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'MY ISLAND HOME'
Circumnavigation of Tasmania
by Steve Dineen
Scribe: Steve Dineen
Saturday - 14th February 1998
The Start
My expectation was to paddle around Tasmania - time limit - six weeks.
This was to be my first time paddling my sea kayak that had arrived late.
It was not an ideal preparation for the journey! Andrew Pitt, a nearby
neighbour and paddling companion, joined me on the first day to travel
from Eaglehawk Neck to Maria Island.
We set off 'pushing' into a North
West wind for a couple of hours. At times the going was hard. An early
southerly change was due; the wind would then be behind us. We had a commitment
to meet my wife Helen, Andrew's wife Sue and kids, Jack and Toby, at Maria
Island. Had a break at Cape Frederick Henry then, in a direct line, pushed
on to Maria Island. A slight breeze now behind us we put up our sails.
It gave us little assistance.
Had lunch at Point Lesueur, on a small beach
and then on to Darlington. We had a great breeze, sailing for a few kilometres
without paddling, the first day had gone to plan and we arrived on Maria
on time, we met up with the others who had caught the Ferry across from
Louisville.
Day One - Eaglehawk Neck to Darlington - Distance 60km
Sunday - 15th February
It drizzled all night on Maria. Helen and I were very cramped in our
tent. All our gear and the two of us it was too much for the 'small' two-person
tent. The next morning my body ached from the day's before paddle, I was
happy to have a late departure because of rain. Said my goodbyes to everyone,
who were going for a walk then head back, Andrew was going to paddle back
to Louisville while the others went back on the Ferry. I headed straight
for Schouten Island.
Halfway, there was a small island called lle des Phoques
where I hoped to stretch my legs. Unfortunately I was unable to due to
the vertical rock faces and the very large caves. I was also unable to
get close due to the one to two metre swells. After spending four hours
in the kayak I felt a little seasick due to the side swell. My bottom was
also a little tender. It kept playing on my mind, 'I should have brought
that cushion insert!' Hopefully my bottom will adapt!
The day had slowly
improved the sun was now out, on my arrival at Schouten Island I had a
swim in the sea and a bath in the river. What a wonderful place! No one
here but me. I walked back from the river without any clothes on and not
a care in the world. I took up accommodation in the National Park hut,
which is located on the North side of Schouten, cooked myself some pasta
then went for a walk. There was an abundance of wildlife. I saw a penguin
nestled in the rocks, a hermit crab and sea slug in a small rockery, kookaburras,
native hens and, later on, a couple of possums. This is what life to me
is all about this is why I am doing this trip, this is the most wonderful
feeling
Day Two - Darlington to Schouten Island - Distance 40km
Monday - 16th February
My destination today is Bicheno. It, once again, poured all night.
I was glad to be in a National Park hut. The weather forecast was south
easterly winds - 20-30 knots, 2-3 metre swells easing during the day. My
paddling background up until now had been on Surf Ski's so I was not put
off by large swells. It was still raining when I left Schouten Island.
I would have the wind behind me, so I continued on. Because of all the
rain these huge, smooth rock faces had water cascading straight out into
the sea. It was a spectacular sight. I decided to set sail. It was great
fun surfing down two to three metre swells. I was really motoring!
As I
approached Wineglass Bay the wind was more a westerly than a southerly
and not being experienced with the sail I nearly came out on several occasions.
I had to dig in with my paddle to stay upright. I got across the bay okay
but decided when I come to the next bay, at Friendly Beaches; the sail
would come down. When I reached Friendly Beaches the westerly did not appear
to be as bad. I was making such good "ground" I made a silly mistake and
pushed on.
A very strong westerly squall hit me all at once and I went
straight over. I panicked and pulled the skirt from the cockpit. I was
now in the water, two and a half kilometres from shore in a very nasty
20-30 knot wind. Large choppy swells were hitting me. I got the kayak upright
and blew up my paddle float and it stabilised the kayak. On the second
attempt I managed to get back in. I had more problems. My paddle blade
was now stuck in my tie down strap behind me and I was struggling to keep
my balance. I finally released my paddle but in the process lost my paddle
float. If I fell in now, in these conditions, I would never be able to
get back in. The kayak was now full of water. I couldn't get my spray deck
on it was really tight as it was still brand new and my kayak was very
"tippy".
All attempts to pump it out with the foot pump, I had installed
in the kayak, was to no avail the waves kept pouring more in. I decided
to try and paddle ashore. My sail was caught under the boat. In my haste
to re-enter the kayak I forgot all about it. I tried several time to retrieve
it but nearly fell out. Although I am a strong swimmer I would not be able
to drag the kayak ashore in these conditions so I decided to let the sail
go for fear of losing the lot. After two and a half hours of paddling I
reached the beach where I cleaned the water out of my kayak. I then headed
off again. Helen was waiting for me in Bicheno and would be wondering where
I was. I was very cold and shaken but hopefully a little wiser. It was
a lesson well learnt! I paddled into Waubs Bay at about 1630 and had a
beach landing on Bicheno beach. I was two hours late and Helen had become
a little anxious.
Day Three - Schouten Island to Bicheno - Distance 55km
Tuesday - 17th February
Although I didn't need a rest I decided to spend the day at our parents'
shack in Bicheno. I did a quick trip back to Hobart in the morning to get
another paddle float. This was absolutely necessary in order for me to
re-enter my kayak when overturned as my eskimo rolls were not working in
my newly acquired kayak. I wasn't going to get another sail but Andrew
lent me his so I decided I would use it, only in light or fine winds.
Day 4 - Rest day re-stock lost equipment
Wednesday - 18th February
I awoke early, about 4.00 am, I wanted to push off early. An early
change was forecast - 20-30 knots northwesterly. I will be paddling straight
into it. I knew Helen wouldn't be impressed if I woke her this early so
I had a couple more hours sleep. Helen then saw me off from Bicheno Beach
at about 7.00 am but I only had an hour's good paddling before the wind
hit me. I could see it coming from miles away. I pushed into it for a couple
of hours but it only got worse and I wasn't getting anywhere with my fully
loaded boat. I decided to sit it out for five and half hours in the Chain
of Lagoons. It did calm down at about 4.00 pm for about an hour but then
picked up worse than before. I was very lucky to make it to Ironhouse Point.
