Sat 17/08-2013 Day 477

[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zpvRde0GWvE/UhaqWZi8FVI/AAAAAAAAWWU/hcaWBrJS-Vc/s144-c-o/P8170047.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/112133179186774955122/SouthAmericaSection2Stage15VenezuelaBoarderColombiaToCaracas#5915102462388999506″ caption=”Some exposed reefs on low tide made it harder to get to the water. Many plastic trash on the beach” type=”image” alt=”P8170047.JPG” ]

 

Painful body but still getting pushed along

Date: Sat 17/08-2013
Day: 477
Pos: here
Loc: Punta Palúmao
Acc: tent
Dist: 41,6 km
Start: 6:30 End: 15:00

Good I took them along…my brand new reading glasses bough en passant in the DIY shop in the lowest resolution. I can’t deny it any more I need them to type my updates at night, especially when I have been reading for a while in my e-book before. But I can perfectly spot anything in the distance, way more important as on the water I wouldn’t like to wear glasses, not even sunglasses.

I could hear the helicopter this morning before I spotted him, was the Venezuelan Navy already practicing on searching me? Fortunately, it looked like they were rather after something or somebody on land, landed briefly behind me and not even fle over me directly. I am quite happy by myself right now, and am not missing any fuel infested vehicle close by me, neither on the water, nor in the air. There is already a lose contact to the coastguard here which my German embassy initiated, but nothing is set. I may talk to them in Maracaibo how they are seeing their dangers in their country.

I spotted a few fishing boats today, all waving friendly as usual, and on my camp spot a few curious locals passed by in the distance, but only when I came out myself and talked to one they got in contact. Good, I need my peace and rest.

I stopped relatively early again today, my body is stiff and still not fully fit with jet lag and overweight. Fortunately my direction is still with the wind, going deeper into the bay. 15 km more tomorrow, then the wind will come again from the front. It’s blowing now quite strong, but the water is shallow and calm inside the mostly sandy reef close to the coast. Paddling is technically dead easy. It’s just me for now, getting back to shape! I spotted a small turtle yesterday, a bunch of jumping green slim fish, few pelicans and that was it on the water again. This bath tub water is just not home to any marine mammal. On land the goats and sheep to spot are more entertaining!

Yesterday night at 10 pm I had to move my tent uphill, as I underestimated the tidal difference here in this corner of the bay. My yearning to camp in the shadow under the trees was stronger than my thoughts the water may come up to my place at night, but it did! I shone a wild donkey right into the face resting high up behind me, and he galloped away with noisy donkey-like I-Ah. Don’t make such a noise, my friend! I am stealth camping here! No people around that night.

About hundred km left to Maracaibo, probably three days, when the wind allows. I also got more than enough sun on my skin and heat feeling today to stop already after 8 1/2 hrs only. Still more than a regular workday for an employee!

The constant hot air draft makes my neck stiff and my nose stuffed. I really need to get used to the climate again!

6 comments on “Sat 17/08-2013 Day 477

Randall Lackey

Glad to hear you are feeling safer in this part of the country. Hope the wind keeps pushing you along while you readjust to your life of paddling and camping under the zstars.Safe paddling.

Giancarlo

Take it easy over the first days to adapt smoothly to the complitely new situation.
Have a safe paddling

Meike

ja Freya, dass mit dem “Sehen” geht mir genauso, doch muss ich leider eine Brille tragen. Aber beim paddeln trage ich sie nicht, da stört sie nur.
Du geniesst es bestimmt Dein eigener Herr zu sein und mal nicht von der Marine kontrolliert zu werden. Ich kann mir vorstellen, dass es nervig war.
Freue mich, dass das Wetter mitspielt. Weiterhin alles Gute 🙂

hey freya it is nice to se fellowpadler I am 4 month into circumnavigation of scandinawia hot air s something I am lacking 2weeks away of nordcap:)
u are tough cokie 🙂 enjoy your trip 4

Frances Price

It is heartening to read such a positive tone in your blog, Freya. I hope you rest better with fewer humans coming around interrupting your sleep. Happy paddling!

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