Floating through downtown Hobart

Afternoon folks, it's a beautiful day out in downtown Hobart, across the river, forest fires burn as some of the local Tassies seem to get some perverse enjoyment out of summer brush burning. Ask the rest about '67 and you hear a different attitude. Hanging out with Wayne and Katie again, stayed at Wayne's last night well into the evening again, till morning had nearly broken through. Yesterday was spent roaming the underworld of Southern Tasmania, Hastings Caves and the hot baths that are by them. I went with Phil, Rory, and Vinnie, " "Ey Vinnie, gedda over here." Afterwards we swam in the hot (I use this term loosely, as in warmer than the air around us hot) springs fed pool. I've decided to answer a few emails I've received since the last time I wrote here rather than by email.

Dan, The Hat's doing well, I think they are several pics of it in every country. There was some damage done when I went cliff jumping on a river in South East Fiji, the straw at the back gave out and the wire of the brim hung free, but an hour with some needle and thread has repaired the damage and gives it some further...character? This to all is the cowboy hat I wear on the road, Dan gave it to me, almost five years ago now, and it has aged beyond recognition since being taken travelling.

Brian, yeah I know I keep jumping around but I think I should now be headed up to NZ in the first week of Feb. Let me know when you're thinking of leaving. That's a bit flexible so I could possibly stay in Oz longer, my plans are always subject to revision.

I want to answer the latest letter from Bitch Bob, my merry mate from Fiji (see photos). To all my friends and family around Boston, Bitch Bob, aka Katie, just got into town and already knows exactly who Johnny D. is and has got herself a Bosox cap. If you're around this weekend and going out on the town, send me an email so you can drinking with this Pomey lass. Kate, let me know if you're staying through then so I can arrange to get you tanked. Glad you like it there, make sure you're watching the Pats game if you're still around.

Finally, I want to share some of the thoughts from last night's drinking. Wayne and I have developed a new drink for those of you to try: the smooth Fanny, which is a shooter of Booker's (or any other very strong bourbon) and Drambuie with a piece of Fanny Farmer chocolate laid over the top of the glass and given a half twist so you drink the shooter over the taste of chocolate. A single icecube floats in the shooter glass containing frozen within it a hair from dubious parts of the anatomy. Best to drink before the icecube melts too much. And there you have it, yes I was rather drunk last night. Anyway, till next time.