There was a boat ramp and a holiday resort called the Craydrop Inn on the
other side of Ironhouse point so I pushed on very slowly pushing into this
strong northwesterly. On arrival I decided to hire a chalet for the night
and get out of this wind, I struggled with my gear up to the booking office,
a large black snake crossing my path on the way. When the lady receptionist
told me where to park my car and I informed her that I had travelled by
kayak, she was horrified! Had a couple of beers in the bar, spoke to an
ex-fisherman called John and a retired Telstra linesman called 'Frog'.
I then went to bed early.
Day 5 - Bicheno to Ironhouse Point - Distance
37km
Thursday - 19th February
Destination today - Binalong Bay. Had an early start. Another day similar
to yesterday - I wanted to make Binalong Bay. Light winds gradually increasing
15-20 knot north-westerlies. It was a very hard day but my objective was
achieved. I hugged the shore all the way around which was suggested by
'John' the fisherman. Although this put a few more kilometres on each leg
the wind was not as ferocious. Being close to the shore was also an advantage
when I wanted to stop and stretch my legs or have something to eat. I try
to do this at least twice during the day and my objective is to average
about six hours paddling each day. The last few kilometres to Binalong
Bay were very hard. I was hardly moving. The wind had really picked up.
On arrival I tied up into a small dinghy marina. A 'local' had given me
permission. I walked to the local shop to find out about the best place
to camp. Camping was not allowed the nearest park fifteen minutes by car.
The shop owner allowed me to camp at the rear of the shop where I spent
the night with their dog 'Bert'.
Day 6 - Ironhouse Point to Binalong -
Distance 45km
Friday - 20th February
I woke up, the tent was flapping. Turned on the radio for a weather
report. More wind and will continue for the next few days. I wonder if
someone is trying to tell me something?? Today was going to be a westerly,
20-30 knots easing during the day. I waited until midday. It didn't appear
to be easing, I decided to give it a go anyway. I lasted nearly three hours
- the conditions were terrible and I didn't get very far. I should not
have started. The problem I had with this trip was the time limit. I would
have loved to sit out these conditions. Sea kayaking is not a 'pleasant'
sport in these conditions. I was really angry out there today, swearing
my head off at the wind.
I landed in a small cove just before Policeman's
Point. This had little shelter from the wind but it was my best option.
It took me several attempts to get my tent up. I had spaghetti and sand
for dinner - bloody wind! The wind did ease up about 7.00 pm. Thought about
a 'night' paddle ... for only a couple of seconds!
Day 7 - Binalong Bay to Policeman's Point (Ansons Bay) - Distance
20km
Saturday - 21st February
I could break today up into three sections - magnificent, good and
lousy. The first couple of hours were magnificent, light winds, large sea
birds flying about me. They probably thought I was a fishing boat and were
looking for scraps. Sorry fellows, fishing season is at rest for this week.
No fishermen anywhere. Great scenery around Eddystone Point. I ran into
a large school of dolphins playing and chasing fish. Several of them came
up to me and checked me out. Unfortunately I missed another good picture.
Several days before I missed out on the cascading water from the cliffs
near Coles Bay because of the rough conditions and this time because my
'non' waterproof camera was packed away in my kayak. I decided that at
the next opportunity I'd buy a waterproof disposal camera and strap it
the deck. The winds were starting to pick up. It was forecast gale force
winds later in the day. I was just hoping I could make it to Mussel Roe
Bay before then. I stuck close to the shore as I had done the day before
and was making good time. I went in and out the coves checking the kelp
beds. I was really fitting the mould of the sea kayaker.
The wind really
picked up and 'hugging' the shore was not working, the wind was everywhere.
I had one more bay to go and I would be there. The wind was really howling
around Great Musselroe Point. I gave it everything I had. The swells had
also picked up and were breaking around the point. Several broke over me
and pushed me close to the rocks. I had gone too far to turn back. Finally
I made it around the point but wasn't out of danger. Waves were breaking
across the river mouth to the inlet and there appeared to be a bar across
the access point into the bay. I will have to get across it. I cautiously
paddled into it in order to find a break when I could go. This was a mistake.
A one-metre wall of water caught me from behind out of nowhere and dumped
me. I nose dived straight into the sea. I got straight out of the kayak
worried about some rocks I had seen. A few 'frog kicks' later I was out
of danger. I then washed up onto the beach relieved to be out of there.
The reason I was cautious with my approach was that I found the sea kayak
would not ride waves like a surf ski, when the white wash hits you behind
on a kayak it flings you sideways causing all kinds of problems.
I paddled
up river for about 500m and walked into the main street of Poole, it appeared
to be deserted everyone was getting out of this weather. I found a lady
in the local phone box and asked her for directions to the nearest camping
site. She told me I looked like a "drowned rat" and could not believe anyone
had been out in that weather, especially in a kayak. She then invited me
to her home for a cooked dinner and a shower. We had roast lamb and apple
pie and I got the largest serving much to the disgust of Di's husband,
Graham. They were lovely people. Di gave me directions to the local camping
spot packing me breakfast and lunch for the next day. I put this day down
to 'taking the bad with the good!'
Day 8 - Ansons Bay to Great Musselroe Bay - Distance 47km
Sunday - 22nd February
I lay in my tent. Winds still howling - gale force. I was glad to have
found this sheltered camping spot just inside the river mouth of Great
Musselroe Bay. A rest day must be had. My body probably needs it after
the bashing I have been giving it. Just trying to keep the kayak running
in these conditions has taken a lot of energy. The Sea Cat had to cancel
its crossing of Bass Strait. The second time in three days. Things must
be pretty bad out there. I think I'll sleep all day.
Day 9 - Bad Weather Day - Poole Monday - 23rd February
At last! Light winds. I will aim to make it to Tomahawk today, 57 kilometres
away. The first twenty kilometres blue clear waters and white sandy sweeping
beaches. Tassie is certainly a beautiful place. As I got close to the Northwest
tip I could see reefs about 3 kilometres out to sea. The water up here
is all churned up probably because of all the wind we have been having
and the change in swell and the differing tides across Banks Strait. As
I rounded Cape Portland it was like a washing machine. Large swells churning
and breaking up in spots. I was glad to get around the Cape. To get to
Tomahawk I had to paddle close shore for a number of reasons. The tide
floods west across the Strait and at this time of the day I will be heading
into it for a couple of hours my theory was to try and miss the brunt of
this by sticking close to shore. Ringarooma Bay was a large Bay and the
swells were large in the middle of the Bay and visibility was poor. I had
also discovered my compass was missing, I must have lost it when nose-diving
the kayak at Musselroe Bay. I finally got to Tomahawk but I don't think
I missed much of that tide, it was a slow hard slog all the way. The Tomahawk
caravan Park is right on the beach an ideal spot to camp.
