Thursday, March 27, 2008

Ett stort tack! BIG Thanks!


Ett stort tack!
Jag tog mig fram runt den södra ön och fattade mina beslut på egen hand. Ändå var och kände jag mig inte ensam under denna färd.
För det var många som stödde mig innan färden. Mina vänner och mina sponsorer visade på olika vis att ni trodde på mig!
Även under färden har jag haft lyckan att möta människor som har gett mig styrka. En del med härligt upplyftande kommentarer. Andra har gett mig mat, en natt inomhus och/eller en varm dusch. Ni är många jag vill tacka – ja, jag är lyckligt lottad som har fått möta så många underbara människor!

Några av er vill jag nämna speciellt.

Belinda och Stanley Mulvany i Invercargill som har ställt upp för mig på ett helt obeskrivligt sätt med husrum, fotografier och stärkande sällskap.
Meri Leask vid kustradiostationen i Bluff, som var den starkt bidragande personen till att göra min färd genom Fjordland säker och kantad med positiva inslag.
Joan och Allan Byde som vinkade av mig den 22 december och med samma fantastiska positiva och vänliga attityd tog hand om mig och alla andra vänner i Picton den 24 mars.

Sist men inte minst är det James Venimore och Paul Caffyn. Två män med mycket tålamod och orubbliga tilltro till att jag skulle klara denna färd. James som har skickat väderleksrapporter från Sverige och gjort en fantastisk insats med att uppdatera min hemsida. Paul Caffyn som från sitt hem utanför Greymouth har gett mig goda råd och uppbackning.

BIG Thanks!
I took it myself to paddle around the South Island. However I did find myself not alone on my journey.
There were many who stood behind me before I started. My friends and sponsors showed in different ways they believed in me!
Even during the journey I have been lucky to meet people who have given me strength. A large number have given great comments in my blog. Others have feed me. Given shelter and the odd warm shower. You are many that I like to say thanks to, yes Im a very lucky to have meet all you wonderful, warm, generous people!

Those I would like to mention especially:
Belinda and Stanley Mulvaney from Invercargill, who have supported me with a place to sleep, photo´s and strong company.
Meri Leask with her coast radio service from Bluff, who was a strong support person who helped me through Fiordland via her network of fishermen with a lot of positive advice.
Joan and Allan Byde who waved me off from Picton the 22nd of December and with the same enthusiasm on my way in again 3 months later, along with all those who came to congratulate me at their home the 24th of march.
Last but not least is James Venimore and Paul Caffyn. Two men with a lot of patience who never lost faith in me at I could finish my journey. James who has sent weather forecasts from Sweden and a fantastic job with updating my webside and blog site. Paul CAffyn who from his home near Greymouth on the west coast has given great advice and support.

THANKYOU EVERYONE!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

The last days... and a fine finish!

Tisdagen den 18 mars.
Vågorna var betydligt mindre denna dag. Ändå var jag orolig för de större vågornas kraft och betraktade dem noga innan jag bestämde mig för att ge mig av. Full koncentration och all kraft och energi jag kunde uppbåda. Och äntligen var jag åter ute på vattnet! Det blev en lång paddeldag. För jag ville komma bort från västkustens tuffa förhållanden och på Farewell Spit var det fågelskydd. Men vad gjorde en mörkerpaddling när det var fullmåne och vindstilla till Totaranui. Tuesday the 18th march. The wave were considerably smaller today. However I was still concerned about the size and power behind the waves but I decided to get my self out. Full concentration and maximum energy and I got out. It then became a long paddle day. I wanted to leave the rough west coast behind me to sanctuuary for me and the birds at Farewell Spit. It became a paddle in the dark lit by the full moon and still winds across to Totaranui.

Onsdagen den 19 mars.
Sovmorgon och sen avfärd. Snart befann jag mig i Abel Tasman National Park där det var så vackert att jag bara var tvungen att ta mig tid till att njuta. Och på kvällen fick jag njuta av Noras och Bevans sällskap och paddelberättelser.
Wednesday the 19th march.A sleep in then departure, finding myslef quickly in Abel Tasman National Park, I was forced to take my time and enjoy the great scenery. The even I enjoyed the company of Noras and Bevan alog with their paddling stories.

