Advertisement
Published: February 10th 2006
Edit Blog Post
Days 1 - 10
I think this is the first entry since leaving Sydney, so I'll catch you up with where I've been. (There don't seem to be as many 'internet cafes' in towns as there used to be, so there may not be as many log entries)
My first day out, I paddled down the river from Narrabeen (accompanied by Don Andrews, and sent off by Michael Harris).
On entering the ocean, a nor-easter(NEr) was just starting, and it picked up throughout the day - so I quit early - Maitland Bay (I think only about 10 miles or so). (beach was VERY hot)
Day 2
Trying to remember - I think I paddled about 25 miles - to a little beach called: Frazer Beach.
Day 3 - Newcastle
First major port. I stayed on a little beach - right inside the jetty.
Day 4 - Port Stevens
The first of the 'southerlies' I encountered. This one was moderately strong - the only worries I had was rounding the islands outside the port - a bumpy ride.
(This was the location - in my first trip - where I had real problems. While trying to
cross the long bight appoaching Port Stevens, I ran out of 'day'. I "crash" landed in 'Anna Bay' at about 2 in the morning - and from then on resolved never to land on an unknown beach at night)
Day 5 - Seal Rocks
Hot.
I called Megan - to let her know I'm still alive out here. The phone cut me off mid-conversation - I hope she doesn't think I got hit by lightning or anything)
Day 6 - Forster
Arrived at the end of the ebb tide - but was still able to paddle into the bar (not too strong a current).
I stayed on one of the many islands just inside the 'lakes area'.
Day 7 - Crowdy Head
I left Forster with some apprehension - which turned out to be accurate - I shouldn't have paddled that day.
A southerly was building, and it was very strong. I made very good time (I think it took about 7 hours to the 30+miles), but it was VERY difficult. I had to be 'on guard' constantly - no time for breaks, lunch, sunscreen application, etc. (constantly bracing, wind waves off of the top of the
large swells kept breaking on me)
By the time I got to Crowdy Head, I was quite relieved.
I went up to the 'Crowdy Head Motel', and they made a 'Fish & Chips' dinner for me (they usually only do this for guests of the motel).
Worn out by the days ordeal, I took a break day on Day 8.
Too bad - it would have been ideal conditions for paddling - calm.
I was forced to stay in Crowdy on Day 9 by a very strong NEr that started on Day 8, diminished some at night, but picked up quite strong later in the day (Day9).
Day 10
I left Crowdy early (1:30AM) to beat any NEr that might have picked up. (it was blowing very lightly out of the NE when I started)
Instead, another Southerly came up, about 2:30AM. It was 'moderately' strong for about 3 hours (no large swell, but there were breaking 'wind' waves I had to be on guard for - in addition to it being dark out (night) - so I could only hear them.
Again, with the southerly behind me, I made pretty good time. (about 9 hours for 30+
miles).
Overall, I'm doing well. I think I'm just about 'broken in' for paddling the coast.
I've been using ample 'skin cream', especially on my lips (zinc) - last trip they got sunburnt early, and they never healed during the trip.
I thing the 'salt water' rash is coming back. At the end of every day I flush myself with fresh water, but, I guess, sitting in the kayak all day, skin 'wrinkled' where I get the rash - it's just going to happen.
The other day, while lifting one of the gear bags, I think I pulled a muscle in my hand (middle knuckle). Luckily - it doesn't affect paddling at all, but I feel it in certain positions (like 'squeezing'). Hopefully, it will go away.
What else it there to say, hmm, wildlife - I haven't seen too much, a few small sharks, dolpins, MANY blue bottles.
The landscape is as I recalled it - awesome. The many outstanding headlands along the NSWs coast.
(Once again I'm at an internet cafe that does not have a USB port - so I can't upload any pictures)
Till next time,
Andy
Advertisement
Tot: 0.385s; Tpl: 0.016s; cc: 12; qc: 50; dbt: 0.3132s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb