Wintering at World's End (without Johnny Depp)

Dear friends – My theory of the Sleep Vortex from last week certainly created a lot of excitement and comment. I was delighted to get the feedback about other significant vortex animal habits and will keep them in mind as I search for a cure for Covid19.

In the meantime, here at World's End, winter is proving to be an exciting time with so much to discover. Here are just a few of my adventures and thoughts over the past week.

Glass Days: the freezing waters have virtually stopped us boating and jetskiing despite some amazing days known locally as glass days.

Glass days are truly spectacular with no swell, beautiful blue skies, a mirror reflective sheen on the water and no wind but it is the 10 degree water temperature that is somewhat off putting.

Now that normally wouldn’t be a problem but Klady and SirD’s snug dive booties are in Covid storage 1,600 km away and being wet while on the water is not pleasant! I know this for a fact as I still have a swim on most days followed by a drying-off run; but sometimes the run is not enough and I arrive home shaking and begging to be towel-dried and for the fireplace to be lit. Fortunately as the master of cuteness, it always works.

Women fishing: As some of you know Klady was brought up with the ocean in her veins and so loves to go fishing, whether on the boat, along the beach or off a jetty. Imagine her surprise on moving to Tassie, when she discovered that this pastime is enjoyed by many other female humans.

For example, last week Klady decided to take me to a local jetty on The Channel. Bait, rods, folding chairs, gloves and snacks were packed and off we set. Klady and I love the solitude the wild and on arriving were surprised to see someone else already sitting there. Imagine our surprise when it turned out to be another silver-haired woman dangling a line.

Minutes later, we were joined by three generations of women from one family - the daughter and granddaughter carrying the tackle, rods and chairs – who also lined up to fish on the jetty. In the meantime I was lucky to find a youthful puppy playmate, Scoot, who loved chasing me and nipping my heels with his milk teeth.

So this is the picture – a line of human females of all ages (supported and entertained by dogs of course) spaced out on the jetty, trying to catch fish. I can faithfully report, I didn't see much catching but heard lots of laughter, chat and then an awed silence, as a pod of ten dolphins and three seals paraded right past. In reality, the fish didn’t matter at all. It was about enjoying the moment and appreciating the beauty around.

The whale migration: I’ve also now seen my first whale! The winter months have whales migrating from Antarctica to warmer waters and some just divert a little from their ocean path to swim past our house.

And this week as I sat at the upper window, I saw a mother and baby whale just off our beach (I think they were humpback whales). I barked and barked trying to bring it to Klady’s attention but she just ignored it, thinking I was annoying some feral mynah birds. Well it was her loss because from my top storey vantage point, I watched them breach and spout all along our little beach! (I have to apologise – no photos as I don’t have opposable thumbs - but just use your imagination).

Finally, I've heard people (including politicians) ask - why Tassie in Winter??? Well my new experience says to me that it's unique - stunning days, snug nights and incredible nature. You humans just need to layer many, many clothes, wear sunscreen (because the sun is REALLY strong) and be prepared for the unexpected.