Churning over the Bass Strait on Spirit of Tasmania

The Spirit of Tasmania is indeed a pleasant leisurely way to cross the Bass Strait.

I found a comfy seat up on the top level that was facing a large window, giving me a great view of the grey sky and green grey sea, with the occasional splatter of light raindrops.

I did see one lonely dolphin bouncing along - on a mission to catch up with its friends perhaps.  As we were gliding thru the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay, we were often joined by Australasian Gannets - large seabirds that I haven't seen before - gracefully sliding alongside the ferry.

Once out into the strait, there were flocks of shearwaters - I think of the Sooty variety - becoming more numerous as we approached Tassie. 

As promised by the captain, there was only a gentle swell, enough to realise one was out on the open water, the surface just rippled with the occasional white flash of foam. 

One trip out onto the open deck, so I could get a good look at the shearwaters, reminded me that I was indeed in the southern latitudes but not desperately cold - yet. 

Tomorrow I will be on me bike and pedaling up a long slow crawl to Cradle Mountain National Park - but today its all about being totally slack - pizza for lunch and I can feel the urge for some chocolate for afternoon tea!

About 2 hours out of Devonport, the clouds lifted - there were patches of blue skies and the sea turned blue and generally things started to look a little more pleasant.  But as the coast of Tasmania appeared I began to wonder just what I was doing - it is so hilly!!  But then I remembered that Japan is much the same and probably NZ west coast looked even more spectacular from the sea…  so Don't Panic!  All will be well and remember - I reminded myself - where's there's an up - there's usually a down….  Fingers crossed.

I thought I had arrived in Sweden - it was cool and the first bird I heard was a blackbird - or koltrast!!!  

here's just a couple of photos - I don't have any editing software on this laptop - so you will just have to cope with them straight from the camera!!  :)

tomorrow I am heading off to Cradle Mountain - weather looks abso freakingly cold and possible snow on Cradle mountain....  think I will be wearing lots of layers!!!

Goodbye Melbourne

Hello Devonport

Red sky at night - shepherds delight