Our last day in Australia rose fine with Hobart glinting majestically across the Derwent. We spent some time looking at the view as small white clouds skidded across the mountain. We were a little. On earned as the wind rose and white tops appeared in th river as we had booked a trip on the Lady Nelson for an hour and a half cruise around the harbour, but as the morning progressed the wind dropped and the sun shone. We made our way over the bridge to the harbour and boarded in brilliant sunshine.
The ship, although a replica, reeked of authenticity, the original had sailed out from England, but looking at the size of her I was fairly sure I would not have liked to have made that voyage. Hobart is clearly meant to be seen from the river as a port town. Edging out from the harbour you do get a good idea of what the original settlers thought of the site. The old town is situated right on the water front with newer conurbations spreading up the mountain. We loved the experience of being on the water looking at the city. All too soon our hour and a half was over.
The pleasure of sailing in a wooden ship around a harbour built by convicts is hard to describe, the sounds of the sails unfurling, the creaking of the timbers, the lapping of the river against the bows are sounds that are difficult to describe. One is always taken back to the history both of the city and the boat itself. All three of us thoroughly enjoyed the experience and all three said that we would do it again with out hesitation.
We had lunch in a bar in the city and then made our way home. A few friends came for afternoon tea to say good bye and we had a tea party which was very pleasant. The evening was spent finalising packing and watching television, before we retired to bed relatively early as we had to be up a five forty five.