Having left the beautiful Fiordland we sailed west towards Hobart, 2 days away.
This meant either pounding the deck to work up an appetite, or finding somewhere to curl up in a chair and read a good book.
Fortunately, my son @Trevor.George had introduced us to Kindle a few years ago, and knowing that there would be this space available, we had both loaded a few stories to read between “people watching”, shopping, and talking to the waiter.
On the 26th we opened the curtains to find Hobart waiting outside.
The first of the callers was looking pretty small from our elevated 10th deck, but he didn’t seem fazed about the size of our boat, he just kept on with his morning row.
We then took our passports and joined the line to pass through Australian Customs.
The first chance for the boss to go shopping. on land, for a couple of days, because we had a while to wait for our planned trip we went for a stroll along the waterfront and had a look at the fishing boats that were tied up for the holidays.
Including a rare “cruiser sterned” fishing boat from 1965.
On the other side of the road was the usual watering hole.
The sign reads “Do not access bus through the window”, they must be allowing for some very small people in Hobart.
We then boarded our bus through the door rather than the window, and visited one of the original settlements on Hobart, some of the buildings still had the original style shingles/slates from the time of their construction.
We then re boarded our bus for the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary”.
Because they are a rescue service, they save, bring back to health and, where possible, release back into the wilds any wild life they are advised of
The animals quickly become used to people, and, with the attraction of food being handed to them, and become extremely friendly.
Although they prefer you to bring the food to them while they wait in the shade.
They have a"stretch of the legs" from time to time
The other well known Australian, the Emu.
And, of course, the Koala.
Echidnas
An orphaned Wombat, that was being fed his lunch time milk while w were there,
When the boss suggested burping him after his lunch the handler replied “No way”, but he did like his belly being rubbed.
When we returned to the ship, the captain pointed out he finish line for the annual Sydney-Hobart yacht race was between the wharf where the blue-green and white boat was moored and a buoy to the left of the schooner, who was practicing his finish.
On the way out of the Harbour we passed an oil rig that had been brought into calmer waters for repair, before returning to the oil field.
The official log records the distance from Fiordlands to Hobart as 896 N Miles, speed 14.3 Knots, wind force 5 [17-21 knots, 19-24 mph] temperature 16.50 C on the first day, and, wind force 7 [28-33 knots, 32-38 mph] temperature 18.40 C on Christmas Day.
with thanks to son-of-satire for the banner