Torsdagen den 20 mars. Stärkt med en riktigt god natts sömn och härlig frukost gav jag mig av för en lång paddeldag. Men efter lunch kom en envist stark motvind och med mina ihoptejpade fingrar som gjorde vansinnigt ont redan vid lättare tryck valde jag att gå iland. Istället fick jag en härlig kväll hos Nick och Jenny som driver ett ka
jakföretag vid det vackra Pepin Island.
Thursday the 20th March.
Strong after a good nights sleep and a harty breakfast, I left for another long day of paddling. But after lunch came strong head winds and with my painful taped blistered fingers the extra pressure to paddle made me decide to into land. Another night in good company with Nick and Jenny that own and run a kayak company at the scenic Pepin Island.


Fredagen den 21 mars.En vacker kuststräcka med klippformationer och grottor fram till French Pass. Stark sidovind gjorde paddlingen seg. Vid French Pass kunde jag konstatera att jag inte kunde passera passet för nu var det full fart på tidvattnet som dessutom gick emot 
mig. Njöt av Alisons och Conrads goda sällskap... Och goda mat... 
Friday the 21st of march.A beautiful coastline with cliffs and caves till French Pass. A strong side wind made the paddling slow going. At Grench pass I could see I could not pass as it was a spring tide that would be going against me. Enjoyed Alisons and Conrads company… and great cooking!

Lördagen den 22 mars.Definitivt den kortaste paddeldagen. Tio minuters paddling men nu kunde jag lämna passagen bakom mig. Starka nordliga vindar höll mig kvar på land resten av dagen. Snart framme...
Saturday the 22nd march.
Definitely the shortest paddle day. Ten minutes paddling, but now behind me the large tidal race. Strong northerly winds held me there on land for the rest of the day. Soon there…


Söndagen den 23 marsDet blåste riktigt friskt under natten och även under morgonen kändes vinden alltför stark för att paddla ut i. Istället blev jag underbart bortskämd av mina campinggrannar som bjöd in mig på en riktig semesterfrukost med bacon, ägg, spagetti och kaffe.
Senare under dagen mojnade vinden och snabbt packade jag ihop och gav mig av för att runda Clay Point och Culdaff Point innan jag gjorde kväll i Guards Bay.
Jag låg under bar himmel och lät mig än en gång fascineras av den vackra stjärnhimlen samt ljuden från fåglarna och vattnets kluckande mot stranden.Min sista kväll under denna resa kunde inte ha varit vackrare.
Sunday the 23rd march.It blew freshly through the night and even in the morning the wind felt too strong to paddle into. Instead I was wonderfully spoilt by my camping neighbour that invited me for a real holiday breakfast with bacon, eggs, spagetti and coffee.
Later in the day the wind died down and quickly packed and left to round Clay Point and Culdaff Point before I made Guards Bay.
I lay unders the stars and was again fascinated by the stunning heavens with the sound of birds and the waves on the beach. My last night of this journey couldnt have been better.

Måndagen den 24 marsJag vaknade tidigt och gav mig iväg medan det fortfarande var mörkt. Vid uddarna var det strömskval och sk tidal races medan det var lugnt med en lätt medvind när jag kom in i det mer skyddande Queen Charlotte Sound. Här fick jag en oförglömlig paddling in till Picton. Sälar och delfiner passerade min kajak. En fiskebåt stannade till och gav mig två påskägg. Vid Bay of Many Coves möttes jag av de första paddlarna som var mina vänner Harriet och Phil från Westport. Senare utökades skaran med Paul, AJ och Melanie, Margaret and Max Grant.Väl inne i Picton stod ytterligare en skara på land och skämde bort mig med champagne, blommor och inte minst Pavlova. Sen fick jag en underbar kväll med god mat tillsammans med Joan, Alan, Paul och AJ. Det var definitivt en glad Babs som somnade in hemma hos Joan och Alan. Med en härligt overklig känsla av att jag till sist hade tagit mig runt denna fantastiska och starkt adrenalinhöjande ö!
Monday the 24th March.
I woke early and left before sunrise in the dark. At the peninsula there was a strong current and tidal races but it was ok with light tail winds before I came into the protected Queen Charlotte Sound. Here i had an unforgettable paddle into Picton. Seals, dolphins passed my kayak. A fishing boat stopped and gave me two easter eggs. At Bay Of MAny Coves I meet the first paddlers I new as friends Harriet and Phil from Westport. La
ter arrived Paul, AJ and Melanie, Margaret and Max Grant.
Well inside Picton stood a group of people who spoilt me with champagne, flowers and not least pavlova. Later a good night of food together with Joan, Alan, Paul and AJ. It was definitely a happy Babs that slept inside at the Byde´s that night with a great sense of feeling I had taken myself around that fanatstic and high adrenalin demanding Island!
Mars och april
Jag kommer nu att spendera ytterligare några veckor på den södra ön. De senaste dagarna har jag tagit det lugnt; ätit upp mig något kilo och sett till att landa på landbacken! Men senare bär det av för att genomföra intervjuer och arbeta fram underlag till artiklar. Därefter beger jag mig upp till den norra ön. Under tiden den 25-27 april kommer jag att delta i ett symposium vid Ohope Beach arrangerat av K.A.S.K. (Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers) för att hålla föredrag och träffa paddelvänner. I början av maj är jag åter på svensk mark. Lagom för att njuta av en den fina svensk paddelsommaren!

