#88 NOW February 2, 2006 1900-UTC +11 hours (Tasmania, Australia) Anchored in "The Pigstied," Recherche Bay (S43'32.2 E146'53.8). 60 degrees Greetings, and a Special Happy Birthday to Wendy! Notice one correction: Tasmania does indeed go on daylight savings time thus it is UTC+11 hours. Therefore, when it is Noon PST it is 7:00 AM a day later here. I spent a full day exploring Port Arthur. This is the location of one of the largest and best-preserved prisons from the mid 1800's. It was considered one of the harshest institutions of its kind in the British Empire. Incarceration included sensory deprivation and extreme isolation. There was even a section for young boys ages 9 to 17. On a brighter note, the natural harbor provides good protection and is a great place to spend a couple of nights. From Port Arthur, I headed for Hobart, which is located, quit a distance up the Derwent River. Bringing Done Dreamin' up to the entrance of Constitution Dock, I called the Port Control and asked them to raise the bridge to allow passage into the harbour. Within a few minutes, I was inside this enclosure looking for a place to tie-up the boat. There really wasn't much room, so I called them and asked where they wanted me to dock. They said that was up to me. HumŠ I finally found a spot that was about 38 feet long. However, by tucking my bow in first behind the bow of another boat I managed to squeeze in. The location was right next to the main street that runs through the city. It is a unique experience having your boat docked in the center of town. This was convenient, but rather noisy and I was constantly being asked, "Did you really come all the way from the U.S.?" Hobart (population about 220,000) is a wonderful city known for its fine restaurants, pubs, and colorful weekly markets. Salamanca Place, on Saturday morning, is the place to be. Here you will find some outstanding local arts and crafts, as well as a great selection of fresh fruit and vegetables in the many little stalls. If a cruise ship is in port, as it was this last Saturday, the place is packed with tourist as well as locals. I had other things on my mind. February 15 is fast approaching, our planned date for departure to New Zealand. The boat must be in top shape and that included purchasing as set of new house batteries. My old ones had just seen too many cycles. Another problem that has cropped up is the seacock for the watermaker has become clogged with barnacles. Not just on the outside, but evidently on the inside. This may necessitate pulling the boat prior to departure. There is always something to fix. However, I wanted to see more of Tasmania. So, I departed Hobart for a cruise down the coast along the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. This lovely protected area has an abundance of nice little Bays and coves that provide good anchorages. Yesterday, I anchored in Duckpond, which as its name implies is like a pond-calm and peaceful. I spent the afternoon polishing stainless and listening to music in the warm afternoon sun. Today I continued down the coast anchoring in "The Pigsties" which is part of Recherche Bay. I am sure this name has a story, but I have not been able to find anything. Southeastern Tasmania is far more rugged with large trees and many rocky islands. Errors in navigation are not allowed. Have a great weekend! Life is a Cruise, Larry Rick -- Larry Rick Done Dreamin' Nordhavn 40 #33 Site: http://gricknet.homedns.org/Dads%20Web/doneDreamnHome.htm