Holy Cow is on her way home

Safely across Bass Strait and heading for Eden to pick up fuel for Holy Cow & for us.

Greg, Ben, John & I left Hobart 1:00pm Saturday.... a spontaneous decision based on forward forecasts and the fact that all our neighbours were leaving! There was actually a gale warning current for Tasman Island and a few yachts had problems & turned back to Hobart. Winds reached 45kts around the island but we made it into the shelter of Fortesque Bay in time for a barbeque and peaceful night's sleep.

Sunday was a hop up to Wineglass Bay, a beautiful sunset and another barbeque, this time watching backpackers trudge along the beach and a string of Eden bound yachts drop anchor.

Monday had wildlife encounters- some seals on St Helens rock where we did a change down to no 4. headie; and a mother dolphin with a small baby swam alongside us giving surfing lessons to junior (no photos, we just watched!).

I spent 2 days struggling to make the deadline (4th) with the artwork for the Wolverines CD (release date Jan 14th!!??) and got it in with half an hour to spare, my main worry was losing internet coverage before I got 300mb uploaded, but it all hung in ok.

Would have liked to start across Bass Strait, but yachts ahead were getting consistent 30kts so we anchored outside St Helens until the wind eased and departed aroud 2:00am. We have had very good radio coverage and weather in Tassie, also much more contact between boats here.

Tuesday 200am caught the lightening westerlies for an easy crossing, no wind above 25kts and following seas, Gabo Island was in sight at 600am this morning (Wednesday).... some sense of relief having the mainland close by.

We didn't see another boat most of the way across, then picked up a few freighters on radar as we approached Gabo.

Wednesday: After we refuel in Eden we'll head for Sydney as weather is looking good. Probably drop Greg off in Ulladulla. ETA Sydney is between Thursday afternoon & Friday morning, which will work well for John to catch a Saturday plane to the National Bullriding Finals on the Gold Coast where the Wolves are playing. John returns on Sunday to prepare for Tamworth Festival, so we aren't really back home & settled in Sydney till Australia Day.

Thanks everyone for your support & messages along the way, great knowing so many people were watching where we were.... safest way to go to Hobart!

John & Kim