And it *was* an ugly day. The morning was actually quite calm, but the sea looked whipped up from the night’s storm and had a bigger swell running than the day before. The tide was a bit higher, too, and launching through the breakers didn’t look inviting at all.
The sky was black in the horizon, promising more rain or hail storms coming down today.
The forecast was for ssw 10-15kn, noon ssw 15 to 20 kn, and afternoon even sse 20 to 25 kn! Nothing inviting as well, as I had to go at least 30 km south-east to reach the next possible landing at Walpole Inlet.
So it was a rest day in the shelter of the camp. I felt a bit guilty about that decision, but only the first calm hours of the day…soon the next rain storm came in, and I was happy to crawl in my sleeping bag again for another nap.
The rainy and stormy weather got worse during the day with one fat rain and hail storm after the other, but it had some dry and sunny moments as well where I was at least able to climb a nearby hill for some mobile phone reception.
I was not regretting any more my decision to stay ashore today! Tomorrow’s forecast is some 5-15 kn wind fist from south, headwinds actually, but then swinging around to the south-west to easy 5 to10 kn and hopefully pushing a bit!
I will make it at least the 45 km to Peaceful Bay, where I plan to meet up with Greg! He has bought a car today in Perth, plus some camping gear for the support role the next weeks. It will be exciting!!!
Text message from Freya:
No paddling today. Horrible rain and hailstorm all night and it doesn’t look better for the day…
10 comments on “Day 255, Tuesday, 29.09.2009”
@ Shorty!
Hi! What is the matter if you are going out for more than three miles??? Than South Australia Law should not be applicable.
Greetings from Christoph
That’s a beautiful post, Rose!
Keep up the great work Freya,
We are waiting for you here in Esperance.
Thinking of you as always!!!
Gee Freya you are really doing it tough, the weathers been perfect a fair bit of the time up here in Perth.
Just a tip in South Australia they have just past a new law kayakers can’t go out further than 2 miles (plus jet skiers) its a $250 fine, hopefully with your stealth capabilities they will not even see you,lol ,cheers,,
The weather along the southern coasts has been very unsettled this spring, after years of drought…but perhaps it’s you the Southern Right Whales are waiting for. They are usually gone from South Australia by this time of year, off on their own epic journey, to their feeding grounds in Antarctica, but in the shallow waters near Victor Harbor, the mothers and calves still wait. At your current rate of travel Freya, you’ll get here before they leave!
Rest while the weather forces it, there are sure to be following winds before long, to help you along on the long run past the Nullarbor cliffs, and even in these southern seas, the weather will slowly grow warmer from now on, as summer creeps in and the warmer waters begin to flow south.
You’ve earned your rest, so enjoy it!
Enjoy the rest while you can! Hot cups of tea to keep you warm and some time indoors to let the salt-sores heal. 😉
Geniesse die Pause und sammel Kräfte. 😉
When you paddle in this part of australia, on your right, in the south..the next country is Antartic. The weather forecast is unsettled, it’s very normal….it’s not a tropical place. It’s a last part of your travel, the most difficult because your are in the seas of the south. the swell of no limit..Be safe and have a fun.
Pascal
Patience. Another huge advance soon enough. Thanks for the weather update. Have fun on the next leg. Cheers. Robert
I’ve been following along since your first post and I continue to be amazed by your boldness and stamina. Along with thousands of others, my thoughts are with you. Travel well. Be safe. There are a legion of supporters cheering you on.
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