All night, even in the sheltered bush camp the wind was howling from the east around our van. It was nice to sleep in! I decided to give the last 55 km leg towards the start of the cliffs a go on Friday in the same way I came up to Wattle Camp, despite ugly easterlies again, but there was no show of doing the cliffs anytime soon. Strong easterlies were forecasted all days next week until next Thursday!
We enjoyed a lazy morning, and after lunch we went at least for a short walk inland to another camp spot which had an emergency water well. After that, we walked towards the beach, to check on my boat and to discover a huge whale bone! I climbed on top of it for a picture, as I always wanted to be inside a whale! But I told Greg to hurry with the pics, as it was quite stinky smelling…
Late afternoon, we got some visitors with a huge 4-wheel drive truck. Those were the guys Greg met in Israelite Bay, and they went on an afternoon drive to see if they could find us! Nice to chat with them, very nice people from Esperance that were very kind to give Greg an extra 10 liters of diesel as we were really starting to cut it fine before the next fuel fill up and unknown road conditions ahead. Greg says I use the term road too lightly, track, fire break, lots of other words better describe the “roads” here. Average speed on most is 13 km per hour only twice as fast as I paddle.
Tex message from the sta-phone:
Rest day after that slog yesterday. Start of cliffs tomorrw, and then? Beasterly easterlies…
7 comments on “Day 278, Thursday, 22.10.2009”
All the very best to you while you pass the cliffs Freya! May the winds and the tides treat you well, all the way. For Greg too, a wish for safe tracks and good weather.
A great challenge for both of you, but you both have what it takes…go for it, soon now the dreaded cliffs will be yet another story of exploits that Freya has dared, and conquered!
Question for you Aussies – are the cliffs going to be the same as the Gulf of Carpenteria (sp?) – i.e. days on end without landing? And how long does it take to get past them all?
Honestly Freya, our courage and determination never cease to amaze and inspire!
I wish you both luck as well,as Ad said Greg will be pushed to the limits just trying to find Freya each day, its going to make very interesting reading,,best of luck with this stage,cheers,
Good luck both! On Google Earth I see not so many roads in the neighbourhood. So mayby the adventure for Greg is at the moment more challenging than paddling with fair winds on calm seas. 😉 !!
Please keep us informed.
Freya,
Fair winds and calm seas for the days ahead.
Sincerely
Graham.
Greg,
The tracks will be a challenge too.I wish you well also. If you are going up the escarpment on the conveyor belting, remember as soon as you are out of the sand pump your tyres up to normal road pressure or maybe harder. The ride will be rougher but it will protect the sidewalls of your tyres from the sharp edges on the limestone caprock.
Regards
Graham
All the best for the cliffs, some long days ahead Take care
Allez, Freya !!! After that string of 12 hr. days you’ve earned a rest.
The photos are a great window to your adventure. 21st century 12 volt was a hoot ! Stay warm. Have fun. Be safe.
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