25 March 2010 Kettering, Tasmania

There first rays of sun cast a red glow over the mirrored waters of the harbour, reflecting off the many yachts at anchor before coming to rest on illywhacker, tied to the outer dock where she arrived last night. This is the first day of a new life for me. It is a beautiful beginning ... and it is Lyndall's birthday. On my arrival here after a fast passage from Sydney I have been greeted by many friends and fellow yachties, all part of what seems to be a wonderful community. At last I can slow down, work on illywhacker, enjoy the magnificent environment of Tasmania, perhaps write another book and generally come to understand myself as an individual.