Answer for Peter Treby, Peter you’re reading the charts correctly I would imagine, 8 knots is based on personal experience on the Western side of Darwin, Look though I might, I’ve not found a similar chart for the Kimberly coast. I put the link in to give Freya an indication of the tidal movements of the area based on a comment regarding a sea anchor. I know the area on the Kimberly side hadn’t been charted as recently as 6 years ago and I believe it’s still uncharted water. A very experienced Kimberly / whitewater paddler, Terry Bolland, once told me he thought he was going to be swept out to sea because he’d misjudged the tidal race, his comment was ” It was simply impossible to paddle against it” he managed to make it to the lee of a rock and sit it out. Terry runs a business in WA called Canoeing Downunder. Here’s a link to an interesting story !! http://www.canoeingdownunder.com.au/trips3.php

Cheers, Al

Hi Freya

Not news that you would want to hear, an 11 year old was taken by a salt water croc in the top end there have been a numer of attacks in the recent years due to the fact there has not been any culling of crocs since the 1970’s and they are in large numbers.

When heading for a beach or leaving is a bad time keep your eys open.

Tom

Hi Freya,
I can just imagine 5 days land locked! Horrible hey!
Lots of people throwing around ideas for your trip is good. If you are getting the shaft moulded into your kayak for the trolly wheels, why don’t you use this to mount some sort of outrigger?

Also some ideas for protection from nasties… The company Sea Hornet (diving company) still make and sell Powerheads. I used to use a 357 magnum many years ago and would think that this mounted on a short rod on the deck would be a comfort. You will more than likely need a licence for this but I am sure you have a good reason to carry one on board. If your going to be up close then this is the device to use.

Cheers
Henry

Ref Gulf of Carpentaria

Have you considered island hopping Torres Strait to New Guinea then crossing again from approx 8N 27″ 137 E 40′ on New Guinea to Marchinbar I (West side of Carpentaria)?

Using google earth I measured the crossing from New Guinea to Marchibar I to be about 300km

Longest transit on Torres Strait is about 42 km.

Hi Freya.
You’re right “You are doing it” and I think you can make it. You have all our support here from Mallorca (Spain).

Hi Freya,

Great to see you back on the water marching towards your goal. Glad that Janita was able to provide safe harbour during the cyclone. Your timing is impeccable, there is an environmental disaster happening behind you where a container ship lost fertalizer containers and leaked 30 tonnes or more of fuel near Moreton Island due to the cyclonic seas. Beaches are closed for environmental cleanup from Bribie Island through to Marcoola and it is very stinky and would have been sickening to paddle through.

I hope the weather settles and that you stay safe. Enjoy.

Don’t worry about the semantics. You ARE doing it right now.

I was wondering if you have secured permits to enter the Northern Territory and WA? Apparently it’s illegal to paddle through the Aboriginal lands without permission.

Many have set off to climb Mt Everest but have died in the ‘attempt’. Whether you like it or not Freya, it is an attempt until the task is completed.

Having said that I believe that if anyone can do what you are attempting, it is you. May your journey be a safe one and all of your luck be good luck. We are all behind you and wishing you well. Don’t be phased by our language. It is our native language. We understand that it is not yours.

Go you good thing!!!!!

Hi Freya!

I think the biggest risk in the North will be the saltwater Crocodiles. They also swim along the coast. Be aware of them

Good luck
Christoph

Go Freya go ! We all believe in you 😛

Atta Girl, that’s the attitude YOU gotta have.
And once you’ve done it, it will settle the argument.

Well, Freya, by doing what you’re doing (paddling along the coast), you are attempting to circumnavigate Oz. I think it’s sound wording because of the enormity of your task and because of the unpredictable outcome of your venture. Don’t forget that quite a few have attempted this and have done what you have done so far, but only one has succeeded. Many have felt equally confident on the “luxury” stretch of the east coast that you’re on right now. The first real test will be the gulf, which I assume you will “attempt” to cross. The outcome of such multi-day crossings is unpredictable and partially out of your control, because of the complexities of weather, currents etc., and the self-created “race” pressure might or might not influence your decisions up there. A less than optimal decision or just bad luck might end up having disastrous consequences for you. Therefore, it is less than certain that you will make it around or even that you will make it alive. If the sea turns against you with no shelter close by, pure positive thinking will not get you too far and you have not been tested in a multi-day crossing like the one before you, yet. So, you cannot hold it against bloggers that they are a bit cautious, maybe also in an “attempt” not to jinx your luck. Enjoy the “easy” part of your journey as long as you can and show everybody that your “attempt” will be successful by making it all the way around. Friendly winds, fair currents and a huge portion of luck to you – you will need all of them!

Hi Freya, I’m an Aussie paddler, I’ve lived in the north for 10’s of years, I’ve also lived in the South for 10 yrs.

Neoprene socks are not such a good idea, neoprene is designed to keep you warm by trapping a layer of water between your skin and the neoprene, when one is underwater this works well, however when one is on the surface the wind blowing across the neoprene chills the water and ones body is constantly fighting to keep the area warm. When one is active it’s not noticed but when one is at rest the blood slows and a chill sets in. 1st and 2nd layer fleece would be better, ie inner and outer fleece.

With the paddles, make sure they’re not too long, if they stick out from the boat too much an inordinate amount of force can be applied resulting in them snapping very easily. Sponsons
( http://www.harmonygear.com/sea-kayak-sponsons ….( there are others… )) that one blows up and attaches to clips on the side of the boat work well. These will also work well in rough water whereas paddles and floats may be problematic. I use sponsons.

In regards to the sea anchor keeping you “put” be aware you’ll be in some serious tidal waters and your sea anchor is very likely to scoot you along at quite a speed, you may well find that you travel INTO the wind, tide speeds of 8 knots are not uncommon !
( http://www.cmar.csiro.au/e-print/open/CMReport_139.pdf )From the air it seems the islands are steaming along as a flotilla ! Make sure you’re not heading shore wise. It may pay to study the lunar cycles and use them to your advantage, a few days before the full moon may work well as the tides may be a bit slacker and you’ll be able to see well at night, this means you can sleep, paddle, sleep paddle according to your bio rhythm, this can be carried on throughout daylight hours as well. I’m not so sure about sleeping on top of the boat as it’ll be easy for your legs to slip overboard, it’s your call, you know your abilities and limitations but think about it.

Make sure your skin is well healed prior to heading North of Cairns, if it’s not you’ll stand a very real chance of developing tropical ulcers if it’s still hot and this will put a real dampener on your day believe me. I suggest you wear your sprayskirt in order to minimise the ingress of water to the cockpit thereby giving your skin a better chance of survival.You may wish to get a nylon 25mm 90 degree bend that you fit through the deck and then have it facing aft, this will help to vent hot air from in the cockpit but also slow the ingression of water.

OK, take care, Good Luck

Al