fail me. Boulders & cliffs with vivid orange stripes, closely encompassing a beautiful crystal clear bay.(see pics of anchor in water and cliffs) This bay is around the corner from Wineglass Bay. We had to bypass it as the weather was not favourable.(we will visit on our return trip north)

Schouten Island: Moreys or Crockets Bay, Enjoyed freshly caught fish, by Dave. (as above) Beautiful protected cove with white sandy beach guarded by Bear Mountain. Inhabited by a colony of territorial fairy penguins. Can you really complain about being woken by their calls at 4.00am as they head off to work?

Shelley Beach Orford: Lovely spot. If the wind drops later today Jen and I will drop the dingy in the water and go for a walk.

Enjoying fresh cooked fruit scones, locally made berry jam and coffee whilst I type this. So as I've said before and I will say it again:....." Its a tough life but someone has to do it."

Hopefully tomorrow we will head to Hobart to complete the longest Sydney to Hobart transit in the history of the race.

Glenn

ps: Ginny and Spirit Silver Edition arrived safely in Eden.