VDL part 3 - Strahan to Port Davey , Bathurst Harbour to Hobart
21 March 2017
After the VDL bbq we decided to leave Strahan and travel overnight to the World Heritage area of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour we had to get special permission from Parks and Wildlife for Benny to enter the area but had to stay on the boat at all times. Another windless trip for most of the night,although we did motor sail.
First sights of Port Davey were WOW, the mountain ranges in the background were majestic to say the least. We decided to travel to the end of Bathurst Harbour and work our wayback.
First stop was Clytie Cove to protect from the forecast SW change . In there with 4 other VDL boats so drinks and dinner on Farstar was the word because no one would leave . Next day drinks was the shore.
The water in this area is coloured dark red due to tannins from the button grass.
Next day we moved to Clayon Corner where there is a house belonging to the Clayons back in the day and now is maintained in the same style by the Parks and wildlife.
We took a dingy ride down the Melaleura Inlet to the Airport which bring in the walkers etc on arrival 5 small planes arrived one after another .
Next day moved down to Bramble Cove for the VDL BBQ and Cricket match what sight with the towering mountains.
Early next morning we departed Port Davey to travel the next leg around the bottom of Tassie onto Recherche Bay . We had to again motor the entire leg of 70nm in mirror finish seas past the southern most island group of Maatsuyker Islands. I have been checking out the weather observations on this island for months and have never seems winds under 50knts. Today 5knts, amazing .
We arrived before dark and anchored in the bay called the Pigties with 5 other VDL boats. Next morning we moved onto Southport and anchored near the town jetty . Of course we had to find the local pub to celebrate our conquering the wild west coast, ha ha.
Next day we moved to the southern side of southport to protext against S change. We took the scenic tram ride from the anchorage up to Ada bay for lunch andthen it returns. Much fun.
Next day it was time to move onto Dover for the VDL dinner at the local sailing club. We had already been to Dover before the Rally so we actually completed our unofficial circumnavigation there. This meant another celebration dinner with othersat the local excellent pizza place.
The next night was the dinner and it was a excellent night with the local musico jamming together .
Next we moved onto Port Cygnet for another yes you got it another BBQ at the local sailing club.
We also ran into Joanne and Harry on Dingo we met back in the Whitsundays last July where they towed there 23ft Trailor sailer all the way up from Tassie.
It was great catching up.
Next day we moved to North Bruny Island and anchered in Ford bay and enjoyed Oysters from the nearby oyster factory.
21th March was the day we had planned to return to Hobart to end the Rally abd complete the official Circumnavigation of Tasmania. Unfortunately the weather was cold, wet and foggy with visibility down to 50 metres . Not much fun navigating the 22nm back to the RYCT marina, but we did. I think there was another drink or 2 to celebrate.
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