From The Sea Canoeist,
September 1999
MY ISLAND
HOME
Scribe: Steve Dineen
Saturday
- 14th February 1998
The Start
My
expectation was to paddle around Tasmania - time limit - six weeks. This was to
be my first time paddling my sea kayak that had arrived late. It was not an
ideal preparation for the journey! Andrew Pitt, a nearby neighbour and paddling
companion, joined me on the first day to travel from Eaglehawk Neck to Maria
Island. We set off ‘pushing’ into a North West wind for a couple of hours. At
times the going was hard. An early southerly change was due; the wind would
then be behind us. We had a commitment to meet my wife Helen, Andrew’s wife Sue
and kids, Jack and Toby, at Maria Island. Had a break at Cape Frederick Henry
then, in a direct line, pushed on to Maria Island. A slight breeze now behind
us we put up our sails. It gave us little assistance. Had lunch at Point
Lesueur, on a small beach and then on to Darlington. We had a great breeze,
sailing for a few kilometres without paddling, the first day had gone to plan
and we arrived on Maria on time, we met up with the others who had caught the
Ferry across from Louisville.
Day One –
Eaglehawk Neck to Darlington – Distance 60km
Sunday -
15th February
It
drizzled all night on Maria. Helen and I were very cramped in our tent. All our
gear and the two of us it was too much for the ‘small’ two-person tent. The
next morning my body ached from the day’s before paddle, I was happy to have a
late departure because of rain. Said my goodbyes to everyone, who were going
for a walk then head back, Andrew was going to paddle back to Louisville while
the others went back on the Ferry. I headed straight for Schouten Island.
Halfway, there was a small island called lle des Phoques where I hoped to
stretch my legs. Unfortunately I was unable to due to the vertical rock faces
and the very large caves. I was also unable to get close due to the one to two
metre swells. After spending four hours in the kayak I felt a little seasick
due to the side swell. My bottom was also a little tender. It kept playing on
my mind, ‘I should have brought that cushion insert!’ Hopefully my bottom will
adapt! The day had slowly improved the sun was now out, on my arrival at
Schouten Island I had a swim in the sea and a bath in the river. What a
wonderful place! No one here but me. I walked back from the river without any
clothes on and not a care in the world. I took up accommodation in the National
Park hut, which is located on the North side of Schouten, cooked myself some
pasta then went for a walk. There was an abundance of wildlife. I saw a penguin
nestled in the rocks, a hermit crab and sea slug in a small rockery,
kookaburras, native hens and, later on, a couple of possums. This is what life
to me is all about this is why I am doing this trip, this is the most wonderful
feeling
Day Two -
Darlington to Schouten Island – Distance 40km
Monday -
16th February
My
destination today is Bicheno. It, once again, poured all night. I was glad to
be in a National Park hut. The weather forecast was south easterly winds -
20-30 knots, 2-3 metre swells easing during the day. My paddling background up
until now had been on Surf Ski’s so I was not put off by large swells. It was
still raining when I left Schouten Island. I would have the wind behind me, so
I continued on. Because of all the rain these huge, smooth rock faces had water
cascading straight out into the sea. It was a spectacular sight. I decided to
set sail. It was great fun surfing down two to three metre swells. I was really
motoring! As I approached Wine Glass Bay the wind was more a westerly than a
southerly and not being experienced with the sail I nearly came out on several
occasions. I had to dig in with my paddle to stay upright. I got across the bay
okay but decided when I come to the next bay, at Friendly Beaches; the sail
would come down. When I reached Friendly Beaches the westerly did not appear to
be as bad. I was making such good “ground” I made a silly mistake and pushed
on. A very strong westerly squall hit me all at once and I went straight over.
I panicked and pulled the skirt from the cockpit. I was now in the water, two
and a half kilometres from shore in a very nasty 20-30 knot wind. Large choppy
swells were hitting me. I got the kayak upright and blew up my paddle float and
it stabilised the kayak. On the second attempt I managed to get back in. I had
more problems. My paddle blade was now stuck in my tie down strap behind me and
I was struggling to keep my balance. I finally released my paddle but in the
process lost my paddle float. If I fell in now, in these conditions, I would
never be able to get back in. The kayak was now full of water. I couldn’t get
my spray deck on it was really tight as it was still brand new and my kayak was
very “tippy”. All attempts to pump it out with the foot pump, I had installed
in the kayak, was to no avail the waves kept pouring more in. I decided to try
and paddle ashore. My sail was caught under the boat. In my haste to re-enter
the kayak I forgot all about it. I tried several time to retrieve it but nearly
fell out. Although I am a strong swimmer I would not be able to drag the kayak
ashore in these conditions so I decided to let the sail go for fear of losing
the lot. After two and a half-hours of paddling I reached the beach where I
cleaned the water out of my kayak. I then headed off again. Helen was waiting
for me in Bicheno and would be wondering where I was. I was very cold and
shaken but hopefully a little wiser. It was a lesson well learnt! I paddled
into Waubs Bay at about 1630 and had a beach landing on Bicheno beach. I was
two hours late and Helen had become a little anxious.
Day Three
- Schouten Island to Bicheno – Distance 55km
Tuesday -
17th February
Although
I didn’t need a rest I decided to spend the day at our parents’ shack in
Bicheno. I did a quick trip back to Hobart in the morning to get another paddle
float. This was absolutely necessary in order for me to re-enter my kayak when
overturned as my eskimo rolls were not working in my newly acquired kayak. I
wasn’t going to get another sail but Andrew lent me his so I decided I would
use it, only in light or fine winds.
