Comments on: Day 308, Saturday, 21.11.2009

By: peter fahrenkrog

peter fahrenkrog — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:42:47 +0000

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

By: phildings

phildings — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:20:21 +0000

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

By: Rose

Rose — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:40:56 +0000

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.

By: Graham Ey

Graham Ey — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:04:10 +0000

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

By: Chuck H

Chuck H — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:08:16 +0000

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!

By: Hanne

Hanne — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:36:59 +0000

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

By: Steve

Steve — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:41:10 +0000

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