Adrian and Alison, our lovely hosts in Albany in their Apartments on Spencer
We decided yesterday we’ll simply need today to get done with the van settings, that we eventually can drive and stay where I’m paddling to and sleep in the van! So no paddling today, despite good calm weather…
It was really nice to have that base camp at Adrian and Alison’s Apartments on Spencer in Albany, but it was time now to move into our van and to drive off next morning! Thanks again to Adrian and his lovely wife!
Greg was finalizing with Geoff the last woodwork this morning, and I was organizing the last bits of gear and was typing some updates.
We went food shopping after lunch, and I was busy organizing all that big pile of yummy good food late afternoon. Then it was time to move into the van! We set up the bed, moved the boxes under the platform and to found space for the odd size things like seats and table, the luxury of a generator, water canisters, fuel cans, fishing rods and other stuff. Eventually everything was stored nicely, and even nothing was stored ON the bed! We would just have to jump in at night. Right on the take out spot! Well, mostly, if there is none “no camping” sign…
We fell asleep late again, but happy everything was eventually done!
Email from Freya:
I didn’t paddle despite the perfect weather. Greg and I had to get organized with the van setup and shopping stuff.
6 comments on “Day 260, Sunday, 04.10.2009”
How lovely that you are experiencing 2 grand parallel journeys, one physical and one emotional. I have no doubt that you gain strength from both of them. What a trip!! Go for it Freya!
Freya,
I’m really happy for you that you have Greg to back you up on this next leg. I’m on the other side of the world (USA) but I’ve been tracking you daily on a huge map of Oz posted on the wall of my office, moving a little flag every day as you move along. Looking at the vast distances between settlements along the western half of the Bight and several notations of long “cliffs”, I had been concerned about how you would handle getting your provisions across there. Knowing that he’ll be close by to help with that makes me feel better.
For anyone who thinks of Greg as a “distraction” I say they are wrong — I believe he is quite the opposite. Even though I can see from the blog that you’ve enjoyed the hospitality of many old and new friends during the past 8 1/2 months, having to constantly be fretting about where you will locate supplies, water or a hot shower up ahead seems, at least for me, more of a dangerous distraction from your paddling effort and safety than knowing that you have a good back up from Greg if you need it. Now you can concentrate on paddling.
Besides, he is gorgeous! I’d paddle 100km into a headwind myself if I knew there was such a fine-looking man waiting to hug me (and more) at the end. That’s motivation, not distraction! 🙂
Lucky lady Freya: go to it!
And Greg, thanks from all of Freya’s fans for being there for her.
P.S. Does Greg have any single older brothers who like Yank girls ?
My partner and I had the pleasure of hosting both Freya and Greg in Albany during her paddle through here.
They spent 3 evenings with us and during the day Freya paddled chewing up some more kilometres until she reached the point of no return in this instance Cheynes Beach from where she kicked off the home run across the Bight. This gave Greg the opportunity to fit out the van and get any kit that she required, together.
Whilst Greg may be viewed as a distraction by some here he is an integral part of her paddle now as he will be providing that very necessary support across the southern coast of Oz and the bight.
If you read this post Freya both Alison and I are thinking of you out there. If I can get to Melbourne to take up your invitation I shall, if not we will drink the bottle of red you both gave us as a salute to you and to you both. She can and will do it!!! as she is a most remarkable woman.
Let’s not forget, with an endeavour of this sort, certain forms of mental distraction can mean very bad things for her safety and goals. I’m just concerned about Freya. And yes, I know she’s exceptionally capable, but she’s still human, believe it or not.
Hey, go with the distraction! You deserve it.
You’ve been making such amazing progress so I hope this Greg guy isn’t slowing you down or distracting you too much. Stay focused, girl!
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