Dec 09, 2005 - 0636hrs UTC

 0636hrs 09 Dec 2005 UTC 43’59”S 138’32”E Ref 633

We’re on the way in. We have spoken to TasCoast radio on 4483 – still no Derek – and I think that we will pass SE CapeThe southernmost point of the main island of Tasmania sometime early on Monday morning and the Iron PotA small island lying close to the south-eastern coast of Tasmania around the entrance to the River DerwentThe Derwent is a river in Tasmania, Australia. Its large estuary forms the port of Hobart. . It is the site of Tasmania’s first lighthouse. about 4 hours later. We have formally requested Customs clearance and advised them of the fact that we are very short of water and diesel and we have developed what we think is a a stern gland leak since running the engine in gear for the first time in a couple of months. Not a cause for concern – the pumps work fine, but we will require urgent slipping once we have cleared into Australia.

We have had our second last G&TGin and Tonic – only one more left in the bottle. Timing just as bit out there but we will persevere and prevail. Like what you have to do when the VogonsExtremely ugly, unpleasant and officious, the Vogons emerged from the seas of Vogsphere and became bureaucrats in the Galactic Government. They destroyed the earth to clear the way for a hyperspace bypass; see also HHGTTGThe Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams; essential reading for those trying to understand these logs. You may be none the wiser once you’ve read it, but at least you’ll have tried. More here read you poetry – thanks Paul – forgot about that! And, by a statistical fluke, I think I will be within 24 hours of my ETAEstimated Time of Arrival.