Day 4 –
Rest day re-stock lost equipment
Wednesday
- 18th February
I awoke
early, about 4.00 am, I wanted to push off early. An early change was forecast
- 20-30 knots northwesterly. I will be paddling straight into it. I knew Helen
wouldn’t be impressed if I woke her this early so I had a couple more hours
sleep. Helen then saw me off from Bicheno Beach at about 7.00 am but I only had
an hour’s good paddling before the wind hit me. I could see it coming from
miles away. I pushed into it for a couple of hours but it only got worse and I
wasn’t getting anywhere with my fully loaded boat. I decided to sit it out for
five and half-hours in the Chain of Lagoons. It did calm down at about 4.00 pm
for about an hour but then picked up worse than before. I was very lucky to
make it to Ironhouse Point. There was a boat ramp and a holiday resort called
the Craydrop Inn on the other side of Ironhouse point so I pushed on very
slowly pushing into this strong northwesterly. On arrival I decided to hire a
chalet for the night and get out of this wind, I struggled with my gear up to
the booking office, a large black snake crossing my path on the way. When the
lady receptionist told me where to park my car and I informed her that I had
travelled by kayak, she was horrified! Had a couple of beers in the bar, spoke
to an ex-fisherman called John and a retired Telstra linesman called ‘Frog’. I
then went to bed early. Day 5 – Bicheno to Ironhouse Point – Distance 37km
Thursday
- 19th February
Destination
today - Binalong Bay. Had an early start. Another day similar to yesterday - I
wanted to make Binalong Bay. Light winds gradually increasing 15-20 knot
north-westerlies. It was a very hard day but my objective was achieved. I
hugged the shore all the way around which was suggested by ‘John’ the
fisherman. Although this put a few more kilometres on each leg the wind was not
as ferocious. Being close to the shore was also an advantage when I wanted to
stop and stretch my legs or have something to eat. I try to do this at least
twice during the day and my objective is to average about six hours paddling
each day. The last few kilometres to Binalong Bay were very hard. I was hardly
moving. The wind had really picked up. On arrival I tied up into a small dinghy
marina. A ‘local’ had given me permission. I walked to the local shop to find
out about the best place to camp. Camping was not allowed the nearest park
fifteen minutes by car. The shop owner allowed me to camp at the rear of the
shop where I spent the night with their dog ‘Bert’. Day 6 – Ironhouse Point to
Binalong – Distance 45km
Friday -
20th February
I woke
up, the tent was flapping. Turned on the radio for a weather report. More wind
and will continue for the next few days. I wonder if someone is trying to tell
me something?? Today was going to be a westerly, 20-30 knots easing during the
day. I waited until midday. It didn’t appear to be easing, I decided to give it
a go anyway. I lasted nearly three hours - the conditions were terrible and I
didn’t get very far. I should not have started. The problem I had with this
trip was the time limit. I would have loved to sit out these conditions. Sea
kayaking is not a ‘pleasant’ sport in these conditions. I was really angry out
there today, swearing my head off at the wind. I landed in a small cove just
before Policeman’s Point. This had little shelter from the wind but it was my
best option. It took me several attempts to get my tent up. I had spaghetti and
sand for dinner - bloody wind! The wind did ease up about 7.00 pm. Thought
about a ‘night’ paddle ... for only a couple of seconds!
Day Seven
– Binalong Bay to Policeman’s Point (Ansons Bay) – Distance 20km
Saturday
- 21st February
I could
break today up into three sections - magnificent, good and lousy. The first
couple of hours were magnificent, light winds, large sea birds flying about me.
They probably thought I was a fishing boat and were looking for scraps. Sorry
fellows, fishing season is at rest for this week. No fishermen anywhere. Great
scenery around Eddystone Point. I ran into a large school of dolphins playing
and chasing fish. Several of them came up to me and checked me out.
Unfortunately I missed another good picture. Several days before I missed out
on the cascading water from the cliffs near Coles Bay because of the rough
conditions and this time because my ‘non’ waterproof camera was packed away in
my kayak. I decided that at the next opportunity I’d buy a waterproof disposal
camera and strap it the deck. The winds were starting to pick up. It was
forecast gale force winds later in the day. I was just hoping I could make it
to Mussel Roe Bay before then. I stuck close to the shore as I had done the day
before and was making good time. I went in and out the coves checking the kelp
beds. I was really fitting the mould of the sea kayaker. The wind really picked
up and ‘hugging’ the shore was not working, the wind was everywhere. I had one
more bay to go and I would be there. The wind was really howling around Great
Musselroe Point. I gave it everything I had. The swells had also picked up and
were breaking around the point. Several broke over me and pushed me close to
the rocks. I had gone too far to turn back. Finally I made it around the point
but wasn’t out of danger. Waves were breaking across the river mouth to the
inlet and there appeared to be a bar across the access point into the bay. I
will have to get across it. I cautiously paddled into it in order to find a
break when I could go. This was a mistake. A one-metre wall of water caught me
from behind out of nowhere and dumped me. I nose dived straight into the sea. I
got straight out of the kayak worried about some rocks I had seen. A few ‘frog
kicks’ later I was out of danger. I then washed up onto the beach relieved to
be out of there. The reason I was cautious with my approach was that I found
the sea kayak would not ride waves like a surf ski, when the white wash hits
you behind on a kayak it flings you sideways causing all kinds of problems. I
paddled up river for about 500m and walked into the main street of Poole, it
appeared to be deserted everyone was getting out of this weather. I found a
lady in the local phone box and asked her for directions to the nearest camping
site. She told me I looked like a “drowned rat” and could not believe anyone
had been out in that weather, especially in a kayak. She then invited me to her
home for a cooked dinner and a shower. We had roast lamb and apple pie and I
got the largest serving much to the disgust of Di’s husband, Graham. They were
lovely people. Di gave me directions to the local camping spot packing me
breakfast and lunch for the next day. I put this day down to ‘taking the bad
with the good!’
Day eight
– Ansons Bay to Great Musselroe Bay – Distance 47km
Sunday -
22nd February
I lay in
my tent. Winds still howling - gale force. I was glad to have found this
sheltered camping spot just inside the river mouth of Great Musselroe Bay. A
rest day must be had. My body probably needs it after the bashing I have been
giving it. Just trying to keep the kayak running in these conditions has taken
a lot of energy. The Sea Cat had to cancel its crossing of Bass Strait. The
second time in three days. Things must be pretty bad out there. I think I’ll
sleep all day.
Day Nine
– Bad Weather Day – Poole Monday – 23rd February
At last!
Light winds. I will aim to make it to Tomahawk today, 57 kilometres away. The
first twenty kilometres blue clear waters and white sandy sweeping beaches.
Tassie is certainly a beautiful place. As I got close to the Northwest tip I
could see reefs about 3 kilometres out to sea. The water up here is all churned
up probably because of all the wind we have been having and the change in swell
and the differing tides across Banks Strait. As I rounded Cape Portland it was
like a washing machine. Large swells churning and breaking up in spots. I was
glad to get around the Cape. To get to Tomahawk I had to paddle close shore for
a number of reasons. The tide floods west across the Strait and at this time of
the day I will be heading into it for a couple of hours my theory was to try
and miss the brunt of this by sticking close to shore. Ringarooma Bay was a
large Bay and the swells were large in the middle of the Bay and visibility was
poor. I had also discovered my compass was missing, I must have lost it when
nose-diving the kayak at Musselroe Bay. I finally got to Tomahawk but I don’t
think I missed much of that tide, it was a slow hard slog all the way. The
Tomahawk caravan Park is right on the beach an ideal spot to camp.
