Day 8 – Port Davey

Hi Everyone, Welcome to day eight of our voyage.It was nice to finally have a peaceful night at anchor following the previous 24hrs of strong winds and rough seas even though it was a late night as we didn’t get to anchor until after 2300 last night. We all awoke to a cold and windy morning with passing showers but this part of Tasmania is renowned for these conditions.Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour is a World Heritage area and is so remote that only a few people get to experience its beauty. I first came here with the other Tall Ships participating in the International Fleet Review (IFR) in 2013 and have wanted to return ever since so am very happy to be able to bring another Youth Crew back to visit this special part of Tasmania. Today has been full of exciting things and rather than me tell you everything I will hand you over to Katherine and Ruth who kindly volunteered to write tonight’s Captains Log, please enjoy.Until tomorrow, take careYours AyeCaptain GavCaptains log 15 FebA’hoy landlubbers! Sending cold winds and good vibes from an excited Young Endeavour Crew after a busy and exciting day!We pulled into anchor at 2300 yesterday, after sharing some Valentine’s day love and conversations among the crew – and many were excited for the respite and escape from the weather that came with anchorage! Blue Watch banded together fantastically as a team and folded some sails, before finally hitting their racks. All were pleasantly surprised when we were woken at 0700 by the anchor routine of up-and-at-em tunes having had a full night’s sleep with no watches, cos the awesome staffies stepped up and let us catch up on some much needed rest, as rough seas had left many weary faces.To our utter awe and bewilderment we arose onto decks to find we had anchored in a rocky rugged cove surrounded by steep hills and a freezing headache inducing breeze. Some even suggested we had overshot and landed somewhere in New Zealand and others explored the possibility of it being a secret pirates cove, but truthfully we were just in the secluded and fantastical cove of Port Davey; only accessible by a five day hike, seaplane or how the best do it – by ship.After a brief about the days adventures and some fabulous sea tales (all true!) about the area ,we headed to breakfast where, as usual, we were served up a feast, with much of the crew enjoying bacon pancakes or eggs and everyone was satisfied. We all piled onto the hard hulled sea boat and were driven to land, by the awesome Kenny, where like true explorers, we proved we can conquer land as much as the seas. We spent the morning hiking to the top of the nearest peak – Mount Milner. Many were amazed by the incredible 360 views and there were several laughs and adventures had both on the way up and at the top!Captain Gav had shared the quote “Life isn’t about the number of breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away” and the view was certainly breathtaking! We then ferried back to the boat, after wading into the ocean, which felt very icy, to head back to our beloved ship. The boat on the way back saw many of the youth crew get very wet and subsequent quick changes and showers were had. We were then treated to a fabulous lunch of steak and roast chicken – which was a hit with the crew, particularly after gaining such an appetite. As the weather gods were still sending strong weather and it was too strong to set sail, we played cards, which became quite the entertainment on board, and then played mafia and had everyone accusing each other of terrible crimes, which was great for a laugh. A few of the crew even caught up on some more sleep.Up next was a meteorology brief where Evan informed us about tiny air particles moving to create high and low air pressures and controlling the weather. Just as were readying to learn about astronomy, all was interrupted by a scream over the PA for all staffies to be on decks. As the excitement raged above with lots of wind and rain, the youthies were excitedly chatting below decks as we tried to guess the meaning of larger swells and the absence of staffies, although we all guessed it. Turns out the wind had picked up, blowing about 50 knots and we were dragging our anchor towards three little fishing boats. Our fabulous staffies saved the day and moved us further up Bathurst Channel into a much more sheltered cove.Excitement is now building as we are awaiting Captain Gav to give us a Command Day brief and then we go onto elections amongst ourselves for leadership positions for the big day tomorrow. Who will be in charge? Will we survive? Watch this space for all things Youth Crew of voyage 03/16 take control!Over and out!-Katherine and RuthShout outs: Sending a wave from either the top of the mast or beautiful scenery to all my favourites back home! Particularly Mum, Dad, Mark, Keith and all my girls who’d love this view! –Ruth x Lots of love to all my family, missing you all tons, learning so much but truthfully have been fantasising about beds that don’t try to tip you out! All my love to Scott as well