Day 10 - Poole to Tomahawk - Distance 57km
Tuesday - 24th February
I usually like to be in the water at about 7.00am but the tide wasn't
due to change until the afternoon so I decided to spend the morning cleaning
and rearranging my gear. I also ate the take away shop out of food! My
aim today was Bridport. I wanted to contact Geoff Jennings, Commodore of
the Maatsuyker Island Sea Kayaking Club. Jeff had helped me out with some
information and promised me a meal, hot shower and bed for the night. I
headed off in the afternoon but to my disgust the wind picked up. Just
enough to be annoying and slow me down. Five and half hours in the saddle,
hard paddling because of the wind, I'd had enough, very disappointed that
I hadn't made Bridport. There were a lot of penguins in Anderson Bay. Boy,
Waterhouse beach is long! It just keeps going and going. Camped the night
in the sand dunes on Waterhouse beach. It was quite pleasant. My own beachfront
residence!
Day 11 - Tomahawk to Waterhouse Beach - Distance 42km
Wednesday - 25th February
A good early start. A few hours paddling and had lunch at Fordington.
Weather was good, light winds, spent about four hours in Weymouth, and
had a good look around. Nice little town. I found it best to camp out of
town as most small places don't have campsites or they are not near the
sea. I just pick a nice spot as I paddle along. There's a few bad points
with many of these secluded spots - march flies and no warm showers! It
can sometimes get scary overnight. I was woken by a 'thud', 'thud', 'thud'
on Waterhouse beach last night. The noise got louder and louder until it
stopped outside my tent. I froze expecting an axe to come flying through
my tent. Then 'thud', 'thud', 'thud', a quicker pace moving away from the
tent. In the morning the large paw prints revealed those of a kangaroo.
Must have been a big roo! This had been a great day I had met my objectives
when planning this trip 6hrs paddling time and 50km completed. I found
a nice little secluded beach at Stony Head 15km out of Weymouth to spend
the night.
Day 12 - Waterhouse Beach to Stony Head - Distance 50km
Thursday - 26th February
I'm a great believer that things happen in 'threes'. Today was, hopefully,
my final mistake. It was great weather. I stopped in at Low Head and went
down river looking for a shop to resupply my snack bar. I really felt like
a chocolate and would have paddled to George Town to get one, with fruit
and nuts in it, of course. It was a nice day, stayed in Low Head for four
hours. It was a nice little spot. I managed to dry all my gear out. Left
at about 2.30 pm and did a short paddle around West Head. It was amazing.
Thousands of soldier crabs on the beach. I waited there for about an hour
until the tide changed watching these little critters scurry around and
siphon through the sand for food. I then headed for Point Sorell. It was
about a twenty-kilometre paddle across the bay. The clouds came over and
visibility was poor. I kept paddling across the bay. I had been paddling
for two hours. Still, Port Sorell was barely visible. I could see a small
island and thought this could be the Carbuncle. A funny little island,
it must have a small lighthouse on it.
I kept paddling for another half-hour.
I now could not see land. I did not seem to be getting any closer to anything.
I must be there soon. The tide was with me. I had a slight swell to keep
me going. Another half-hour and the island seemed to be further out to
sea. It must be my imagination. I stopped and had a really good look. There
seemed to be smoke coming from the top of this little island. It was a
bloody ship going out to sea and I had been following it! I later worked
out I was probably fifteen kilometres out to sea. How could I have been
so stupid! I could see some lights in the distance so I followed them back
into shore. There was a fantastic lightning storm out at sea as I landed
on the beach near Devonport airport. Some people were walking their dog
along the beach they helped me carry my kayak and gear to a suitable camping
spot and then helped me set up my tent in the dark. I've been very lucky
meeting some wonderful Tasmanians.
Day 13 - Stony Head to Devonport Airport - Distance 67km
Friday - 27th February
Yes, it was here again, the famous'wind' - a 20-knot westerly! I tried
for three hours but just as before it got stronger and I was hardly moving.
I've spoken with some of the locals and some fisherman and they can't believe
the
wind. A lot of people have said it is like September weather. Things aren't
looking good for finishing this trip. I expected delays down the West Coast
and hadn't planned for these delays. I paddled into Turner's Beach for
shelter and set up camp in the local Beach side Caravan Park. I then thumbed
into Ulverstone had a nice meal and bought a waterproof disposable camera.
I caught a Taxi back to the Caravan Park cleaned my clothes and had an
early night.
Day 14 - Devonport Airport to Turner's Beach - Distance 18km
Saturday - 28th February
I had an early start. Winds were forecast again today and they didn't
let us down. Great sailing weather ... if I was going the other way! I
tried to hide from the wind behind each point. I stopped at one of my mate's
mum and dad's at Penguin for half an hour - Jack and Lil Conway where I
wanted to be the night before. I had had enough of the wind by Somerset
and decided to stop at the Somerset Surf Club where I knew a few people.
I set up camp for the night. Helen was coming up for the long weekend.
I was supposed to meet her in Wynyard. Luckily I was able to contact her
and we met in Somerset. We went into Burnie and bought food for the West
Coast haul and back to the Somerset pub for tea and a few beers at the
Surf Club. To bed early ... not just because I was tired!!
Day 15 - Turner's Beach to Somerset Surf Club - Distance 43km
Sunday - 1st March Had a nice sail out to Table Cape. The first sail
since Friendly Beaches. Alas, it died out after an hour. It was a very
nice day and decided to spend more time paddling. Aside from being more
enjoyable I travelled more kilometres. Got a good snap of a seal sunbaking
in the water off Rocky Cape. It was most surprised when I said hello and
took a quick snap. Helen was setting up camp at Crayfish creek Caravan
Park. I did an extra couple of hours and went to Stanley. Met up with Helen
at Stanley, had a look around and went back to Hellyer where we heard a young
bull sperm whale had beached itself. It was a very sad sight. The tide had gone
out and it was just lying there. It was breathing very slowly and people were
throwing water over it with buckets to keep it from drying up. Apparently it had
already been pulled out to sea but beached itself again. The whole pod had
beached itself. The other eleven were dead. Why this happened no one really
knows. They are beautiful big creatures of the sea. To see this happening
saddened me. The young bull was pulled out to sea again and as far as everyone
knows was now safe but without its family.