Day Ten –
Poole to Tomahawk – Distance 57km
Tuesday -
24th February
I usually
like to be in the water at about 7.00am but the tide wasn’t due to change until
the afternoon so I decided to spend the morning cleaning and rearranging my
gear. I also ate the take away shop out of food! My aim today was Bridport. I
wanted to contact Geoff Jennings, Commodore of the Maatsuyker Island Sea
Kayaking Club. Geoff had helped me out with some information and promised me a
meal, hot shower and bed for the night. I headed off in the afternoon but to my
disgust the wind picked up. Just enough to be annoying and slow me down. Five
and half-hours in the saddle, hard paddling because of the wind, I’d had enough,
very disappointed that I hadn’t made Bridport. There were a lot of penguins in
Anderson Bay. Boy, Waterhouse beach is long! It just keeps going and going.
Camped the night in the sand dunes on Waterhouse beach. It was quite pleasant.
My own beachfront residence!
Day
Eleven – Tomahawk to Waterhouse Beach – Distance 42km
Wednesday
- 25th February
A good
early start. A few hours paddling and had lunch at Fordington. Weather was
good, light winds, spent about four hours in Weymouth, and had a good look
around. Nice little town. I found it best to camp out of town as most small
places don’t have campsites or they are not near the sea. I just pick a nice
spot as I paddle along. There’s a few bad points with many of these secluded
spots - march flies and no warm showers! It can sometimes get scary overnight.
I was woken by a ‘thud’, ‘thud’, ‘thud’ on Waterhouse beach last night. The
noise got louder and louder until it stopped outside my tent. I froze expecting
an axe to come flying through my tent. Then ‘thud’, ‘thud’, ‘thud’, a quicker
pace moving away from the tent. In the morning the large paw prints revealed
those of a kangaroo. Must have been a big roo! This had been a great day I had
met my objectives when planning this trip 6hrs paddling time and 50km
completed. I found a nice little secluded beach at Stony Head 15km out of
Weymouth to spend the night.
Day
Twelve – Waterhouse Beach to Stony Head – Distance 50km
Thursday
- 26th February
I’m a
great believer that things happen in ‘threes’. Today was, hopefully, my final
mistake. It was great weather. I stopped in at Low Head and went down river
looking for a shop to resupply my snack bar. I really felt like a chocolate and
would have paddled to George Town to get one, with fruit and nuts in it, of course.
It was a nice day, stayed in Low Head for four hours. It was a nice little
spot. I managed to dry all my gear out. Left at about 2.30 pm and did a short
paddle around West Head. It was amazing. Thousands of soldier crabs on the
beach. I waited there for about an hour until the tide changed watching these
little critters scurry around and siphon through the sand for food. I then
headed for Point Sorell. It was about a twenty-kilometre paddle across the bay.
The clouds came over and visibility was poor. I kept paddling across the bay. I
had been paddling for two hours. Still, Port Sorell was barely visible. I could
see a small island and thought this could be the Carbuncle. A funny little
island, it must have a small lighthouse on it. I kept paddling for another
half-hour. I now could not see land. I did not seem to be getting any closer to
anything. I must be there soon. The tide was with me. I had a slight swell to
keep me going. Another half-hour and the island seemed to be further out to
sea. It must be my imagination. I stopped and had a really good look. There
seemed to be smoke coming from the top of this little island. It was a bloody
ship going out to sea and I had been following it! I later worked out I was
probably fifteen kilometres out to sea. How could I have been so stupid! I
could see some lights in the distance so I followed them back into shore. There
was a fantastic lightning storm out at sea as I landed on the beach near
Devonport airport. Some people were walking their dog along the beach they
helped me carry my kayak and gear to a suitable camping spot and then helped me
set up my tent in the dark. I’ve been very lucky meeting some wonderful
Tasmanians.
Day
Thirteen - Stony Head to Devonport Airport – Distance 67km
Friday -
27th February
Yes, it
was here again, the famous’wind’ - a 20-knot westerly! I tried for three hours
but just as before it got stronger and I was hardly moving. I’ve spoken with
some of the locals and some fisherman and they can’t believe the wind. A lot of
people have said it is like September weather. Things aren’t looking good for
finishing this trip. I expected delays down the West Coast and hadn’t planned
for these delays. I paddled into Turner’s Beach for shelter and set up camp in
the local Beach side Caravan Park. I then thumbed into Ulverstone had a nice
meal and bought a waterproof disposable camera. I caught a Taxi back to the
Caravan Park cleaned my clothes and had an early night.
Day
Fourteen – Devonport Airport to Turner’s Beach – Distance 18km
Saturday
- 28th February
I had an
early start. Winds were forecast again today and they didn’t let us down. Great
sailing weather ... if I was going the other way! I tried to hide from the wind
behind each point. I stopped at one of my mate’s mum and dad’s at Penguin for
half an hour - Jack and Lil Conway where I wanted to be the night before. I had
had enough of the wind by Somerset and decided to stop at the Somerset Surf
Club where I knew a few people. I set up camp for the night. Helen was coming
up for the long weekend. I was supposed to meet her in Wynyard. Luckily I was
able to contact her and we met in Somerset. We went into Burnie and bought food
for the West Coast haul and back to the Somerset pub for tea and a few beers at
the Surf Club. To bed early ... not just because I was tired!!
Day
Fifteen – Turner’s Beach to Somerset Surf Club – Distance 43km
Sunday -
1st March
Had a
nice sail out to Table Cape. The first sail since Friendly Beaches. Alas, it
died out after an hour. It was a very nice day and decided to spend more time
paddling. Aside from being more enjoyable I travelled more kilometres. Got a
good snap of a seal sunbaking in the water off Rocky Cape. It was most
surprised when I said hello and took a quick snap. Helen was setting up camp at
Crayfish creek Caravan Park. I did an extra couple of hours and went to
Stanley. Met up with Helen at Stanley, had a look around and went back to
Hellyer where we heard a young bull sperm whale had beached itself. It was a
very sad sight. The tide had gone out and it was just lying there. It was
breathing very slowly and people were throwing water over it with buckets to
keep it from drying up. Apparently it had already been pulled out to sea but
beached itself again. The whole pod had beached itself. The other eleven were
dead. Why this happened no one really knows. They are beautiful big creatures
of the sea. To see this happening saddened me. The young bull was pulled out to
sea again and as far as everyone knows was now safe but without its family.
