#84 NOW January 10, 2006 1010—UTC +11 hours (New South Wales, Australia) Anchored in Batemans Bay (S35’42.9 E150’14.9). Temperature 81 Good Morning! I had planned to leave Sydney on Friday; however, the wind was blowing like crazy. I reminded myself that I was retired and could just wait another day. So, Saturday morning I left Sydney behind passing through the “Heads” and sailed out into the Tasman Sea. It was just a short three-hour run down to Botany Bay. When I left Sydney someone asked me, “Why are you going to Botany Bay? There is nothing there.” How mistaken he was. Botany Bay is the birthplace of Australia, similar to Plymouth Rock in the US. I pulled into this historic bay and dropped my anchor in the same spot the Endeavour did on April 28, 1770. Captain Cook was not the first European to land in Australia, it appears that several Dutch, sailing from the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) explored and charted parts of Australia and New Zealand in the 17th century. However, it was Captain Cook who claimed it for England, and he was soon followed by English settlers. I off loaded my kayak and paddled ashore next to the monument celebrating this historic event. Cook’s arrival was not without incident. A couple of natives resisted them by throwing lances. It must have been a frightening experience to see this great monster ship come out of the sea with its bellowing “wings” bringing tall strange looking white men. As I contemplated this fact for a few minutes, I wonder what Captain Cook would think if he was on the shore today. Giant super tankers coming into port with no sails and noisy 747s taking off from Sydney International airport flying low over Botany Bay. I am sure he would be scratching his head in amazement. At 0500, I departed Botany Bay and headed 70 miles south to Jervis Bay. This large Bay is home for the Royal Australian Naval College. I found a spot, fairly well protected from swell, in the Southern corner of the Bay. The next morning I was on my way to Batemans Bay. With a light northeast wind and a following current, I made good time. On the North side of Batemans Bay, is a small Bay called Chain Bay. It provided good protection and with the anchor securely set, I enjoyed a good night of much need sleep. Today, I am being just a little lazy, catching up on some laundry, and doing various little chores. I plan to leave around 2:00 pm for an all night run down to Eden. It is about 90 miles and is a bit of a push to accomplish during daylight. I have a policy not to arrive at new destinations when it is dark, if possible. Therefore, an offshore overnight run is preferred. Done Dreamin' is running along like a Swiss clock. All systems are functioning, as they should. I changed the fuel injectors (I carry a complete extra set) and adjusted the valve clearance and the engine just purrs along as smooth as can be. I will have the old injectors professionally cleaned when I arrive in Hobart if possible. I am beginning to feel like a diesel mechanic. So life continues at a leisurely pace under clear blue skies and a cerulean sea. Life is a cruise, Larry -- Larry Rick Done Dreamin' Nordhavn 40 #33 Site: http://gricknet.homedns.org/Dads%20Web/doneDreamnHome.htm http://encarta.msn.com/map_701511256/Botany_Bay.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botany_Bay