Mon, 29th Dec, 2014 Howden boat ramp

Lovely morning, temperature getting better, though we still have blankets on!!! The spare battery in the truck that runs the fridge has been playing up. It is a sealed one but Steve checked it and it had two dry cells. Saw an add on TV last night for a battery place so we headed off into Hobart. I made an appointment to donate whole blood for 10am. We went round to Piersons Point to check out if any yachts were heading in. Just a couple so we headed into town.

Giving blood is good too as I get to check my weight on the scales – not bad. Steve came in so made him hop on and yes he needs to do a bit of work!!!

Went round to the battery place and got a new one. Hope this one lasts longer than a year and a half!!

Around midday the sky was being covered in a thin cloud. They have predicted storms this afternoon and the lady at the Blood Bank said that it will snow on Mt Wellington tonight.

We headed back to Mt Nelson to check out the Signal Station properly. They had flags flying and they were flying well as the wind was building up.

A couple of yachts still coming in. Not sure what race they are in as there are three others happening at the same time.

There was a major storm heading our way.

Went into the Signal Station to read all the info.

Life on the Station.

Flags.

Signalman’s cottage built in 1897.

The storm is building. Steve saw lightning strikes and the wind is getting very strong so we decided to head back to the van to make sure it is ok. The wind on the road was strong, blowing heaps of stuff onto the road.

Then the rain started.

Luckily we are sheltered here. The storm whizzed over our heads and headed south. Those poor yachtsmen will not be having a good time.

By the time we had lunch the sun had come back out again and it was getting hot. We decided that we would head to Bruny Island tomorrow rather than wait for New Year.

Drove back into Kingston and stopped at the Blow Hole to check it out as the tide is in and the wind is blowing well over this side.

 Unfortunately the Blow Hole part has collapsed and left an arch. Still very interesting.

 Walked out to the cliff edge. Looking down to the entrance to the Blow Hole.

Spotted a few more yachts heading in. Lots of wind for them today.

 

  They are having their own little race to the finish.

Googled the yacht’s number – 49. It was Duende from NSW. It arrived at 3.58.45pm today. It was 2.30pm when we saw it. On board was Tony Cable who has achieved the most Sydney to Hobart races (49).  The white one is Art Equity Mahligai, also from NSW who arrived at 3.54.31pm.

Not my cup of tea.

Blackmans Beach. Looks like a lovely day on this side!!

Everyone has a water view at Blackmans Beach.

Got some groceries at Kingston and the black clouds are back again. Zoomed in on Mt Wellington. Maybe there might be some snow!!!

Unpacked the groceries just before the storm hit. Luckily it blew over quickly. Got ready to head off tomorrow. Checked the Yacht Tracking website and the Cairns yacht, Guilty Pleasures crossed the line about 4pm. Watched the news broadcast from the dock and we are glad we didn’t go back into town.

Wind gusts every now and then but no more rain. Getting cooler – Steve said maybe it will snow, his feet are getting colder!!