Day 16 –
Somerset Surf Club to Stanley (The Nut) – Distance 61km
Monday -
2nd March
Another
nice day. Two days in a row. Things are looking up. Said my goodbyes to Helen
and set off from Stanley Point around 10 am. Paddled from Stanley to Perkins
Island where I had lunch. I then headed around the Shipwreck Point. There were
sandbars everywhere. I had to get out of my kayak on several occasions and drag
it over these bars. I should have stuck close to Robbins Island where there
appeared to be deeper water. If ever I had any doubt that the tide flooded
west, now I believed it. Going through Robbins Passage, no pun intended, the
current was ‘ripping’ through and I timed it perfectly. There were hundreds of
black swans through the passage. It made me laugh to see them try to take off
from the water. They almost walked on water before taking off. I think they
were all too well fed. Set up camp at Woolnorth a well-known farming area on
the North West Coast, the paddocks up here were certainly lush.
Day 17 –
Stanley to Woolnorth – Distance 60km
Tuesday -
3rd - March
Once
again I had to drag my Kayak quite a long way, to get to the waters edge, the
tides on the North Coast across Bass Strait have a huge difference between high
and low waters my tide table book showing about 3 metres.
It was an
eerie feeling leaving the quiet, sheltered Boullanger Bay into the deep, dark,
green, blue waters of the West Coast. Stories and the reputation I had heard
about the coast made me nervous. It was a perfect, clear still morning as I
rounded Waldorf Point. The water beneath me was moving and churning. It had
been reported that there had been 6 metre swells in the area. As I rounded
Woolnorth Point to my surprise there was a Police launch in the area. They
approached me and took my name and details. I know they were probably only
doing their job but they were quite abrupt. It was a spectacular morning. I
decided to go inside the first Doughboy. It ended up being the wrong decision.
A wave broke, as I was halfway across. I had to negotiate white water from a
broken wave. As I came into Cape Grim the swells were huge, about 4-5 metres.
The problem with these large swells was that they were slamming into the cliff
face of Cape Grim and creating a terrible backwash. Keeping the kayak moving
was difficult; I was always correcting my balance. I had to admit I was more
than a little bit scared. The swell didn’t get any smaller as I paddled along.
At least when I got into the bays I lost the backwash.
Waves
were breaking all over the place. I had to keep my wits about me and on several
occasions paddled further out to sea to get around these obstacles. This famous
coast was certainly living up to its reputation. I got into Mawson’s Bay
paddling mostly on adrenalin. As I got half way across the bay the most
incredible thing happened to me. I had never seen anything like it before. A
light northerly wind put a chill on my back and the mist turned into fog. It
started to surround me and in the next fifteen minutes I could not see the land
and could only see about fifty metres in front of me. I paddled on peering
through the fog not wanting to get too close to the beach with these large
swells. After about an hour of paddling and hoping I was headed in the right
direction. I could hear waves break in front of me and I had to make a quick
right turn around some rocks. Luckily I was in a safe little bay off Bluff Hill
Point. There were two fishing boats in the bay and I could see a few caravans
and half a dozen shacks. I set my tent up near the caravans. Southerly winds,
20-30 knots, 4-5 metre swells forecast for tomorrow. I will be staying here
tomorrow. Later on I met Paul and Narlene Cunningham. They were staying at
their shack for the night. They offered me a shower, which I gladly accepted.
Day
Eighteen – Woolnorth to Bluff Hill Point – Distance 57km
Wednesday
- 4th March
Two
fishermen had arrived late last night and set off early this morning to pull
their craypots. I spoke to them when they arrived. The weather would be the
same until Friday and they weren’t going out for a few days. That meant I
wasn’t going out either. I wasn’t going to take any risks down this coast. I
decided to go into Smithton for the night to resupply my food, stock up and
have a look around. Paul and Narlene offered me a ride into town where they run
a local film developing shop. They also said I could stay at their place for
the night. He also lent me his car. All this from people I had only just met.
Unbelievable generosity from wonderful people.
Day
Nineteen – Bad Weather Day Bluff Hill Point
Thursday
- 5th March
There
seemed to be no wind around Smithton. I rang the boating weather forecast and
there was a lull for a couple of hours while it turned southerly. That’s all I
needed, a southerly! I thumbed back into Marrawah getting two rides. One from
Paul Cunningham’s sister and the other from Phil who had been an organiser in
the West Coast Classic Surf contest. He told me there had been large swells
around for the last three weeks. I walked back into Bluff Hill Point taking
what I thought was a shortcut along the coast. It took me an hour to battle
rain squalls and strong southerly winds. At least I had great scenery, large
waves pounding the coast. I was glad I wasn’t out there.
Day
Twenty – Bad Weather Day Smithton
Friday -
6th March
A
terrible night, hardly any sleep. My tent just couldn’t handle the wind. It
collapsed often during the night. The centre stringer poles were not strong
enough and the tent lay on top of me just ‘flopping’ around. I was also damp
from the occasional rain gust. It was not a pleasant night but I had nowhere
else to go. I hope to get an early start tomorrow if the wind goes away.
Day
Twenty One – Bad Weather Day Bluff Hill Point
Saturday
- 7th March
The wind
was still here, the swell was still here and it was southerly. I have spent
most of the trip pushing into northwesterly winds, I turn around the corner and
it changes its mind. The fishing boats still weren’t out which was a bad sign.
I decided to give it a go. I’d spent three idle days now and things weren’t
looking good about finishing this trip. It was another one of those days when I
shouldn’t have. I spent hours the day before working out where I could get out
through the reef and I spent an hour the next day going the only way I could,
out to sea around it. The swells and breaks change every day. You can’t rely on
conditions from the day before. The huge swells look like they are going to
break on you and all you get is a bit of whitewash and the lip of a wave. The
wind was making it worse. I was a little scared off Cape Grim now I was absolutely
shitting myself! Pushed on slowly down to Sundown Point battling headwinds and
large waves. A large group of dolphins were in the bay. I was concentrating too
much to enjoy their presence. I struggled into Sundown Point where I rested on
the beach turned on my radio and listened to the cricket hoping that the waves
and wind would subside. It didn’t appear to be easing so I went for a walk
looking for a suitable camping spot. I noticed an aboriginal midden. I have
seen quite a few along the coast. Aborigines must have lived and hunted all the
way down this coast. A local shack owner came down to see if I was alright. He
offered me a bed and a shower that I accepted. That night we played scrabble.
They filled me with apple cider and port. I slept very well.