För er som vill veta vad som händer under resten av våren och sommaren hänvisar jag nu till min hemsida under rubriken ”Just nu”.

Ha en härlig paddelvår!

March and April.
I will be staying a few longer on the South Island and then later the North. The last days I have taken it quietly, eating to put wieght back on and to just wind down on land once again. But now I also have to work on interviews and an article for magazines. After mid April I will be back in the North Island. During the 25-27th April I will be at Ohope Beach taking part at the K.A.S.K. (Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers) seakayak symppsosium. I will be giving a talk and slide show about my trip. In the beginning of may will return to Sweden. It will be good timing to enjopy some fine Swedish summer paddling!

For thsoe that would like to keep up to date on my activities please follow this link to my official web site.

Have a great paddle season!




Monday, March 24, 2008

Picton! CONGRATULATIONS BABS!



Monday 24th March 2008
Babs made approximately 5pm Picton after an early start before sunrise from Guards Bay in the outer Marlborough Sounds. Several people paddled out to meet Babs on her way in including Paul. Waiting for her at Alan Bydes was Max Grant and Family, Harriet from Westport and numerous others that have either meet Babs on her way or have been following her trip.
James

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Resolution Bay 11am



24 MArch: 11am Babs just messaged she is in Resolution Bay, that should put her In Picton around 4pm with just 5 km to go.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

62 km to go!

Sunday 23 March 
1900 hours NZT
Babs made it to Guards Bay this evening at 6pm after timing it right with the winds that died down after 2pm. That leaves a 63 km paddle into Picton tomorrow. Her plan is to leave around 6am before sunrise to round Cape Jackson with a predicted tail wind before heading SW towards Picton down Queen Charlotte Sound. It can be expected she will be in Picton late afternoon ready for pavlova and champaign!
At this point anyone wishing to meet her in Picton Babs will officially finish at the boat ramp in the marina. For information it is planned Alan & Joan Byde will be a meeting and information centre, all depends on the winds and currents. Their address is 80 Waikawa Rd just a walking distance from Picton centre, or a white fenced property with beautiful gardens opposite the marina entrance. Estimated time of arrival should be sometime after 4pm. Anyone with a kayak and are keen to meet her on the water, Paul Caffyn plans to leave Picton at around 11am to meet Babs on her way in. Again leaving from the boat ramp.
James:-(wish I could be there)

Spring tides at French Pass...



22nd March: Babs had her shortest day of paddling today, 10 minutes! Having strong 30+ knot head winds further out in the outer Marlborough Sounds, she stayed at French Pas but paddled around to the Northern side during slack water avoiding a large tidal race (rapid). She said it was quite a powerful race at its peak as it is spring tides right now with a 4m tidal range! At French pass she has meet some wonderful people and the local store has plenty of food. Its is hoped Babs will make some distance Monday and arrive in Picton Tuesday. 
Anyone keen to meet her finish I will post by tomorrow a more concrete plan where and when. 
By the way "Happy Easter" from Babs and James.
James

Friday, March 21, 2008

French Pass



21st March: Just a short message tonight that Babs made French Pass, no doubt a big meal at the restaurant there followed by a good sleep before an early start to get as far as possible before the 30 kot head winds rip through the Malrborough Sounds for 24 hours after lunch.
Paul Caffyn sent some pictures last night from the West Coast. Thanks Paul!
James
Babs crossing the Grey River bar after a five hour wait for breaking waves to subside.
Babs after arriving at sunset at Woodpecker Bay, after the long day on a 4m swell from Greymouth.
Pre dinner drinks for Babs at Woodpecker Bay.
From left John Flemming from Rotorua, Babs, PC and Tsunami Ranger Jim Kakuk from California.
Photo: Deb Volturno

Thursday, March 20, 2008

GleNduan,130km to go and head winds..



