#82 NOW December 23, 2005, 2120—UTC +11 hours (New South Wales, Australia) Anchored out in Double Bay, Sydney (S33’52.3 E151’11.2). Temperature 73 Merry Christmas, For all you folks freezing in the Northern Hemisphere, just look at the temperature down here. I just had to rub it in a bit. Of course, we have a little trouble building snowmen, but a reasonable likeness can be accomplished out of sand at the beach. As for skiing, well—guess that will have to wait tell next July or August. I departed America Bay for the short 23-mile run down to Sydney. It was rather exciting to come around the North Headland, and see the city and harbor open up before me. Now Sydney Harbour on a Friday afternoon is a very busy place. I had my hands full giving way to high speed ferry boats, a fleet of racing sailboats, maxi racing yachts practicing for the Sydney to Hobart race that starts on Boxing Day, cruise ships, bright red jet boats giving tourist a thrill ride, working tugs, and various other assorted vessels. Now a power cruiser like mine is at the bottom of the food chain when it comes to right-of-way. I was one busy boy maneuvering around all these moving obstacles and trying to do some sightseeing. It was a real thrill to pass by Sydney’s famous landmark, The Opera House. Its roof resembles sails, which is very fitting for a city with a wonderful waterfront harbour. Then it was under the Harbour Bridge. For some high adventure, it is possible to climb the arching span with a guide. I then turned into Darling Harbour and worked my way back into Blackwattle Bay. This Bay is in a great location next to the fish market and close to the city. They allow only a small part of the Bay to be used for anchoring. There were already seven boats there and I dropped my anchor about 10 feet over the line. Shortly a patrol boat pulled up and told me to move. With no room in the Bay, I headed back out into the main harbour and found a good spot in Double Bay. It is rather exposed and if the Wind comes out of the North, I get a roll. However, with the para-vanes down this is dampened out some. I arranged with Double Bay Marina to use their dinghy dock. Since my youngest daughter, Stephanie and her mother are arriving Christmas day, I was hoping to get a slip. However, all the marinas are full. I did find one from a private individual who wanted $1,500 Au for the week. Anchoring will be just fine, thank-you! In addition, this location has a great view of the Opera House and The Harbour Bridge, the later is the epicenter for the New Years Eve fireworks. The starting line for the Sydney Hobart race is not too far from this location, and I should be able to get some great shots of these racing boats as they get underway. Tomorrow I plan to spend the day that the Maritime Museum. This museum is considered one of the best in the world, and I believe it is the homeport for the square-rigged bark Endeavour. This is an exact replica of the ship Captain Cook sailed through the South Pacific to Australia in 1768 to 1771. It looks like another exciting day down-under! Life is a Cruise, Larry -- Larry Rick Done Dreamin' Nordhavn 40 #33 Site: http://gricknet.homedns.org/Dads%20Web/doneDreamnHome.htm