Day
Twenty Two – Buff Hill Point to Sundown Point – Distance 18km
Sunday -
8th March
I was
anxious to get away today. The wind had dropped and so had the swell. I said my
goodbyes and went down to the beach to get changed. As I was slipping into my
thermal gear the wind started again. Well, that was it. I had had enough. I put
my clothes back on and went back up to the shack and rang Helen to come and
pick me up. I then walked out to the point feeling sick in the stomach. I felt
like a failure. The elements had finally beaten me. I sat there awhile thinking
about my decision. The wind had not got any stronger. My attitude was all
wrong. I must try not to let the elements beat me but try to work with it. Even
if I do only get a little way today. I then ran back to the shack. Luckily
Helen had not left. Jan and Liz must have thought I was crazy. As I paddled on
and the wind and waves held me back, my whole attitude had changed. I knew who
was boss and I was very glad that the swell had eased off. I arrived in Sandy
Cape about 6 pm. There were three fishing boats in the bay. I went up to one of
them hoping for a weather report. I got a little more than that, a roast meal
and a bed and an experience on a crayfishing boat for the night. I thought the
fishermen might have been a little apprehensive about a lone kayaker down the
West Coast. They did tell me I was crazy but they all wished me luck. I knew if
anything happened they would be the first to help. We did a night run and
caught eighty crays. John told me that it was about $3000.00 worth. He also
told me he was going to Dover the next day and if I wanted a ride down there he
would gladly oblige and he wouldn’t tell anyone. I did think about it for a
little while, but only a little while!
Day
Twenty-Three – Sundown Point to Sandy Cape – Distance 40km
Monday -
9th March
That fog
was here again, John and Des found there way to Sandy Cape beach and dropped me
off just before Sandy Cape at a place called Venables Corner. They were going
out again for another haul. It was 6.30am, I was hoping to get an early start
but you couldn’t see a hundred metres in front of you. It got the better of me
about 8.30 and I went out. I soon turned back. The swell had picked up again
and a big wave broke in front of me. Luckily it reformed but you just couldn’t
see them coming. There were reefs everywhere around Sandy Cape. It improved a
little around 10 am only to find large swells breaking out at sea I would have
to go around all of them. The fog hadn’t quite lifted and I wouldn’t be able to
see land. Back to the beach. An abalone diver was now in the bay. I asked him
if there was any way through the reef. The only way being out to sea and around
the lot he told me. Here he was running backwards and forwards through all of
this in his boat keeping an eye on his mate who was in the water and watching
the worst of the waves breaking around him. He said I was a brave man being out
in these swells. These blokes are unreal! I finally got away around 11.30 am.
It was a great day. No wind. There were a lot of short-tailed shearwaters
gliding inches from the top of the sea. I had to be watchful of the large
swells. Some would all of a sudden appear from nowhere and look like they were
going to swallow you up. I would look straight down at the water below me and
see if I could see the bottom. If it wasn’t that deep green colour I was out of
there real fast because I was probably on a reef or a shallow bar. You are very
low in the water in a kayak and you don’t always see a wave coming till it’s
right on you and you can bet the one after is going to be bigger. I got to the
Conical Rocks Point after about five hours paddling and was very weary with
only a few hours sleep the night before. It was a great little hiding spot from
the swell. I would like to have camped there but I wanted to do some more
kilometres so I could make Strahan the next day. A fisherman sheltered inside
the Conical Rocks said I wouldn’t be able to get into Granville Harbour because
the swell was too big but I would be able to get just around the corner. I
followed his craypot line around the reef where I knew I would be safe. Boy,
was he wrong. When I got there the swell was too big and I couldn’t get onto
the beach. These kayaks don’t handle surfing the waves too well. I did a bit of
backtracking and found a great little camping spot just outside the Conicals
but I had to scramble over some rocks to get there. I was very angry about the
amount of rubbish in this camping area.
Day
Twenty-Four – Sandy Cape to Conical Rocks – Distance 50km
Tuesday -
10th March
Another
fine day and I’ve got a lot of kilometres to do today with not many rest spots,
After Four-Hour paddling I landed on the beach at Trial Harbour. I cooked
myself some noodles because I had run out of my usual lunchtime snacks. I then
headed off again to my destination Strahan, a fishing boat stopped and said
hello along the way asking me where I was from and offering me their best
wishes. They asked if I needed anything. It was further than I thought to Strahan,
I was making slow progress. I must have been pushing into a current. I finally
arrived. I could see tourists on the beach indicating this was where Ocean
Beach road. I had decided to walk into Strahan on this road rather than paddle
in to save some time. The swell was still about, but my beach landing went
quite well with the kayak staying straight this time. I asked a couple on the
beach Otto and Anne (Father and Daughter) from Perth (WA) the location of Ocean
Beach road. They offered me a ride and helped me hide my kayak in the sand
dunes. I stayed at the local Youth Hostel with them. I could have stayed and
talked with them all night. They were very nice and very interesting people.
Otto was a retired engineer, a very modest and wise person who lived life to
the fullest. Helen also rang that night. To my surprise her attitude had
changed towards the trip. She was now encouraging me to keep going. The police
had rung her that night to check on me and to see if I had made it to Strahan.
Day
Twenty-Five – Conical Rocks to Ocean Beach (Strahan) – Distance 60km
Wednesday
- 11th March
Beyond
here there were no shacks, no roads, no power, no phones and no shops. Nothing
but sea and wilderness. “The southern extremities of an island at the world’s
end.” (Quote from an early French explorer). I restocked my food supply and
Anne and Otto drove me out to my kayak and helped me carry my gear. This was
it. No turning back now. I paddled out through the surf feeling good about the
trip ahead. I looked down and my map was gone. It must have come out when I hit
that wave. I should have known better. It was only sitting under an elastic
strap. I had to turn back. Otto and Anne returned to see what was wrong. I went
for a swim to see if I could find it but no go. Anne went back to the car and
gave me their Tasmanian map. Although it was only a 1:250000 scale map, and I
had a 1:150000 scale map, it would have to do. I would just have to ask
fishermen along the way. The other problem I had was that Tony Gaiswinkler, from
the Tasmanian Sea Kayaking Club, had shown me all the bays that I could land in
and I had marked them on the map. This was it. There was no turning back ...
take two! Without a doubt these were the best conditions I had paddled in. The
weather was perfect. Not a breath of wind, low swells and crystal clear waters.
