Thursday 22^nd March

Yesterday we were out of phone range, out of internet range.  It was all very peaceful, if cold, rocking around in Shepherd’s Bay, on Hunter Island, within sight of Three Hummock Island.  Lots of sea birds nesting on the rocks, lots of fish in the water (if not on hopeful Michael’s fishing line.)   Jabba dived for some shellfish, which we ate very enthusiastically for dinner.

We left at two am… Our 2XS-ers had decided that I should stay in bed; I think the general consensus is that I’m, not all that much use, when we are at sea.  Well not when there are strong fit enthusiastic young blokes on board.  Pete started up the engines and got us out of the bay, then he too came back to bed and left James, Michael and Jabba to their own devices, out in the cold and the dark.  They were very happy; we were very happy.

We would have liked to go on shore to explore beautiful Hunter Island, but really, it was not very inviting, with an icy wind, choppy sea.  Michael and James pottered around in the dinghy, trying to catch fish, while Jabba dived off the rocks, but Pete and I were quite happy to stay on board, doing not very much at all.

After our shellfish feast, we settled in to a serious game of Oh Hell.  Jabba is so far the outright winner.  I played, I thought, very brilliantly but…I came last, with quite a big minus score, in both games we have played so far.

This morning we left Shepherd’s Bay at a civilised hour – 9.30.  I made myself briefly useful by cooking up a batch of pancakes.  Sally’s beautiful prizewinning (King Island Show) crab apple jelly looked splendid spread in a glowing layer over the pancakes.

It was a beautiful, if chilly, trip in to Smithton.  Jabba, James and Michael were thrilled to be able to crank the boat up to a great rate of knots, with both sails up.  A few big dolphins joined us, for part of the trip, racing us with panache and the occasional belly-roll.

We arrived here a bit after midday and tied up to a small cheery yellow and grey floating jetty, where we are creating quite a stir.  I imagine that most of the population of Smithton has driven past to gaze in wonder; the tide has gone out and we are sitting at a jaunty lean on a bed of rocks.  This is not a problem; catamarans don’t actually tip over, and when the tide comes back in, we will be able to depart with dignity intact.  Our first visitors were Eric and Doreen – “If you need anything, we live in the green house, just over there!”  Such nice people.  Doreen hopped out of the car to walk home so that Eric could drive Michel, Jabba and James round to try to find a hire car, or a bus depot – they are leaving tomorrow.  Pete and I went for a bracing little bike ride.  By the time we got back, Eric had offered to drive the boys to Wynyard, where they can hire a car to take them home.

We are going to Tall Timbers for dinner tonight, by taxi, not bike...