Wine Glass Bay cruise.

Left Swansea early for the drive to Coles Bay for our cruise to Wine Glass Bay. Arrived with heaps of time to spare so went into town for coffee and toast.

Set sail about 10.00am. We had paid to be in the lounge upstairs. That meant wine, beer, tea, coffee, morning tea and lunch were all provided.

First, across Coles Bay to Freycinet Lodge to pick up a few more people.

Once underway, we headed south through Great Oyster Bay and Promise Bay. The coastline is rugged. We hugged the coast with commentary from the captain. Drinks were available as soon as we were underway with many having bubbly and a couple having beer. Bit early for us so we ordered coffee.

The captain was able to 'hover' the catamaran at the base of cliffs, near a sea eagle's nest, interesting rock formations, rock slips and near some seals on the rocks.

We turned east to go through the Schouten Passage around Cape Forestier and into the Tasman Sea. Next north to Wineglass Bay.

Most people assume that Wineglass Bay's name is something to do with its shape. It was actually named by whalers. They hunted southern right whales and towed them into the bay. Sometimes there was so much blood that the water in the bay was red and they said it looked like a glass of claret.

The captain told us there was 'weather' coming in with high winds and choppy conditions. So while we would normally have anchored in Wineglass Bay for lunch, we would have a look at it but return through the passage for lunch at a more sheltered Bryan's Beach.

Lunch - wow! - we each got a platter - 2 oysters, salmon, trout, turkey, ham, salad, cheeses and fruit and, of course, wine. More than enough of everything.

Disembarked at 3.00pm after a great five hours.

Drove on to St Helens and checked in to the Panorama Hotel.

We all had amazing dinners (both in taste and presentation) at Furneaux Restaurant.

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