There were birds everywhere out to sea and schools of fish were running. I
don’t know what sort of fish they were but they must have been a fair size
because the birds weren’t trying to catch them for a meal. I paddled that
planned average today, setting up camp near Modder River. There was no doubt
that this is a great part of Tasmania. Us human beings haven’t got to it yet
and overpopulated or destroyed this pristine coast. Even the wallabies down
here give you an inquisitive look and bounce away casually like they have never
seen humans before.
Day 26 –
Ocean Beach to Varner Bay (Modder River) – Distance 50km
Thursday
- 12th March
Yesterday
was the ‘calm before the storm’. The winds had picked up today, 20-30 knots -
Northerly. At least the wind will be behind me and if it gets too bad I will
head for shore. I’ll give it a go. It turned out to be very unpleasant out
there. The water was really moving about, swell in all directions. I went over
to a fisherman in the next bay, Hibbs Bay, who was hiding behind some reefs and
asked him for the best place to get protection from this wind. He told me that
the next bay around, Hibbs Point to Spero Bay would be my best option. There
would be another fishing boat there as well. At Hibbs Point there was a colony
of seals. Once around the point wind didn’t appear to be as bad. I decided to
push on with the breeze behind me. I would like to try to get to Elliott Bay
today which was another fifty kilometres away. Wrong decision! The wind really
picked up. These unbelievable squalls behind me were really making life
unpleasant and my kayak was beginning to become uncontrollable. The kayak was
not handling the conditions at all well. It kept veering to one side. I think
because of the banana shape of the boat and the sloppy conditions the rudder
spent most of the time out of the water. I believe this to be a bad design
fault of this kayak. I went for shelter in Wanderer River where a fisherman
said a kayak could get into. Well it could, but I went in the wrong way between
two large rocks instead of paddling around the reef. White wash pushed me
around and I nearly lost it all on some rocks. I was quite upset when I landed
on the beach knowing I would be stuck here for awhile. I would rather be where
the fishermen go for shelter. Not only for company but to get current weather
reports and communication to the real world. The bush was very dense here. I had
to set up camp on the beach. I did this so I could be seen from the water in
case a small craft passed and maybe wanted to drop in. Well, that was my theory
anyway. I then had my usual wash for all those smelly spots, made a nice dinner
and had an early night.
Day
Twenty-Seven – Varner Bay to Wanderer – Distance 40km
Friday -
13th March
I had
been having trouble picking up a radio signal. I was lucky enough to get the
early 5.55 am ABC weather report. Gale force winds from Low Rocky Point to Port
Davey that was where I was headed. Strong winds in other coastal waters. 3-4
metre swells in the west. It was also raining on and off. The sea was certainly
churning out there. I wasn’t going anywhere today, especially on Friday the
13th! I went for a short paddle up the river. It kept going and going and
going. I decided that if I were here tomorrow I’d take lunch with me and go
right up the river. It was certainly very picturesque. If I were a Tasmanian
Tiger this is where I’d live. Dense rainforest, beautiful river and isolated
location so no one could come and find me. I did some maintenance on the sea
kayak and found the adjustable straps connected to the rudder foot pedals were
only hanging by a thread. I did the best job I could and repaired them. As I sat
there having tea I watched the sea. The tide was low and massive great waves
were rolling through the river mouth and smashing into the beach. There were
dark grey clouds behind this scene. It sent shivers down my back. I was glad to
be on land.
Day Twenty-Eight
– Bad Weather Day Wanderer River
Saturday
- 14th March
As I was
lying in my tent last night the sea sounded like a jet engine plane taking off.
It was reported 3-4 metre swells 5 metres in the south. I hope they drop off so
I can get out through this river mouth. It had turned southwest overnight. It
poured with rain and blew all night. I hid my tent behind a large log, put
rocks around the tent pegs, dug it into the sand and modified the tent poles.
Luckily it stayed up. It was a terrible night and a change is not forecast
until tonight. The river cruise will have to be cancelled. At home I usually
don’t take much notice of the weather but I find it hard to believe these bad
conditions. From now on I will take more notice of the weather. I think I’ll
blame El Nino. Had one of the hottest days in March in 58 years yesterday.
Melbourne had one of the hottest days ever recorded. There must be something
happening out there. I went for a walk later in the afternoon. I picked up
about a dozen blue packing straps that probably came off fishing boat boxes,
which was disappointing. I also found a great little camping spot. I followed
what looked like a track into the clearing, about 500 metres. It looked like
someone had lived here before, a long time ago. I found an old wash board, a
rusted old metal box and what looked like an old jewellery box. It had the old
heart pumping for awhile but nothing in it. A sick penguin had washed in on the
beach. I’m hoping he was just tired from the rough conditions and would swim
away again after he had rested. I placed him under a log out of the wind; he
didn’t even try and bite me.
Day
Twenty-Nine –Bad Weather Day Wanderer River
Sunday -
15th March
I found
my little penguin mate dead in the morning. The sea lice were already making a
meal of him. The swell was still up and I doubt that even Ironman Trevor Hendy
would struggle to get through this surf. Only a slight wind, due to ease in the
afternoon. I waited around, cooked myself a big meal and went to get some water
from a small stream. It did ease up. I was really nervous about getting out
there. Aside from the large swells I had to negotiate a shore break and a
second reef break. Finally, I had more respect for the sea. The shore break
didn’t go too well. I had to duck through a wall of green water. The reef break
went well. I was able to slip out through sets. The swell was huge. It had been
reported 3-4 metre swells. I felt so inadequate out there in my little sea
kayak. The swell wasn’t only big but the water was moving everywhere from the
recent stormy winds. It hasn’t happened the whole trip, but today I got
seasick. I mean, really seasick! After throwing up Chilli Con Carne I felt
absolutely terrible. I was quite faint and I knew I had to get in to shore. There
weren’t any places I could see. My paddling had slowed down to a snail’s pace
and I had lost all my strength. I had put myself in a dangerous situation being
too close to the shore break looking for a spot to get in, especially with
these swells. I had to sprint several times to get over the lip of these waves.
I was still throwing up but knew it was more dangerous to stay out here in my
condition. What I had to look for was a reef that would take the impact of the
large waves. You then slip behind the reef and hope there is a sandy beach
behind it. I finally found an ideal spot. I didn’t know where I was and I
didn’t care. I was now dry reaching. Very happy to reach the shore I lay on the
beach for about an hour until the cold got the better of me. I then went up and
set up camp and worked out I was in a small bay near Lewis River. Some ‘yahoos’
had set up camp here before complete with barbecue area, table and chairs and
had even paved an area with rocks. It makes me wonder why they would leave
their rubbish here. It was disgusting. At least they had left some reading
material. In a plastic bag I found six National Geographic magazines.