Day 16 - Somerset Surf Club to Stanley (The Nut) - Distance 61km
Monday - 2nd March
Another nice day. Two days in a row. Things are looking up. Said my
goodbyes to Helen and set off from Stanley Point around 10 am. Paddled
from Stanley to Perkins Island where I had lunch. I then headed around
the Shipwreck Point. There were sandbars everywhere. I had to get out of
my kayak on several occasions and drag it over these bars. I should have
stuck close to Robbins Island where there appeared to be deeper water.
If ever I had any doubt that the tide flooded west, now I believed it.
Going through Robbins Passage, no pun intended, the current was 'ripping'
through and I timed it perfectly. There were hundreds of black swans through
the passage. It made me laugh to see them try to take off from the water.
They almost walked on water before taking off. I think they were all too
well fed. Set up camp at Woolnorth a well-known farming area on the North
West Coast, the paddocks up here were certainly lush.
Day 17 - Stanley to Woolnorth - Distance 60km
Tuesday - 3rd - March
Once again I had to drag my Kayak quite a long way, to get to the waters
edge, the tides on the North Coast across Bass Strait have a huge difference
between high and low waters my tide table book showing about 3 metres.
It was an eerie feeling leaving the quiet, sheltered Boullanger Bay
into the deep, dark, Green, blue waters of the West Coast. Stories and
the reputation I had heard about the coast made me nervous. It was a perfect,
clear still morning as I rounded Waldorf Point. The water beneath me was
moving and churning. It had been reported that there had been 6 metre swells
in the area. As I rounded Woolnorth Point to my surprise there was a Police
launch in the area. They approached me and took my name and details. I
know they were probably only doing their job but they were quite abrupt.
It was a spectacular morning. I decided to go inside the first Doughboy.
It ended up being the wrong decision. A wave broke, as I was halfway across.
I had to negotiate white water from a broken wave. As I came into Cape
Grim the swells were huge, about 4-5 metres. The problem with these large
swells was that they were slamming into the cliff face of Cape Grim and
creating a terrible backwash. Keeping the kayak moving was difficult; I
was always correcting my balance. I had to admit I was more than a little
bit scared. The swell didn't get any smaller as I paddled along. At least
when I got into the bays I lost the backwash.
Waves were breaking all over the place. I had to keep my wits about
me and on several occasions paddled further out to sea to get around these
obstacles. This famous coast was certainly living up to its reputation.
I got into Mawson's Bay paddling mostly on adrenalin. As I got half way
across the bay the most incredible thing happened to me. I had never seen
anything like it before. A light northerly wind put a chill on my back
and the mist turned into fog. It started to surround me and in the next
fifteen minutes I could not see the land and could only see about fifty
metres in front of me. I paddled on peering through the fog not wanting
to get too close to the beach with these large swells. After about an hour
of paddling and hoping I was headed in the right direction. I could hear
waves break in front of me and I had to make a quick right turn around
some rocks. Luckily I was in a safe little bay off Bluff Hill Point. There
were two fishing boats in the bay and I could see a few caravans and half
a dozen shacks. I set my tent up near the caravans. Southerly winds, 20-30
knots, 4-5 metre swells forecast for tomorrow. I will be staying here tomorrow.
Later on I met Paul and Narlene Cunningham. They were staying at their
shack for the night. They offered me a shower, which I gladly accepted.
Day 18 - Woolnorth to Bluff Hill Point - Distance 57km
Wednesday - 4th March
Two fishermen had arrived late last night and set off early this morning
to pull their craypots. I spoke to them when they arrived. The weather
would be the same until Friday and they weren't going out for a few days.
That meant I wasn't going out either. I wasn't going to take any risks
down this coast. I decided to go into Smithton for the night to resupply
my food, stock up and have a look around. Paul and Narlene offered me a
ride into town where they run a local film developing shop. They also said
I could stay at their place for the night. He also lent me his car. All
this from people I had only just met. Unbelievable generosity from wonderful
people.
Day 19 - Bad Weather Day Bluff Hill Point
Thursday - 5th March
There seemed to be no wind around Smithton. I rang the boating weather
forecast and there was a lull for a couple of hours while it turned southerly.
That's all I needed, a southerly! I thumbed back into Marrawah getting
two rides. One from Paul Cunningham's sister and the other from Phil who
had been an organiser in the West Coast Classic Surf contest. He told me
there had been large swells around for the last three weeks. I walked back
into Bluff Hill Point taking what I thought was a shortcut along the coast.
It took me an hour to battle rain squalls and strong southerly winds. At
least I had great scenery, large waves pounding the coast. I was glad I
wasn't out there.
Day 20 - Bad Weather Day Smithton
Friday - 6th March
A terrible night, hardly any sleep. My tent just couldn't handle the
wind. It collapsed often during the night. The centre stringer poles were
not strong enough and the tent lay on top of me just 'flopping' around.
I was also damp from the occasional rain gust. It was not a pleasant night
but I had nowhere else to go. I hope to get an early start tomorrow if
the wind goes away.
Day 21 - Bad Weather Day Bluff Hill Point
Saturday - 7th March
The wind was still here, the swell was still here and it was southerly.
I have spent most of the trip pushing into northwesterly winds, I turn
around the corner and it changes its mind. The fishing boats still weren't
out which was a bad sign. I decided to give it a go. I'd spent three idle
days now and things weren't looking good about finishing this trip. It
was another one of those days when I shouldn't have. I spent hours the
day before working out where I could get out through the reef and I spent
an hour the next day going the only way I could, out to sea around it.
The swells and breaks change every day. You can't rely on conditions from
the day before. The huge swells look like they are going to break on you
and all you get is a bit of whitewash and the lip of a wave. The wind was
making it worse. I was a little scared off Cape Grim now I was absolutely
shitting myself! Pushed on slowly down to Sundown Point battling headwinds
and large waves. A large group of dolphins were in the bay. I was concentrating
too much to enjoy their presence. I struggled into Sundown Point where
I rested on the beach turned on my radio and listened to the cricket hoping
that the waves and wind would subside. It didn't appear to be easing so
I went for a walk looking for a suitable camping spot. I noticed an aboriginal
midden. I have seen quite a few along the coast. Aborigines must have lived
and hunted all the way down this coast. A local shack owner came down to
see if I was alright. He offered me a bed and a shower that I accepted.