20th March: Babs made it to Glenduan and she was spoilt again by kayak instructor Nick Woods and his lovely wife. This morning she called after an hour out, a little frustrated with having had plans to make French Pass 40 km away by 2pm. this is the ideal time when the tidal race is at its calmest between tides and a current to pull her along. Its only 130 km to Picton, but with a bit of luck babs will make it there by Monday or Tuesday depending on the winds.
James


Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Kina Beach..


19th March: After talking and a few messages to Babs as she paddled across Golden Bay between 10:30pm and 2am she finally came to Totaranui after a long day and 110km. I was suprised a little that when I heard from her 12 hours later that she had paddled the next day through Abel Tasman National Park another 40 km! There must be a good reason to get to Piction!
Below is text from Babs now we have GSM contact I can translate her diary.
James
Måndagen den 17 mars. Så nära mitt mål och så denna känsla av att jag inte skulle kunna ta mig ut...
Monday the 17th march: So close to my goal and I have the feeling I wont be able to get out…

Lördagen den 15 mars. Hemska vågor. Gjorde två försök att ta mig ut men insåg att det var hopplöst. Men jag befann mig i vart fall i ett vackert landskap med sanddyner, gröna kullar och berg.
Saturday the 15th march. Terrible waves. Made two attempts to get out but saw it was hopeless. But I found myself in a beautiful landscape with sand dune, green hills and mountains.

Fredagen den 14 mars. En vacker kuststräcka men inga möjligheter att gå iland förrän vid Big River. Jag, hundratals med får och tusentals med sandflugor!
Friday the 14th march: A beautiful coastline with no landing possibilities till Big River. Myself, hundreds of sheep and thousands of sandflies!

Torsdagen den 13 mars. Så otroligt stilla om morgonen att himlen speglade sig i vattnet. Men naturligtvis varade lugnet inte hela dagen. Gick iland genom surfvågor vid Karamea...
Thursday the 13th march: So amazingly still in the morning that the heavens reflected in the water. But naturally it didn’t remain calm with a surf landing at Karamea.

Onsdagen den 12 mars. En frisk medvind förde mig till Westport på drygt fem timmar. Tillbringade dagen hos Harriet och Phil som jag tidigare träffat i Fiordland. Och tittade på deras multisportkajaker!
Wednesday the 12th march: A frsh tail wind pushed me to Westport in just five hours. Spent the day with Harriet and Phil who I had meet in Fiordland. And we looked at their multisport kayaks.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Farewell westcoast hello Abel Tasman 110km!




18th March: No news from Babs this morning meant she was on the move, confirmed when she called on her GSM phone approaching in the dark the east end of Farewell Spit at 10:30pm. She said despite the swell being less it was still a challenge getting out, but went well. After coming around to the southern side she  decided to continue with a full moon 30 km across to Golden Bay to Totaranui with an estimated time of arrival around 2:30am. The reason she says is her hands are too sore to drag the kayak up the low tide line to the lighthouse beach. I suspect somehow she wants to get to Picton soon as well! 

Saturday, March 15, 2008

So close yet so far....



16th of March: With just 266km approximately to go and only 50 km left of the tough west coast Babs has found herself stranded by large surf just North of Kahuranagi point with only sandflies for company. Despite an attempt to break out over the surf. It must be frustrating, as soon as she comes around the top heading east on Farewellspit the SW2m swell (4m breaking face) will not be of as much concern. Then its a crossing down to the Beautiful Abel Tasman National Park. But forcast is for even larger surf monday but calming down over tuesday, nothing to do but rest, heal those infected cuts and feed the native animals (sandflies) who happen to be a protected species!
On Saturady CET Renata Chlumska called Babs on her sat phone live on stage at the Swedish outdoor show with a large audience listening to hear Babs tell a little about her trip. 
James.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

North of Kahurangi Point




14 th of March: Babs made it safely to a beach just north of Kahurangi Point this evening before 6pm. There is also a nice news paper interview of Babs in the Buller times today.

Long Day to Karamea



13th of March:"Outside Karamea" was the short message from Babs at 10pm NZT, making a very long day, from 7am to 10pm and 70km. Weather should be good tomorrow and sunday, a strong easterly will come in the evening at Farewell Spit. Babs maybe deserves a half days rest there?
(James)

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Westport!



