The day started with a launch through quite a single dumper on the steepish beach. I was happy the three boats were gone and didn’t watch me launching! But it went allright, not a single drop in my face…

I headed to Wedge Island, via Thistle Island on my left. This day was a reflief, calm, quiet, almost no wind.

I knew there was some strong westerlies predicted for the next days, but was assuming I could paddle tomorrow with a nice push, and Saturday will be ok again.

When I landed on Wedge Island at 4pm, reading the latest weather update that tomorrow afternoon will be up to 30 kn, on Saturday even 40 kn winds, I was almost tempted to paddle on that calm quiet late afternoon into the night. I changed plans and would be aiming not for Althorpe Island, but for the mainland near Cape Spencer.

There, a local paddling couple, Bill and Jill Wray, offered to look after me with accomodation, shower and food. This may be quite a good opportunity to have the strong wind day off in a bit of comfort with internet and electricity, plus some pampering with nice food and shower! Thanks for th eoffer, Bill and Jill!

But I decided 50 km were enough for the day, the 35 or 50 km tomorrow I’ll do in *very* early first light, to hopefully be done before the strong wind would be blowing too strong! 

Text message from Freya via satellite phone:

35.08 136.27, Wedge Island. 50 km, 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eventually a calm easy day. The calm before the storm? Very strong westerlies tomorrow.