That night we played scrabble. They filled me with apple cider and port.
I slept very well.
Day 22 - Buff Hill Point to Sundown Point - Distance 18km
Sunday - 8th March
I was anxious to get away today. The wind had dropped and so had the
swell. I said my goodbyes and went down to the beach to get changed. As
I was slipping into my thermal gear the wind started again. Well, that
was it. I had had enough. I put my clothes back on and went back up to
the shack and rang Helen to come and pick me up. I then walked out to the
point feeling sick in the stomach. I felt like a failure. The elements
had finally beaten me. I sat there awhile thinking about my decision. The
wind had not got any stronger. My attitude was all wrong. I must try not
to let the elements beat me but try to work with it. Even if I do only
get a little way today. I then ran back to the shack. Luckily Helen had
not left. Jan and Liz must have thought I was crazy. As I paddled on and
the wind and waves held me back, my whole attitude had changed. I knew
who was boss and I was very glad that the swell had eased off. I arrived
in Sandy Cape about 6 am. There were three fishing boats in the bay. I
went up to one of them hoping for a weather report. I got a little more
than that, a roast meal and a bed and an experience on a crayfishing boat
for the night. I thought the fishermen might have been a little apprehensive
about a lone kayaker down the West Coast. They did tell me I was crazy
but they all wished me luck. I knew if anything happened they would be
the first to help. We did a night run and caught eighty crays. John told
me that it was about $3000.00 worth. He also told me he was going to Dover
the next day and if I wanted a ride down there he would gladly oblige and
he wouldn't tell anyone. I did think about it for a little while, but only
a little while!
Day 23 - Sundown Point to Sandy Cape - Distance 40km
Monday - 9th March
That fog was here again, John and Des found there way to Sandy Cape
beach and dropped me off just before Sandy Cape at a place called Venables
Corner. They were going out again for another haul. It was 6.30am, I was
hoping to get an early start but you couldn't see a hundred metres in front
of you. It got the better of me about 8.30 and I went out. I soon turned
back. The swell had picked up again and a big wave broke in front of me.
Luckily it reformed but you just couldn't see them coming. There were reefs
everywhere around Sandy Cape. It improved a little around 10 am only to
find large swells breaking out at sea I would have to go around all of
them. The fog hadn't quite lifted and I wouldn't be able to see land. Back
to the beach. An abalone diver was now in the bay. I asked him if there
was any way through the reef. The only way being out to sea and around
the lot he told me. Here he was running backwards and forwards through
all of this in his boat keeping an eye on his mate who was in the water
and watching the worst of the waves breaking around him. He said I was
a brave man being out in these swells. These blokes are unreal! I finally
got away around 11.30 am. It was a great day. No wind. There were a lot
of short-tailed shearwaters gliding inches from the top of the sea.
I had
to be watchful of the large swells. Some would all of a sudden appear from
nowhere and look like they were going to swallow you up. I would look straight
down at the water below me and see if I could see the bottom. If it wasn't
that deep green colour I was out of there real fast because I was probably
on a reef or a shallow bar. You are very low in the water in a kayak and
you don't always see a wave coming till it's right on you and you can bet
the one after is going to be bigger. I got to the Conical Rocks Point after
about five hours paddling and was very weary with only a few hours sleep
the night before. It was a great little hiding spot from the swell. I would
like to have camped there but I wanted to do some more kilometres so I
could make Strahan the next day. A fisherman sheltered inside the Conical
Rocks said I wouldn't be able to get into Granville Harbour because the
swell was too big but I would be able to get just around the corner. I
followed his craypot line around the reef where I knew I would be safe.
Boy, was he wrong. When I got there the swell was too big and I couldn't
get onto the beach. These kayaks don't handle surfing the waves too well.
I did a bit of backtracking and found a great little camping spot just
outside the Conicals but I had to scramble over some rocks to get there.
I was very angry about the amount of rubbish in this camping area.
Day 24 - Sandy Cape to Conical Rocks - Distance 50km
Tuesday - 10th March
Another fine day and I've got a lot of kilometres to do today with
not many rest spots, After Four-Hour paddling I landed on the beach at
Trial Harbour. I cooked myself some noodles because I had run out of my
usual lunchtime snacks. I then headed off again to my destination Strahan,
a fishing boat stopped and said hello along the way asking me where I was
from and offering me their best wishes. They asked if I needed anything.
It was further than I thought to Strahan, I was making slow progress. I
must have been pushing into a current. I finally arrived. I could see tourists
on the beach indicating this was where Ocean Beach road. I had decided
to walk into Strahan on this road rather than paddle in to save some time.
The swell was still about, but my beach landing went quite well with the
kayak staying straight this time. I asked a couple on the beach Otto and
Anne (Father and Daughter) from Perth (WA) the location of Ocean Beach
road. They offered me a ride and helped me hide my kayak in the sand dunes.
I stayed at the local Youth Hostel with them. I could have stayed and talked
with them all night. They were very nice and very interesting people. Otto
was a retired engineer, a very modest and wise person who lived life to
the fullest. Helen also rang that night. To my surprise her attitude had
changed towards the trip. She was now encouraging me to keep going. The
police had rung her that night to check on me and to see if I had made
it to Strahan.
Day 25 - Conical Rocks to Ocean Beach (Strahan) - Distance
60km
Wednesday - 11th March
Beyond here there were no shacks, no roads, no power, no phones and
no shops. Nothing but sea and wilderness. "The southern extremities of
an island at the world's end." (Quote from an early French explorer). I
restocked my food supply and Anne and Otto drove me out to my kayak and
helped me carry my gear. This was it. No turning back now. I paddled out
through the surf feeling good about the trip ahead. I looked down and my
map was gone. It must have come out when I hit that wave. I should have
known better. It was only sitting under an elastic strap. I had to turn
back. Otto and Anne returned to see what was wrong. I went for a swim to
see if I could find it but no go. Anne went back to the car and gave me
their Tasmanian map. Although it was only a 1:250000 scale map, and I had
a 1:150000 scale map, it would have to do. I would just have to ask fishermen
along the way. The other problem I had was that Tony Gaiswinkler, from
the Tasmanian Sea Kayaking Club, had shown me all the bays that I could
land in and I had marked them on the map. This was it. There was no turning
back ... take two! Without a doubt these were the best conditions I had
paddled in. The weather was perfect. Not a breath of wind, low swells and
crystal clear waters. There were birds everywhere out to sea and schools
of fish were running. I don't know what sort of fish they were but they
must have been a fair size because the birds weren't trying to catch them
for a meal. I paddled that planned average today, setting up camp near
Modder River. There was no doubt that this is a great part of Tasmania.
