Chinaman's Bay, Tas. Today is significant. We are now on our last leg. Last night we slept like logs after the rough conditions and snuggled down under a doona together to keep warm. What a change from the last many months. The anchorage has been calm all night, and we have the company of 9 other vessels. There are cormorants drying with their wings spread wide, and a couple of pelicans sitting on high rocks surveying the bay. It's a scene of peace.
I haven't yet shared a very cool experience with the dolphins that have accompanied us for many hours right from the top of Tasmania, almost as far as down to Maria Island. It may well have been a couple of different pods of dolphins, but they were always around our boat, as if to make sure we get home safely! The night before last was very dark, no moon peeped from the clouds, and only a few stars managed to show themselves. The water was dark but there was lots of fluorescent algae in the water. The dolphins' fins cut a sparkling trail through the water. More astounding though, was the fact that even 1-2 metres under the water the dolphins created a trail of light which looked like a meteor with the trail remaining, streaking through the dark sky. The first time I saw it I was astounded as a dolphin swam at top speed at right angles to the boat. It looked like an incoming torpedo. For a moment I thought he was going to collide with us but at the very last moment as he reached the side, he dived under and came up the other side. Cheeky and confident. Occasionally though, you see dolphins with pieces missing from their fins or scars which look like deep gashes from collisions with propellers, so they do occasionally misjudge their trajectory. John says he has also seen fish streaking by underwater, lighting it up as they go. Coolest was watching dolphins swimming side by side and swerving and diving together leaving dual trails of light. Of course there were also a number playing on Shonandra's bow wave, and showing off their water skills.
Enough of dolphins for now. I'm sure we will see lots more today as there are some resident pods in Storm Bay on the way to Hobart.
We may be able to post arrival pics later today if anyone takes any that is! Next from Hobart, we trust! John and Ginni