The boat is rolling. Must be the wake of a passing vessel. I hear a putt-putt-puddle-di-putt of an old engine, and pop up on deck in time to see the plump bustle of the tiny ferry Emmalisa. She is antique, yet still takes visitors for a ride around the Derwent River, or gamblers to the Wrest Point Casino, just a $1,000 chip's throw from here, on our mooring.

Talking gambling, David Walsh, a returned Tasmanian, is a professional gambler, and as part of a syndicate, he won the lottery. That's the story round town, anyway. He has poured millions into his gift to Tasmania, the Mona Foma, The museum of old and new art, including free performances. You'll remember we saw Old Man Luedecke at Mona the other day.

It has rained all morning, and it's been cold, so I was asked to fix the oven; let's hope it's an easy fix, I said, and it was: cleaning the jet, as I did for the stove-top burners earlier. Now a pork roast and potatoes are in the oven for a hot lunch, with a glass of red wine. Such are are our simple pleasures.

Still on board - we are so used to living aboard, we don't feel it a problem at all, in fact it's enjoyable. It's the land-based folks that seem a little strange!

PS Adrienne is SO delighted to be exploring the wood stove! She says it is a primo brand, and looks like a good one! We may have it lit by tonight, no big deal for you, but for her - very important!

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Pic: The Emmalisa. If you look really closely, you will notice a small gold cross fixed to her stern; is she a Catholic boat?