Us human beings haven't got to it yet and overpopulated or destroyed this
pristine coast. Even the wallabies down here give you an inquisitive look
and bounce away casually like they have never seen humans before.
Day 26 - Ocean Beach to Varna Bay (Modder River) - Distance 50km
Thursday - 12th March
Yesterday was the 'calm before the storm'. The winds had picked up
today, 20-30 knots - Northerly. At least the wind will be behind me and
if it gets too bad I will head for shore. I'll give it a go. It turned
out to be very unpleasant out there. The water was really moving about,
swell in all directions. I went over to a fisherman in the next bay, Hibbs
Bay, who was hiding behind some reefs and asked him for the best place
to get protection from this wind. He told me that the next bay around,
Hibbs Point to Spero Bay would be my best option. There would be another
fishing boat there as well. At Hibbs Point there was a colony of seals.
Once around the point wind didn't appear to be as bad. I decided to push
on with the breeze behind me. I would like to try to get to Elliott Bay
today which was another fifty kilometres away. Wrong decision! The wind
really picked up. These unbelievable squalls behind me were really making
life unpleasant and my kayak was beginning to become uncontrollable. The
kayak was not handling the conditions at all well. It kept veering to one
side. I think because of the banana shape of the boat and the sloppy conditions
the rudder spent most of the time out of the water. I believe this to be
a bad design fault of this kayak. I went for shelter in Wanderer River
where a fisherman said a kayak could get into. Well it could, but I went
in the wrong way between two large rocks instead of paddling around the
reef. White wash pushed me around and I nearly lost it all on some rocks.
I was quite upset when I landed on the beach knowing I would be stuck here
for awhile. I would rather be where the fishermen go for shelter. Not only
for company but to get current weather reports and communication to the
real world. The bush was very dense here. I had to set up camp on the beach.
I did this so I could be seen from the water in case a small craft passed
and maybe wanted to drop in. Well, that was my theory anyway. I then had
my usual wash for all those smelly spots, made a nice dinner and had an
early night.
Day 27 - Varna Bay to Wanderer - Distance 40km
Friday - 13th March
I had been having trouble picking up a radio signal. I was lucky enough
to get the early 5.55 am ABC weather report. Gale force winds from Low
Rocky Point to Port Davey that was where I was headed. Strong winds in
other coastal waters. 3-4 metre swells in the west. It was also raining
on and off. The sea was certainly churning out there. I wasn't going anywhere
today, especially on Friday the 13th! I went for a short paddle up the
river. It kept going and going and going. I decided that if I were here
tomorrow I'd take lunch with me and go right up the river. It was certainly
very picturesque. If I were a Tasmanian Tiger this is where I'd live. Dense
rainforest, beautiful river and isolated location so no one could come
and find me. I did some maintenance on the sea kayak and found the adjustable
straps connected to the rudder foot pedals were only hanging by a thread.
I did the best job I could and repaired them. As I sat there having tea
I watched the sea. The tide was low and massive great waves were rolling
through the river mouth and smashing into the beach. There were dark grey
clouds behind this scene. It sent shivers down my back. I was glad to be
on land.
Day 28 - Bad Weather Day Wanderer River
Saturday - 14th March
As I was lying in my tent last night the sea sounded like a jet engine
plane taking off. It was reported 3-4 metre swells 5 metres in the south.
I hope they drop off so I can get out through this river mouth. It had
turned southwest overnight. It poured with rain and blew all night. I hid
my tent behind a large log, put rocks around the tent pegs, dug it into
the sand and modified the tent poles. Luckily it stayed up. It was a terrible
night and a change is not forecast until tonight. The river cruise will
have to be cancelled. At home I usually don't take much notice of the weather
but I find it hard to believe these bad conditions. From now on I will
take more notice of the weather. I think I'll blame El Nino. Had one of
the hottest days in March in 58 years yesterday. Melbourne had one of the
hottest days ever recorded. There must be something happening out there.
I went for a walk later in the afternoon. I picked up about a dozen blue
packing straps that probably came off fishing boat boxes, which was disappointing.
I also found a great little camping spot. I followed what looked like a
track into the clearing, about 500 metres. It looked like someone had lived
here before, a long time ago. I found an old wash board, a rusted old metal
box and what looked like an old jewellery box. It had the old heart pumping
for awhile but nothing in it. A sick penguin had washed in on the beach.
I'm hoping he was just tired from the rough conditions and would swim away
again after he had rested. I placed him under a log out of the wind; he
didn't even try and bite me.
Day 29 -Bad Weather Day Wanderer River
Sunday - 15th March
I found my little penguin mate dead in the morning. The sea lice were
already making a meal of him. The swell was still up and I doubt that even
Ironman Trevor Hendy would struggle to get through this surf. Only a slight
wind, due to ease in the afternoon. I waited around, cooked myself a big
meal and went to get some water from a small stream. It did ease up. I
was really nervous about getting out there. Aside from the large swells
I had to negotiate a shore break and a second reef break. Finally, I had
more respect for the sea. The shore break didn't go too well. I had to
duck through a wall of green water. The reef break went well. I was able
to slip out through sets. The swell was huge. It had been reported 3-4
metre swells. I felt so inadequate out there in my little sea kayak. The
swell wasn't only big but the water was moving everywhere from the recent
stormy winds. It hasn't happened the whole trip, but today I got seasick.
I mean, really seasick! After throwing up Chilli Con Carne I felt absolutely
terrible. I was quite faint and I knew I had to get in to shore. There
weren't any places I could see. My paddling had slowed down to a snail's
pace and I had lost all my strength. I had put myself in a dangerous situation
being too close to the shore break looking for a spot to get in, especially
with these swells. I had to sprint several times to get over the lip of
these waves. I was still throwing up but knew it was more dangerous to
stay out here in my condition. What I had to look for was a reef that would
take the impact of the large waves. You then slip behind the reef and hope
there is a sandy beach behind it. I finally found an ideal spot. I didn't
know where I was and I didn't care. I was now dry reaching. Very happy
to reach the shore I lay on the beach for about an hour until the cold
got the better of me. I then went up and set up camp and worked out I was
in a small bay near Lewis River. Some 'yahoos' had set up camp here before
complete with barbecue area, table and chairs and had even paved an area
with rocks. It makes me wonder why they would leave their rubbish here.
