Image: Tangaloa, Maria Island

Wowsers, the butter has finally gone hard and the equinoxial weather at 43 degrees south has been at its best. 30 to 45 knots of NW gales have been our home coming. The barometer is 1040 and its rather haughty!
For two mornings in a row ( from 0300hr both days) we stood 'anchor watch' as white sea spume raced across the Triabunna harbour and with each violent volley of dense cold air Tangaloa healed from one side to t'other as she tugged heavily at the mooring.

Besides gale warnings throughout Tasmania, the VHF radio forecast notes there will be snow on higher peaks! Time to unpack the diesel heater flue and get our Dickinson cabin heater choofing for the first time since we left New Zealand almost six years ago.

Despite the weather keeping us below decks, we made the most of the stormy conditions by breaking bread, cooking, eating (especially pink eyes and duck river butter) and generally chilling out.

After about 50 hours of stormy weather we were excited to catch up with Vick's mum and dad T&R for fish and chips, mince pies and walks with Cleo the Captivator. We were also welcomed into the home of Penny & Geoff for a wonderful meal/conversation in a way that only Tasmanians know how. The people of Triabunna have reminded us 'why we have come home. We couldn't of wished for a more friendly and warmer welcoming. Thank you Triabunna and a special thanks people who welcomed us home!

We are now snuggled in Chinamans Bay on Maria Island, as the 30kt N/NE pass overhead - smiling because we are home, distances short and can light the heater to keep warm!