So now all our friends and Megan have returned to their lives, it is time for us to reflect and get on with our plans.  We have had a fabulous few weeks, and are exhausted.
The first main experience was obviously New Year in Sydney Harbour.  We positioned the boat the day before with only a few boats in view.  On waking, it was really filling up with hundreds of boats dropping anchor anywhere.  As you can imagine, this was a slight concern, hoping that no-one put their anchor on top of ours, which could cause issues when lifting them.  All was fine.
The day was spent organizing and checking we had all the necessary life jackets for every body on board.  Neil and Claire took the kids on shore which gave us a chance to ensure we were organised.
5.30pm and we start to collect everyone from the shore.  By 6pm, Tim did a safety brief and then the drinking started.  As Tim has said since - 'It was a shame midnight wasnt earlier as I might not have been so drunk'.  Hey Ho!!!  Everyone brought food and plenty to drink to last.......actually we are still drinking it.
The 9pm fireworks for the kids were fantastic, and just a warm up.  Callum and Jake basically conked out at 11pm and there was no waking them which was a shame.  Jessica, my little storm trooper managed to see the whole thing, and danced the night away, requesting to go to bed 1 second after they stopped.  She is very proud of herself.
The fireworks were incredible.  There is not much more to say than that,  maybe you can catch some of it on utube?  We celebrated with a glass of Verve Cliquot in true style.
Now......the party did not stop there.  The older generation left quickly as I think the noise of our rugby singing was getting out of hand. I am thinking that when i put Flower of Scotland on followed by swing low, we werent that popular!   That was nothing......More singing followed by swimming and body posing, from tim, neil and Sven, cant remember who won, but Neil it wasnt you I am afraid!
The party came to a standstill at sunrise.  The twins, Sven and Kurt kindly rinsed the decks down with sea water, as by all accounts they were not fit to see.  The main issue towards the end of the night was that somehow we emptied our water tanks.  We think it may have just been took much weight and movement as no issues since.  Well,  waking up to no water and brushing your teeth in tonic water is not to be repeated, but being hardy I can handle anything people now, it was not an issue.  Especially as we flagged down a boat selling water, at - wait for it - $6 for .75 litre!!!!!!  Ummmmm we needed a dock and fast.
SO, Tim still drunk, enlisted Megs and Sven to do the driving.  I was clearing up the mess inside with Claire (whos head really didnt need to be inside).  After circling the harbour several times we found a room in an inn.  Cleaned down and watered up, we then had to find a spot to spend the next week.
Until the next episode ........

 

Let the party begin

 

Manning the galley, last minuite jobs

 

Sun setting 

 

Beautiful, but too full of other peoples boats

 

Serious amounts of boats, all rafted together

 

The Northerners - Scot(ish) Scottish and Linconshire.

 

 

Are they making a point perhaps????

 

What a sight this will be

 

Loving the fireworks, complete with party dress

 

Two for one...yes they are identical twins, or is it double trouble?

 

 

All the young dudes - the ones who stayed up to the bitter end...oh to have stamina.