Day
Thirty – Wanderer River to Lewis River – Distance 28km
Monday -
16th March
As soon
as my head hit the ‘bag of clothes’ last night I went straight to sleep. I woke
about 3 am still feeling queasy in the stomach. I also had diarrhoea. It makes
me think that the problem may have been in the water I had drunk from the
stream. I had taken precautions with the water using purification tablets and I
also boiled the water. I’ll never really know but the water I’ve kept I will
throw out. Strong wind warning forecast again tomorrow, north westerly changing
to southwesterly with similar strength. Later in the morning I went down to the
beach. The wind didn’t appear to be that bad. In the end I decided not to go.
Even though time was a factor I was still feeling quite ill. It was raining and
I didn’t really want another one of those days where I shouldn’t! Had an
afternoon walk over these huge sand dunes. A lot of rotting bull kelp on the
beach and the smell was not pleasant. There was also a lot of bird life in the
area. Cockies making a lot of noise and crows but they looked more like ravens.
They probably were.
Day
Thirty-One - Rest Day Lewis River
Tuesday -
17th March
The 5.55
weather forecast. Strong wind warning still current. I had to make a start. Day
seven and I haven’t even made it around this southwest coast yet. The wind
didn’t appear to pick up as strong as the forecast yesterday so I’ll give it a
go. Well, it did pick up today but as soon as I felt it getting too strong I
snuck behind some Reefs and looked for some way to get in. I managed to do
fifty kilometres so I was very happy. Although I had the wind behind me it was
very uncomfortable out there. Three-metre swell going one way and wind slop
going another. You always have to be correcting yourself or end up in the
drink. Conditions were pretty similar to Sunday. The seasickness had not
returned. It must have been the water. I know I will never eat Chilli Con Carne
again! I got a bit of a fright out there today. I came over this wave and there
was this “thing”. I froze and my first thought “a shark”. As I started to
paddle away from it I noticed it hadn’t moved. At closer examination it was a
seal lying on its side. I know I’ve mentioned rubbish before but it beat
everything today. I was located behind Alfhild Reef in a small cove, this place
was absolutely disgusting. It was littered with stuff people must have thrown
overboard. There was even a TV there! I took a photograph. I will be showing
the National Park ranger as soon as I make it home. There was a lot of bird
life on the beach. I’m sure that if they were to ingest some of these small
plastic particles it would be a slow death for them.
Day
Thirty-Two – Lewis River to Alfhild Bight – Distance 50km
Wednesday
- 18th March
Gale
force winds. It’s blown all night. Luckily I had taken my tent bush out of the
wind. I was starting to get a little concerned. My water supply was low. My
food supply was okay. I had not eaten a lot since throwing up on Sunday. I was
missing my wife and my family. I would rather be home working around the house
than laying in a tent waiting for good weather.
Day
Thirty-Three – Bad Weather Day Alfhild Bight
Thursday
- 19th March
Eighteen
degrees, rain and still gale force winds from Port Davey to South East Cape.
I’ve got to start thinking of ways to get off the South West Coast. Going back
to Strahan with strong Northwest winds is out of the question. I could try to
paddle into Port Davey to Melaleuca and walk out of here but that still means
paddling out of this and around Davey Head. It’s a bit early yet but I have my
EPIRB (Emergency position Indicating Radio Beacon) that I could set off. Apart
from the embarrassment, I take philosophy from Laurie Ford who is a Tasmanian
legend on Sea Kayaking, you get yourself into it you get yourself out of it. I
can’t just sit here waiting for good weather. Supplies are now low. I would
kill for a can of coke!
Day
Thirty-Four – Bad Weather Day Alfhild Bight
Friday -
20th March
Still
gale force winds and raining in patches. The temperature in Hobart while I have
been down here has been 10 degrees warmer and the wind 15 knots less. It
certainly is a harsh climate down here. This is my situation. I have a couple
of emergency dry packs of food but without water I have only one day’s food
supply left. There is a dirty old creek here but the water is barely flowing,
it is dark in colour and looks undrinkable. I am three days paddling away from
Strahan with good weather, three days paddling away from Southport with good
weather. One day paddling into Melaleuca, probably another two or three days to
run out of here with a light pack. Melaleuca has an airport marked on the map.
I don’t know whether it is used regularly. Maybe I could get some food brought
in. No matter which way I choose, depending on the weather conditions, I will
have to leave here tomorrow.
Day
Thirty-Five – Bad Weather Day Alfhild Bight
Saturday
- 21st March
I lay
awake for most of the night and worried about the day before me. Apart from the
wind blowing hard I was thirsty and hungry which was also keeping me awake.
Early weather report gave a final gale warning. Depending on when it calmed
down I would be able to get out of here. I was very relieved when the sun came
up. The wind started to calm. I packed my gear up and sat on the beach waiting
for it to settle a little more. I scooped up the water that had settled from
the night’s rain in my kayak seat, filtered the sand out with toilet paper and
had a nice little drink. It calmed down to light southwest winds and I got away
about 9.45 am. As I rounded North Head I noticed a few fishing boats working
around the reefs. I tried to catch up with them and hope to get some water but
the swells were large and the fishermen could not see me. By the time I arrived
in their vicinity they had all moved on. I had no hope of catching them. I
couldn’t believe how weak I felt paddling. It must have been from the lack of food.
I had been rationing my food for days. I also had a sore throat either from the
lack of water or because it was infected from vomiting. I decided to push on
and go around South west Cape and hopefully stop off at Window Pane Bay
hopefully to get some water. My main aim is to get to Cox’s Bight today. Small
planes land regularly bringing tourists in. I may be able to get in contact
with home or get some food brought in. Luckily a fisherman saw me near Mutton
Bird Island. On approaching he asked if I was okay. There had been a broadcast
lookout for a solo kayaker as he was overdue. Probably the authorities had been
contacted a little early but I was glad someone out there cared. It was very
rough and churning conditions but I managed to get some water from the
fisherman. He also threw me a couple of apples and told me he would let the
authorities know I was all right. The spectacular South West Cape was what I
expected beautiful mountain range scenery. The swells were large, churned up
and inconsistent. It evened up as I got around to the south coast. It was my
longest day in the kayak to date and definitely my hardest, over nine hours
with no stops and doing it all on two apples. I didn’t realise Cox’s Bight was
a surf beach and surf was up! I tried to come in on the Bluff side of Cox Bight
where the surf wasn’t big. Wrong. It wasn’t big because there were reefs there.
