We slept in today as weather seemed too windy. Tim Rodgers & Paul Slingerland visited on Tim's canoe from Meningie (they're camping there at the mo) at about lunchtime, which pepped us up to give it a go even though the weather didn't seem ideal. Started off OK, but hit a long line of bombies - they are nasty. Spent a long time in the water (to take the weight off the hulls and to assist navigation through the bombies) and are a bit scratched. Wind forced us to call it a day and we have set up camp on the top of some sand dunes - just past Meningie. Lovely spot - no flies, no mud, great views. Just had a visit from Will, Tim, Candice & Kym Rodgers and Troy Volkmann who have kindly brought us some supplies (thanks for the Clinkers mum). This is especially handy as we missed one of our food/drink drop offs a few days ago (just didn't spot the landmarks from the water that seemed so obvious from the land). In total, we've travelled approx 60km, but batteries are still looking full and hopes are high to make it past Parnka Point in the next few days and then onto Salt Creek for a counter-meal, beer on tap and a hot shower.
Update - just heard from Jeremy Butler and his kayak team and they've had to turn back. They made it as far as Long Point, but have had trouble with wind so they never caught up to us. Blast! Seeyou soon guys!
Thanks for all those following and commenting!
Start by doing what is necessary;
ReplyDeleteThen do what is possible;
And suddenly you are doing the impossible……
Cheers,
the hickmans
Hey guys, stay positive!! Laugh it off and keep going, we know you can do it! :-) Sammy
ReplyDeleteHi guys, the boys arrived safe and well and had some much needed showers! Was there enough water to cross over needle point or are you just down from there? Have considered jumping in boat and coming down, but shopping is so good!! Sorry Vic & Sar, but you guys are missing out. See you soon. Jess Xx
ReplyDeleteYou guys are warriors of attrition! Don't let the elements wear you down. I know first hand now how harsh that untouched wilderness is. We were all saying it is like a desert, filled with water. I cant believe how fast you guys are actually going. We did about 25kms on Wednesday and still couldn't even catch sight of you. But yes, the wind and mainly the waves, which were over half a metre at times, meant that we were never going to make up the distance between the two groups. We had a strong tailwind on the way back and made it from Long Point to Godfreys in half a day. I sailed my kayak the whole distance. So it shows that having the right conditions can make a massive difference, we could have gone 50kms easily on that day. But Alas! Mother Nature is nobodies mistress. Live Strong Soldiers! Salt Creek is just around the bend..... and the bombies. Ha ha.
ReplyDeleteJeremy Butler