It was disgusting. At least they had left some reading material. In a plastic
bag I found six National Geographic magazines.
Day 30 - Wanderer River to Lewis River - Distance 28km
Monday - 16th March
As soon as my head hit the 'bag of clothes' last night I went straight
to sleep. I woke about 3 am still feeling queasy in the stomach. I also
had diarrhoea. It makes me think that the problem may have been in the
water I had drunk from the stream. I had taken precautions with the water
using purification tablets and I also boiled the water. I'll never really
know but the water I've kept I will throw out. Strong wind warning forecast
again tomorrow, north westerly changing to southwesterly with similar strength.
Later in the morning I went down to the beach. The wind didn't appear to
be that bad. In the end I decided not to go. Even though time was a factor
I was still feeling quite ill. It was raining and I didn't really want
another one of those days where I shouldn't! Had an afternoon walk over
these huge sand dunes. A lot of rotting bull kelp on the beach and the
smell was not pleasant. There was also a lot of bird life in the area.
Cockies making a lot of noise and crows but they looked more like ravens.
They probably were.
Day 31 - Rest Day Lewis River
Tuesday - 17th March
The 5.55 weather forecast. Strong wind warning still current. I had
to make a start. Day seven and I haven't even made it around this southwest
coast yet. The wind didn't appear to pick up as strong as the forecast
yesterday so I'll give it a go. Well, it did pick up today but as soon
as I felt it getting too strong I snuck behind some Reefs and looked for
some way to get in. I managed to do fifty kilometres so I was very happy.
Although I had the wind behind me it was very uncomfortable out there.
Three-metre swell going one way and wind slop going another. You always
have to be correcting yourself or end up in the drink. Conditions were
pretty similar to Sunday. The seasickness had not returned. It must have
been the water. I know I will never eat Chilli Con Carne again! I got a
bit of a fright out there today. I came over this wave and there was this
"thing". I froze and my first thought "a shark". As I started to paddle
away from it I noticed it hadn't moved. At closer examination it was a
seal lying on its side. I know I've mentioned rubbish before but it beat
everything today. I was located behind Alfhild Reef in a small cove, this
place was absolutely disgusting. It was littered with stuff people must
have thrown overboard. There was even a TV there! I took a photograph.
I will be showing the National Park ranger as soon as I make it home. There
was a lot of bird life on the beach. I'm sure that if they were to ingest
some of these small plastic particles it would be a slow death for them.
Day 32 - Lewis River to Alfhild Bight - Distance 50km
Wednesday - 18th March
Gale force winds. It's blown all night. Luckily I had taken my tent
bush out of the wind. I was starting to get a little concerned. My water
supply was low. My food supply was okay. I had not eaten a lot since throwing
up on Sunday. I was missing my wife and my family. I would rather be home
working around the house than laying in a tent waiting for good weather.
Day 33 - Bad Weather Day Alfhild Bight
Thursday - 19th March
Eighteen degrees, rain and still gale force winds from Port Davey to
South East Cape. I've got to start thinking of ways to get off the South
West Coast. Going back to Strahan with strong Northwest winds is out of
the question. I could try to paddle into Port Davey to Melaleuca and walk
out of here but that still means paddling out of this and around Davey
Head. It's a bit early yet but I have my EPIRB (Emergency position Indicating
Radio Beacon) that I could set off. Apart from the embarrassment, I take
philosophy from Laurie Ford who is who is a Tasmanian legend on Sea Kayaking,
you get yourself into it you get yourself out of it. I can't just sit here
waiting for good weather. Supplies are now low. I would kill for a can
of coke!
Day 34 - Bad Weather Day Alfhild Bight
Friday - 20th March
Still gale force winds and raining in patches. The temperature in Hobart
while I have been down here has been 10 degrees warmer and the wind 15
knots less. It certainly is a harsh climate down here. This is my situation.
I have a couple of emergency dry packs of food but without water I have
only one day's food supply left. There is a dirty old creek here but the
water is barely flowing, it is dark in colour and looks undrinkable. I
am three days paddling away from Strahan with good weather, three days
paddling away from Southport with good weather. One day paddling into Melaleuca,
probably another two or three days to run out of here with a light pack.
Melaleuca has an airport marked on the map. I don't know whether it is
used regularly. Maybe I could get some food brought in. No matter which
way I choose, depending on the weather conditions, I will have to leave
here tomorrow.
Day 35 - Bad Weather Day Alfhild Bight
Saturday - 21st March
I lay awake for most of the night and worried about the day before
me. Apart from the wind blowing hard I was thirsty and hungry which was
also keeping me awake. Early weather report gave a final gale warning.
Depending on when it calmed down I would be able to get out of here. I
was very relieved when the sun came up. The wind started to calm. I packed
my gear up and sat on the beach waiting for it to settle a little more.
I scooped up the water that had settled from the night's rain in my kayak
seat, filtered the sand out with toilet paper and had a nice little drink.
It calmed down to light southwest winds and I got away about 9.45 am. As
I rounded North Head I noticed a few fishing boats working around the reefs.
I tried to catch up with them and hope to get some water but the swells
were large and the fishermen could not see me. By the time I arrived in
their vicinity they had all moved on. I had no hope of catching them. I
couldn't believe how weak I felt paddling. It must have been from the lack
of food. I had been rationing my food for days. I also had a sore throat
either from the lack of water or because it was infected from vomiting.
I decided to push on and go around South west Cape and hopefully stop off
at Window Pane Bay hopefully to get some water. My main aim is to get to
Cox's Bight today. Small planes land regularly bringing tourists in. I
may be able to get in contact with home or get some food brought in. Luckily
a fisherman saw me near Mutton Bird Island. On approaching he asked if
I was okay. There had been a broadcast lookout for a solo kayaker as he
was overdue. Probably the authorities had been contacted a little early
but I was glad someone out there cared. It was very rough and churning
conditions but I managed to get some water from the fisherman. He also
threw me a couple of apples and told me he would let the authorities no
I was all right. The spectacular South West Cape was what I expected beautiful
mountain range scenery. The swells were large, churned up and inconsistent.