I was riding this nice little wave but ended up having to jump out of my kayak
and swim it away from these rocks with waves bashing into me. This was all I
needed. I finally made it to the beach with only a few minor scratches on my
kayak. I could see some bushwalkers walking along the beach so I followed their
trail. I set up camp next to this group in a great spot half way along the
beach near the opening to Freney Lagoon. It was just on dark. They told me that
the pilot of the plane had told them they had been instructed to keep an eye
out for me. They also told me when they first saw me they thought I was some
kind weirdo walking up the beach carrying shopping bags. (These were my
waterproof storage bags). I celebrated the day with the last of my food, a can
of spaghetti. It was absolute heaven!
Day
Thirty-Six – Alfhild Bight to Cox Bight – Distance 65km
Sunday -
22nd March
Today is
world day for ‘water’, a very appropriate day. I will never take water for
granted again. Apart from a sore bottom I was very happy. My plan for the day
was to talk to the pilot who, apparently, flew in several times a day. He may
be able to bring me some food or, even better, contact Helen and see if she
could come in for the night. I would like to see her and for her to see the
scenic coastline. Alas, gale force winds again. The plane won't land on the
beach in these conditions. The bushwalkers moved on each of them giving me some
of their food, which was very kind. The wind really picked up around 9.00 am,
spray being blown from the top of the sea. It was a spectacular sight. It was
quite a warm day and we had quite a heavy downpour. I took all my clothes off and
had a shower on the beach. A group of amateur photographers with a guide
arrived later in the day. Luckily I had finished my shower! They had been
dropped off at Melaleuca and had walked to Cox’s Bight. One of the
photographers owned a restaurant and they brought several different Currie
dishes with them for their first night. I was asked me over to dinner, I gladly
accepted, of course. We also had red wine and the young lady’s tour guide
daughter washed up our dishes after dinner. Now these bush walkers knew how to
camp!
Day
Thirty-Seven – Another Bad Weather Day Cox Bight
Monday -
23rd March
Today was
world ‘Meteorology’ day. I must say their forecasts have been terrific. I
couldn’t have got around without them. I made an early start. A couple of
photographers were up early taking pictures of the misty, overcast conditions.
They helped me take my gear back to my kayak and took a couple of pictures of
me leaving. I wanted to make it to Cockle Creek. I would have a moderate
southwest breeze to follow me. It rained most of the way. The breeze was good.
I even had the sail up for a couple of hours until the kayak started spinning
sideways down the swells. I made really good time until I had to push into the
winds into Cockle Creek. It was a good day though - 75 kilometres - the most to
date. My body had adapted to these distances but my bottom was still in agony
no matter how I tried to soften my seat. I set up camp near the Rangers Station
where there is a spot set aside for camping. I later on became friendly with a
couple of tourists who were having a meal at the time, okay I was on the
scrounge. Without even asking they offered me a sandwich, some soup and some
beans. That evening I contacted my parents and let them know I was okay.
Day
Thirty-Eight – Cox Bight to Cockle Creek – Distance 75km
Tuesday -
24th March
It was a
cold but beautiful morning when I left Cockle Creek. There was a strong wind
warning due later on in the afternoon. It would be at my back and I should be
around Tasman Head sheltered by Bruny Island before it hits me. The strong wind
came in a little early and I had to put up with it for about half an hour. This
Artic Raider Kayak again let me down, I couldn’t keep her straight slipping
sideways down these waves and getting hit side on by whitewash. I nearly came
unstuck several times. It was very dangerous as I was near a cliff face and
rocks. If I was on my surf ski it would have been fun taking advantage of the
wind chasing and surfing down these swells. It was flat calm around the East
Side of Bruny, high cliff faces, lots of caves and thousands of big white
jellyfish in the water. I will have to come back here one day and explore. I
reached my destination Captains Cook landing place in Adventure Bay.
Day
Thirty-Nine – Cockle Creek to Adventure Bay – Distance 65km
Wednesday
- 25th March
Today I
wanted to cross Storm Bay to Port Arthur. A strong wind warning between Low
Rocky Point and Tasman Island had been forecast. There was a lot of water
across Storm Bay and not much land I might as well sit it out for the last time
as better weather was due on Thursday and Friday. I had set up camp at Captain
Cook Memorial Caravan Park and had been enjoying some luxuries, a shower and
also a nearby shop. Today I think the weather bureau got it wrong. My
observation from the shelter of Adventure Bay was that swells were low and the
winds did not appear to be bad across Storm Bay. I did however feel comfortable
with the fact that I have learned from my past days to be cautious of Tassie’s
volatile weather.
Day Forty
– Final Rest Day Adventure Bay
Thursday
- 26th March
I had
perfect weather across Storm Bay that was a real relief. There was still
movement in the water today but somehow it was beginning to feel like home. I
paddled into Safety Cove feeling very weary after my non-stop paddle. I was to
meet Helen here. I waited until dark; still no Helen then decided to go to one
of my mate’s parents’ place - Mr and Mrs Cupit who lived nearby. I would be
able to use their phone. They were delighted to see me, as they don’t get many
visitors down this way. They said I could sleep the night in their caravan. We
found Helen a little later on. She had been held up at work and got lost
looking for Safety Cove.
Day
Forty-One – Adventure Bay to Safety Cove – Distance 57km
Friday -
27th March
Mr Cupit
cooked us up a nice hot breakfast before my departure, again I have been so
lucky on this trip meeting so many lovely people. I was glad I only had one
more Cape to go around, I have found the sea is at its worst all confused about
its direction and usually large unpredictable swells. No need to worry it was a
another great paddling day going around Cape Pillar and this picturesque
southeast coast. My body however felt like it had just shut down. Maybe it had
had enough and knew the end was near. As I paddled my kayak into Eaglehawk Neck
I felt a terrific sense of achievement. My whole family and close friends were
there to welcome me home. I had learnt a lot about myself on this trip about
myself and about this beautiful island I have been living on all my life and
knew nothing about.
Distance travelled 1400 kilometres
Longest distance in a day 75 kilometres
Shortest distance in a day 18 kilometres
Total days 42, overall average 33 kilometres a day
Days lost, 15, due to bad weather
Days when paddling 27, average 52 kilometres a day
Average hours paddled a day - 6 hours
Total hours overall - 165.5
Average speed - 8.5 kilometres per hour
Sailing time 8hrs
Body weight lost - 13 kilograms
All up I had met my objective of six weeks to the day.