Babs after landing in the more sheltered Woodpecker Bay after paddling from Greynouth.
(Photo courtesy of Paul Caffyn)
12 March: After a day resting at Pauls yesterday, Babs returned to Woodpecker Bay with John and this morning in Sweden we woke to good news from Paul by e-mail that Babs was safe and sound with good company in Westport, despite a large swell. Weather looks good the next days so its planed to round Farewell Spit and head into Abels Tasman as soon as possible. The next two days should be her last real tough days of large swells and poor landings. 
Well done Babs!
(James)

Monday, March 10, 2008

Diary from Milford to Woodpecker Bay


Catching Fur Seals on film (Courtesy: Belinda Mulvaney)
Babs in Milford Sound (Courtesy:Belinda Mulvaney)
10 March: Yesterday Monday I had a interesting day. We were at the mouth of Greymouth at seven o clock just to see the fishing boats coming close to the bar but getting out on the sea again because it was too rough. We waited for the tide until almost eleven o clock and then I decedid to go. No fun. Still a little bit of a challenge so to say. But it worked fine. According to the local weather it should be sw winds. But I did get northerly winds. Hard work. And the sea was not very nice with big swell and terrible breaking surf waves everywhere. I realised that either I had to focus and work hard to go to safe landing in Woodpecker Bay or I had to go ashore and fore sure be in a very bad landing situation. It looked so bad. But I was running out of time... It was getting late... But I did arrive to the bay just before dark and there was Paul, John , Deb and Jim waiting for me. I was a very happy girl!

This morning it is perfect paddle weather but at midday it is going to blow n winds 40 knots. And the landings are so bad so I need 6 til 8 hours to next good landing. And good landing here is the same as a landing you are not risking to get hammered. So ashore today. And weather tomorrow is 25 knots sw which could be good but sea is going to be rough. Thursday looks better. Well, slowly getting there. And maybe my wounds can heal...

I am so happy that people are nice helping me, thank you!!!
Below is text Babs sent from her diary in her Sonim XP telephone:

Söndagen den 9 mars. Det blåste en frisk vind om morgonen och jag bestämde mig för att ta en vilodag för att låta såren börja läkas. Det blev en stillsam dag i Pauls och Johns sällskap med god mat, efterlängtad musik och intressanta berättelser. Och läst alla uppiggande kommentarer på hemsidan! Stort tack för all support!
Sunday 9th of March: There was a fresh wind in the morning and I decided to tak e a rest day to let my wounds begin to heal. It was to be a calm day in Johns and Pauls company with good food, some music and some interesting stories. And I got a great lift from reading my comments on the web, big thanks!

Lördagen den 8 mars. Det skulle blåsa upp kraftigt under dagen men jag hann få en kort paddling in till Greymouth med sällskap av delfiner. Och möttes vid hamnen av Paul och John som skämde bort mig med en härligt kall öl. Ännu en delsträcka var avklarad! Sedan var det dags för mig att få mina inflammerade sår på fingrar och rumpa besiktigade av en sjuksköterska. De hade gjort skoningslöst ont under de senaste dagarna. Höger hand var kraftigt svullen och värkte kraftigt. Men ont krut förgås inte så lätt...
Saturday the 8th of March: It should become quite windy during the day, but I got a quick paddle in to Greymouth with the company of Dolphins. And was meet in the harbour by Paul and John who spoilt me with a beer. Another section cleared! Later it was a visit to Nurse to have my infected sores on my fingers and bum looked at. They had become incredibly painful the last days. My right hand was very swollen and ached painfully.

Fredagen den 7 mars. Till motsats mot gårdagen fick jag härliga vindar under hela dagen och lyckades dessutom ta mig torrskodd iland genom vågorna. Kan man få en bättre paddeldag än så?
Friday the 7th March: Oposite to yesterday I had great winds behind me all day and came into land nice and dry through the waves. Can it be better?

Torsdagen den 6 mars. Det skulle inte blåsa mycket under denna dag men efter bara en kort stunds paddling fick jag en stark motvind. Och några timmar senare valde jag att gå iland. Senare under dagen kunde jag fortsätta till Greens Beach med vackra vattenfall.
Thursday the 6th March: It should blow to much during the day, but after a short paddle I got a strong head wind. And a few hours later I choose to into land. Later it claamed enough to continue to Grens Beach with a beautiful waterfall.

