Happy New Year from the Tasman Sea on the way to Lord Howe Island
31 December 2016 | 29 41.80'S:156 38.42'E,

It's 425 nautical miles from Mooloolaba to Lorn Howe Island in a south easterly direction. We've had north east to northerly winds which has been good for moving us along, even if rough at times especially when we were in the current yesterday. At times we were bouncing along at 9-10 knots. Now we are back down to Valiam's normal speed of 6-7 knots. Its been easier today with a smoother ride.
As we havent sailed Valiam since January 2015, it's taken us a little while to get used to the physical work, especially Bill. We are both weary as we didnt get much sleep last night. Tonight we had warmed up Coles quiche with a salad accompanied by a baby champagne and beer to celebrate the new year. At midnight will be our change of shifts so no celebrating then. Maybe a cup of tea and gignger nut biscuit.
The boat is bouncing around a a bit as I type and I am reminded of our ocean passages in the past. This is our fourth new year celebration on board Valiam at sea. 1999 - our first trip to Lorn Howe, 2007 - arriving in Palau and 2008 arriving in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Happy New Year everyone and my next post will be from Lord Howe.