Day 308, Saturday, 21.11.2009

The pic hasn’t much to do with the day…we found this pleasantly useful truck in Fowlers Bay

 

Not much to say about this day…my short message says it all. Boring slog, to reach the beach on the headland. Two crayboats were anchoring offshore, I saw their lights. I put up camp in very last light, and fell asleep soon after at least I could read my e-mails on my mobile.

 

Email message from Freya:

34.26 135.12, Point Sir Isaac. 65 km 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. There was a gradually increasing headwind from 0 knots to 20 knots the last three hours…not much fun on boring open water with a bloody heavy boat. The only highlight were 20 dolphins escorting me for five minutes. I was able to get 12 liters more water from Elliston in bottels/ one way bladder, so no worries about fresh water. Thanks for the offers to help!

7 comments on “Day 308, Saturday, 21.11.2009

peter fahrenkrog

hallo freya,
ich denk immer mal wieder an dich und wünsch dir,das alles gut geht,und du dein ziel erreichst,gesund und fit.
lg peter

hi freya have you spoken to brad butler victor harbor sea kayaker who has completed the paddle from port lincon to cape jervicehe knows of your journey and would be a great help with tides and camping on the islands my phone is 85554242 goolwa or 0407895113 take care phil

Rose

As Graham says, the early mornings are best; but as Edda says, too tired is dangerous.

Also, local fisherpeople know that the best time to fish for sharks is during the hours of darkness; swimming at night in SA waters is not recommended, and the same must apply to paddling. You would have to be very unlucky to encounter a big shark, but as Freya has already experienced, it can happen.

This area always has afternoon sea breezes in the summer, I think this is probably what you are experiencing Freya. On shore, they are a cooling influence on hot afternoons, but it sounds as though they are stronger out there where you are. Therefore the earlier you get started, the better your chances of avoiding or minimising the wind you have to fight. The sea breeze springs up in the early afternoon, and will blow until evening.

The currents across the two gulfs: I understand that what the few sea kayakers who dare to cross the gulfs do is begin the paddle on the outgoing tide, which then sweeps them out during the first half of the paddle. They can then use the incoming current to bring them closer to shore at the end, when they are tired and darkness is approaching.

The current through backstairs passage is different. It can be strong, but it flows from east to west through the passage, rather than north/south. Here again, you need to use the tide times so that the current can help you through.

Dear Freya, As suggested early mornings are the best times to paddle to eliminate the afternoon head winds.
watch out for strong tidal streams when crossing the SpencerGulf , Gulf Saint Vincent and going through Back Stairs Passage. That is between the mainland and Kangarro Island. Strong paddleing.
Graham

Chuck H

Have been reviewing the early months of your circumnavigation, looking for practical lessons and gems of wisdom, and came across the following from your sister in the Feb. 22nd entry. It’s perfect! And well worth remembering as you begin these last weeks of your great adventure:
” … Just get enought sleep!!! Once you are too tired to think, shit happens. Slow people do get there, fast ones land in hospital, …if they are lucky. If in doubt, stay on shore, no one expects miracles, but don’t loose heart and keep going if you think the going is good. Let common sense rule …”
You are an inspiration!

Hanne

Hi Freya, hi Edda,

i`ll have to send to you some greetings form my family, at first from Isi. We hope that you will come safty to the end

Hanne

Steve

I wonder how much of the gradually increasing wind was due to the diurnal effect of daytime heating of landmass.
I wonder what the local paddlers have to say about starting before sun-up so as to profit from less of the wind which may be created from daytime heating.
If one could reasonably expect to get 60-70 k paddling in before the wind had increased to 15-20 knots.
I have never paddled in that part of the world, so any readers/kayakers observations would be welcome.
Going out through surf in the dark would not be pleasant. Moon light would seem a minimum requirement.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Go Freya Go!
Steve

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