In the Paddle Stokes of Oscar Speck ....................

Dressed in an amazing Indian dress with intricate embroidery and small mirrors sown into it, Sandy stood before us, and her story was one of true adventure and inspiration.

Already, she had completed two stages of the her amazing journey.  To paddle from Germany to Australia by kayak, one would have to be crazy,  but that was what Oscar Speck achieved, just before World War II.  This is what Sandy is attempting and achieving in  replicating it.

In her quiet manner she recounts her trip down the Danube River, through various countries including Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, then across country to India and all the way down the west coast of the Sub Continent.

She made the trip sound like a Sunday paddle on the Swan River, but the reality is of an independent woman traveller, taking on the elements and bureaucracy, all in her stride.

Check out her web site at www.sandy-robson.com and if you can, make a donation to assist her in the next stage of her journey.

I wish her luck, she's a remarkable person

 

Moore River: A Winter's Paddle.

Group Raft Up At Start Of Paddle



Gisela's Briefing

Winter is the time of the year for river paddles and the Moore River is a favourite.

Thanks go to Gisela for leading the paddle and for the accommodation on Saturday night. We had a tasty dinner of casserole beef, washed down with red wine and awesome homemade Gluhwein – just what’s needed for a winter’s night!

  The weather was cloudy, a tad windy and overcast, but not raining which made for a good day. Everyone was on time and some were even waiting on the river bank before we arrived.

With high water levels it was a delight to paddle to the river mouth, particularly at this time of the year, we had the river to ourselves, sharing it with the wild life: two pink and grey galahs, perched on a branch in the river; a Goss hawk circled high above us; a flock of water fowl, probably ducks, took fright as we approached.

As we paddled we could smell the paddocks, not the cut grass of summer, but the damp, wet odour of winter.

The sea was pumping at the river mouth and waves were almost overflowing the sand bar.  How long it will be before the bank is broken is anyone’s guess, but probably not long.  With the breach the river level will drop, so we were very lucky to enjoy a winter’s day of good paddling.

The wind increased for the return, making the exposed area’s hard work, but in general it was just a pleasant day on the river

"These are a few of my favorite things"

Just a picture, but in the words of the song, “These are a few of my favorite things”.

 Silva makes such a fantastic compass, and thanks to P&H’s foresight there’s a neat recess in the decking of the Scorpio for it to fit into. Most people think it’s too far forward, but in practice it’s perfectly positioned, you only have to drop your eyes a fraction from the horizon to see it. Well damped, one can steer accurately, even in a lumpy sea.

I wouldn’t have a sea kayak without a magnetic compass; probably a hang over from my UK sailing days, where there was always a risk of fog. It is a form of insurance, just in case.

My other favorite thing, is the Greenland Paddle. Hand crafted by Tom Nicholson of Elver Paddles, a work of art in it’s own right and an absolute pleasure to paddle with. Just the feel of the wood in your hand, it’s so warm, unlike the impersonal feel of carbon and fiberglass. A joy to pick up.

More on paddles in another post, but I’m a convert to Greenland paddles and have recently sourced, from Tom Nicholson, a Northern Lights break down carbon paddle for the trip to Clayoquot Sound, next month.

Friday, 7th June 2013 Rotto Paddle

Graham launching at Port Beach at the start of the trip.

The surf was breaking just off the shore which made for a nasty moment if your timing was not spot on.

Paddling to Rotto had been an ambition for over a year, but I'd envisaged only a one way trip in a day, overnighting and returning the following day. However, the chance arose to do the return in the same day, the weather was good, so Graham and I went for it . 36.5 kms return in 6.5 hours, maybe not a speed record but a huge personal achievement.

Sea was "interesting" with 3 metre rollers out of the SW and a 1.5 metre swell out of the north........
Wind was light at the start and finish, but came up to 15+ knots as we approached the island, which pushed us to the south and meant a hard paddle to reach the point.

Passed the bulk carrier Ajax at anchor both ways, amazing how large these ships look close up !!

Landed on the Island at the Eastern end, Phillip Point and had some lunch.

The return trip was slow with a following wind and sea, as my shoulder was hurting, but we made it  back safely.

Great achievement, and thanks to Graham for the company.