According to the excellent spreadsheet linked from Freya’s “Trip Report” page, when Paul Caffyn left Broome on 21 July ‘82, he had spent 206 overall days on his voyage, of which 153 were paddling days. Freya left Broome on 7 July ‘09, exactly two weeks earlier in the year. She had spent 171 overall days, 128 of them paddling. So she is about 35 overall days, or 25 paddling days, “ahead” of Paul.

However, he spent the great majority of the difference going around the Gulf of Carpenteria, roughly 1380 km more than Freya’s route directly across the Gulf. That’s some 32 overall days, or almost 24 paddling days, at his average rate up to Broome. So you can see how close their times really are.

From this point onward, their routes and season of year should be virtually identical. So far, Freya has gone slightly faster, in a more heavily laden kayak — a good indication of her skill and determination. I’m sure we all hope that the miserable time she just had with a broken rudder won’t be repeated, nor that of having to haul her boat and gear a long way up beaches after landing at low tide.

I simply marvel at her efforts, as well as at Paul Caffyn’s pioneering achievement. As Paul Turner put it so well, her accounts are a highlight of every day, and an inspiration!

If you continue at your present rate, won’t you be reaching the southern ocean in the spring?

Maybe that’s not such an attractive proposition.

Paul

You are well worth a day off.

Sorry to hear about your mechanical problem. Possibly some “Loctite” on the bolts that were loosening up could remedy any further problems. Thanks for keeping us updated on your trip. Your perseverance is quite remarkable. You are amazing!

Blake

Watch out for box jellyfish, too – potentially more lethal than the rest of the critters you may encounter.

Fair seas,

George