Taking it easy in Macquarie Harbour
Good day from our little bit of heaven, where nature’s harmony contrasts starkly
with the divisiveness of one major world leader, hindering humanity’s progress toward peace.
We’re in go-slow mode here, giving Judith time to heal after a couple of trying years with health issues. The good news? Aboard the ship she loves—the SY Banyandah—she’s recovering miraculously fast.
Crazy, isn’t it? More than 50 years ago, we launched this magical craft to take our infant sons on a quick jaunt up to the Great Barrier Reef. We’ve long since lost track of the miles she’s carried us, but a rough count puts it well over 200,000. Possibly more, considering she’s taken us around Australia half a dozen times, through Asia and the Indian Ocean, then to Japan, the US, and Hawaii, before crossing the Pacific again. And then—the big one—Around the World.
It’s a miracle, really. She’s a fine, seaworthy craft and such a comfortable home afloat.
Dolphins are so clever –
Here we are at the top end of Farm Cove where dolphins were so clever – This pod herded a school of fish up to the end of the channel we were in, then took turns harvesting a feed through them.
Besides a bit of R&R –
We’re in writing mode and there’s no better place to escape distractions than a quiet, little-known anchorage in Farm Cove, Macquarie Harbour. Most yachts visiting the west coast head for Port Davey, a stunning destination, or steam up the Gordon River, another magical place. Tasmania has so many.
Our favourite? A secluded, nearly landlocked bay with a breathtaking view of Mount Sorell. No phone connection, though—that’s both a blessing and a curse. We’re looking into Starlink as a possible solution.
Enough words for now, here are some pictures to complete the story:
Betsy Bay
Betsy Bay
Mount Sorell from top anchorage in Farm Cove, Macquarie Harbour
Jack and Jude off for a wilderness walk with Banyandah at anchor
Once through the shore growth, the vegatation is low growing and sparse.
Jude’s loving the shore excercise.
Behind Jude is the flat plateau, a great day walk with a picnic lunch for views over the harbour and southern ocean
That’s Solider Island in the gap – the entrance to Farm Cove is seen to the left of it.
Change in weather brings inspirational conditions
Good anchorage here, mooring and track through to the harbour beach. See our Guide
Marine biologist weighs in on the farmed salmon vs wild salmon debate