When’s the last time you shared a room overnight with your youngest child? I’m going to hazard a guess and say it’s probably been some time. Well not for me.

Last night, Hamish and I left Rod to watch some AFL in the lounge of the Spirit of Tasmania (aka, we gave him some me time…) whilst I facilitated bed time for Hamish. On a boat. In a bunk bed. A day before he sees his big sister. In a 3m x 5m room. Whatever is going through your head right now, probably reflects the night. Lots of chat, lots of wriggling around, lots of giggles. I mean, it’s not all bad. I’m pleased to inform you there was no sea-sickness (due to an over-prepared Nurse/Mum).

Being the ever so slightly immature adult I am, I chose to sleep up the top bunk too, which Hamish saw as an opportunity to, and I quote, talk about the “…big questions in life…” Oh God.

Question 1. “Why aren’t there 4 primary colours?”

Not so bad. Thankfully the other life questions can wait a few years.

That boat arrives ridiculously early! Hamish and I have already discussed our breakfast plans. We have seen there’s breakfast being served before disembarking. We delight in a French breakfast of croissants dipped in our hot chocolates. Rod, not a breakfast person, chooses to sleep in an extra 10 minutes. Food V’s Sleep – you be the judge.

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We are instructed to be in our car at 0640 ready to disembark. Tassie has tight COVID-safe protocols, but we quickly make it to our lovely digs in West Launceston. After a bit of unpacking and catching up with Jess and Matt, the 5 of us decide to head out for brunch. I feel we’ve kinda taken our foot off the brake in regards to planning; we’re still in Australia, still driving on the ‘correct’ side of the road, English speakers abound. As a result, parking suddenly becomes an issue, can’t find a café, no one has a plan, I’m trying to remain calm…

After brunch we decide to head to Cataract Gorge where we hang out for the next hour or so walking around, playing on swings and going on the chair lift. Interestingly, whilst on the chair lift, Jess and I both have similar thoughts of, “If I fell now (over the water), I’d probably be OK.”

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We head home and drop off the boys whilst Jess and I go shopping for provisions. Incidentally, the food bill = the alcohol bill. The Dan Murphy here is very busy in comparison to Wangaratta, but obviously attracts the best type of customer. Staff member to customer: “Mate, where did you stash that bottle of vodka?”

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Once back at our house, I suggest we make a plan for the next couple of days. Rod’s feeling a bit dreadful (tired?) so the rest of us take Hamish to an adventure playground, which I have to say, is pretty cool. We all play on the equipment and Jess decides it would be a good place for her to practice her roller-skating.

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Cocktails and baked garlic cauliflower (with teriyaki mushrooms and eggplant, cous-cous and sweet potato) have encouraged most of us an early night is in order.