It evened up as I got around to the south coast. It was my longest day
in the kayak to date and definitely my hardest, over nine hours with no
stops and doing it all on two apples. I didn't realise Cox's Bight was
a surf beach and surf was up! I tried to come in on the Bluff side of Cox
Bight where the surf wasn't big. Wrong. It wasn't big because there were
reefs there. I was riding this nice little wave but ended up having to
jump out of my kayak and swim it away from these rocks with waves bashing
into me. This was all I needed. I finally made it to the beach with only
a few minor scratches on my kayak. I could see some bushwalkers walking
along the beach so I followed their trail. I set up camp next to this group
in a great spot half way along the beach near the opening to Freney Lagoon.
It was just on dark. They told me that the pilot of the plane had told
them they had been instructed to keep an eye out for me. They also told
me when they first saw me they thought I was some kind weirdo walking up
the beach carrying shopping bags. (These were my waterproof storage bags).
I celebrated the day with the last of my food, a can of spaghetti. It was
absolute heaven!
Day 36 - Alfhild Bight to Cox Bight - Distance 65km
Sunday - 22nd March
Today is world day for 'water', a very appropriate day. I will never
take water for granted again. Apart from a sore bottom I was very happy.
My plan for the day was to talk to the pilot who, apparently, flew in several
times a day. He may be able to bring me some food or, even better, contact
Helen and see if she could come in for the night. I would like to see her
and for her to see the scenic coastline. Alas, gale force winds again.
The plane won't land on the beach in these conditions. The bushwalkers
moved on each of them giving me some of their food, which was very kind.
The wind really picked up around 9.00 am, spray being blown from the top
of the sea. It was a spectacular sight. It was quite a warm day and we
had quite a heavy downpour. I took all my clothes off and had a shower
on the beach. A group of amateur photographers with a guide arrived later
in the day. Luckily I had finished my shower! They had been dropped off
at Melaleuca and had walked to Cox's Bight. One of the photographers owned
a restaurant and they brought several different Currie dishes with them
for their first night. I was asked me over to dinner, I gladly accepted,
of course. We also had red wine and the young lady's tour guide daughter
washed up our dishes after dinner. Now these bush walkers knew how to camp!
Day 37 - Another Bad Weather Day Cox Bight
Monday - 23rd March
Today was world 'Meteorology' day. I must say their forecasts have
been terrific. I couldn't have got around without them. I made an early
start. A couple of photographers were up early taking pictures of the misty,
overcast conditions. They helped me take my gear back to my kayak and took
a couple of pictures of me leaving. I wanted to make it to Cockle Creek.
I would have a moderate southwest breeze to follow me. It rained most of
the way. The breeze was good. I even had the sail up for a couple of hours
until the kayak started spinning sideways down the swells. I made really
good time until I had to push into the winds into Cockle Creek. It was
a good day though - 75 kilometres - the most to date. My body had adapted
to these distances but my bottom was still in agony no matter how I tried
to soften my seat. I set up camp near the Rangers Station where there is
a spot set aside for camping. I later on became friendly with a couple
of tourists who were having a meal at the time, okay I was on the scrounge.
Without even asking they offered me a sandwich, some soup and some beans.
That evening I contacted my parents and let them know I was okay.
Day 38 - Cox Bight to Cockle Creek - Distance 75km
Tuesday - 24th March
It was a cold but beautiful morning when I left Cockle Creek. There
was a strong wind warning due later on in the afternoon. It would be at
my back and I should be around Tasman Head sheltered by Bruny Island before
it hits me. The strong wind came in a little early and I had to put up
with it for about half an hour. This Artic Raider Kayak again let me down,
I couldn't keep her straight slipping sideways down these waves and getting
hit side on by whitewash. I nearly came unstuck several times. It was very
dangerous as I was near a cliff face and rocks. If I was on my surf ski
it would have been fun taking advantage of the wind chasing and surfing
down these swells. It was flat calm around the East Side of Bruny, high
cliff faces, lots of caves and thousands of big white jellyfish in the
water. I will have to come back here one day and explore. I reached my
destination Captains Cook landing place in Adventure Bay.
Day 39 - Cockle Creek to Adventure Bay - Distance 65km
Wednesday - 25th March
Today I wanted to cross Storm Bay to Port Arthur. A strong wind warning
between Low Rocky Point and Tasman Island had been forecast. There was
a lot of water across Storm Bay and not much land I might as well sit it
out for the last time as better weather was due on Thursday and Friday.
I had set up camp at Captain Cook Memorial Caravan Park and had been enjoying
some luxuries, a shower and also a nearby shop. Today I think the weather
bureau got it wrong. My observation from the shelter of Adventure Bay was
that swells were low and the winds did not appear to be bad across Storm
Bay. I did however feel comfortable with the fact that I have learned from
my past days to be cautious of Tassie's volatile weather.
Day 40 - Final Rest Day Adventure Bay
Thursday - 26th March
I had perfect weather across Storm Bay that was a real relief. There
was still movement in the water today but somehow it was beginning to feel
like home. I paddled into Safety Cove feeling very weary after my non-stop
paddle. I was to meet Helen here. I waited until dark; still no Helen then
decided to go to one of my mate's parents' place - Mr and Mrs Cupit who
lived nearby. I would be able to use their phone. They were delighted to
see me, as they don't get many visitors down this way. They said I could
sleep the night in their caravan. We found Helen a little later on. She
had been held up at work and got lost looking for Safety Cove.
Day 41 - Adventure Bay to Safety Cove - Distance 57km
Friday - 27th March
Mr Cupit cooked us up a nice hot breakfast before my departure, again
I have been so lucky on this trip meeting so many lovely people. I was
glad I only had one more Cape to go around, I have found the sea is at
its worst all confused about its direction and usually large unpredictable
swells. No need to worry it was a another great paddling day going around
Cape Pillar and this picturesque southeast coast. My body however felt
like it had just shut down. Maybe it had had enough and knew the end was
near. As I paddled my kayak into Eaglehawk Neck I felt a terrific sense
of achievement. My whole family and close friends were there to welcome
me home. I had learnt a lot about myself on this trip about myself and
about this beautiful island I have been living on all my life and knew
nothing about.
Distance travelled 1400 kilometres
Longest distance in a day 75 kilometres
Shortest distance in a day 18 kilometres
Total days 42, overall average 33 kilometres a day
Days lost, 15, due to bad weather
Days when paddling 27, average 52 kilometres a day
Average hours paddled a day - 6 hours
Total hours overall - 165.5
Average speed - 8.5 kilometres per hour
Sailing time 8hrs
Body weight lost - 13 kilograms
All up I had met my objective of six weeks to the day.
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