Ouch ouch ouch, lots of expletives and a call out for happy pills. That was another really really tough day. The southerly is still blowing strong, white caps on the water, wind in the face and no time to eat, pee or check the radio. From Ballina to Evans Head is one long open stretch of endless beach with the only landmarks being so far away that you just don't feel like you're moving or getting any closer. It's a real test on morale. After 5 hours head on into the wind, we made the call to do a beach landing (something we've been advised not to do if possible) as the strain was too much and my arse was shouting at me to stand up and walk around, which isn't advisable or possible 1km off shore in a rocking kayak. Jesus may have done it but then he hadn't been paddling for 33kms without peeing.
Anyway, the beach landing went well (Scott's got 29 years of surf experience), but we were stuck in the middle of nowhere, no houses, no people and no road access, plus the waves looked too big to get back out again once rested. It looked like it could be a long trek. Then, like a mirage from the sea spray, came Dave, a wildlife reserve ranger who was steaming up the beach in a 4 x4 truck checking out the populations of endangered birds; oyster catchers and siberian somethings. We hitched the kayak to the back of the truck with Scott hanging on by one hand and me sitting warm in the front, whilst we sped down the last 7kms of beach to Evans Head, where we continued the last kms of the paddle up the river. Some may call it cheating, some may call it a lucky break, but we're just thankful not to be sitting in a sand dune shivering and checking out the birds (of the lesser spotted feathery type).
The campsite's all set up, bellies are full of fish and chips and we're off to the bowlng club tonight to shake a bucket of cash and raise funds.
I'm praying for North Easterly winds for tomorrow.
A massive thanks Sofia and Leif who've got us into a jungle resort for tomorrow night. Bring on the massage girls. (I'm joking Al x). ROB
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5 comments:
Sitting here with your mum Scott at my mums in Newcastle...I asked Jane and Brad today about the trip and said I didn't realise he been training all this time for kayaling down the coast. You probably know the answer....4 weeks! All the best mate, Mick and everyone had a look at the site today. Looks like an incredible experience. Dave
Rob, there'll be plenty of time for massages when you get back to Sydney. Love Dave x
(it's really ali & Soph xx)
Hi from your little bean friend. We're all thinking of you and wishing you good weather and winds that push you down the coast. xx
Good effort boys. Sounds like a mission but it was always going to be. I'd prob rather be doing what you're doing instead of working away at my desk. Keep it up and good luck. Mitch
Hope Day 3 is easier and enjoy that massage!
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