Onsdagen den 5 mars. Det skulle blåsa en kraftigt sydlig vind men om morgonen var det så oförskämt lugnt att jag bestämde mig för att försöka ta mig till Okarito. Och väl där stod Paul glatt vinkande på stranden! Strax därefter tilltog vinden och istället för fortsatt paddling blev det en trevlig stund på land med mycket prat om hav och paddling.
Wednesday the 5th March: Strong southerly winds forcasted, but the morning was embarrassingly calm that I decided to try for Okarito. And there stood Paul waving happily from the beach! Son after the winds did pick up and instead of continuing paddling it would be a nice talk about the sea and paddling.

Tisdagen den 4 mars. En underbar paddelmorgon med vackert väder, lekande delfiner och ett varierande landskap med sandstränder, grönskande skogar och snöklädda berg. Gjorde dessutom en ovanligt lyckad landning bland kraftigt brytande vågor!
Tuesday the 4th March: A wonderful morning with beautiful weather, playful dolphins and a changing landscape with beaches, green forests and snow covered mountains. And lucky and happy landing amongst some large and powerful waves!

Måndagen den 3 mars. Fick hjälp med att ta mig ut om morgonen. Väl ute på vattnet dröjde det inte länge förrän jag fick en otäckt stark vind från öst. Seg paddling men ville inte gå iland längs denna sträcka igen så jag kämpade på. Under senare delen av eftermiddagen lugnade vinden sig och jag fann en säker och vacker strand med små vattenfall.
Monday the 3rd March: Had some help getting out this morning. It did not take long till out in the water that a strong nasty east wind started. Slow paddling but did not want to go into land along this section again. So I fought along. Later in the day the winds eased and I found a safe and pretty beach to land on complete with a little waterfall.

Söndagen den 2 mars. Vinden hade mojnat och jag var på vattnet innan det ljusnade. Jag kämpade mig fram i en envist stark vind snett emot mig och lyckades så småningom komma fram till Jacksons Bay. Nu lämnade jag det isolerade vindutsatta Fiordland för ett nytt landskap med mer bebyggelse och elaka brytande vågor. De brytande vågorna fick jag snart känna av för det var en blöt Babs som kom iland om kvällen men blev varmt omhändertagen av en paddelfamilj från Zambia!
Sunday the 2nd March: Wind had calmed and I was out before it became light. I pushed against a stubborn strong 90 degree wind against me and later I came to Jackson Bay. Now I had left the isolated wind stricken Fiordland for a new landscape with large surf to contend with. Those waves resulted in a wet landing but I was warmly taken care of by a paddling family from Zambia!

Lördagen den 1 mars. Kraftig vind och regn utan uppehåll. Vilken meningslös väntan! Men kanske bättre väder nästa dag?
Saturday the 1st March: Strong winds and rain! What meaningless waiting! But maybe better tomorrow?

Fredagen den 29 februari. Regn och kraftig nordlig vind som tilltog kraftigt under natten. Regnet fullkomligt vräkte ner och vinden slet i tältet. Det blev inte mycket till sömn...
Fridat th 29th Febuary: Rain and and powerful northerly wind that came up during the night. Rain pored down and tried to tear into the tent. It wasn’t much sleep tonight…

Torsdagen den 28 februari. Den nordliga vinden hade växt sig allt starkare och det såg knappast ut att bli någon paddling denna dag. Åter fast på en isolerad strand medan vinden ruskade i tältet och regnet ihärdigt strilade ner. Kanske dags att ge upp?
Thursday the 28th Febuary: The northerly wind had grown strongere and there would be little chance of paddling out this day. Still isolated on a desolate beach with gusterly winds and rain. Maybe time to give up?

Onsdagen den 27 februari. Jag vaknade sent och konstaterade att det var en hanterbar motvind. Men jag mådde inte bra, somnade om och vaknade först sent om eftermiddagen.
Wednesday the 27th Febuary: Woke late and saw it was a possible headwind I could cope with. But I did not feel well, slept on and woke next after lunch.

Tisdagen den 26 februari. Upp tidigt och fortfarande mörkt när jag gav mig. Halvbullrigt hav och var väldigt nära att bli omkullvräkt av en våg. Trots att jag var trött fortsatte jag eftersom jag inte hittade någon lämplig plats att gå iland förrän Barn Bay. Och även denna landstigningsplats hade jag kunnat vara utan...
Tuesday the 26th Febuary: Up early, still datk when I launched off. Tricky seas and nearly wiped out by a wave. Despite this I continued as there ws no place to land safely until Barn Bay. BUT even this landing I could have been without!

Måndagen den 25 februari. Vädret såg ut att lugna sig och av det bar till Milford. Fick en vacker paddling genom sundet tillsammans med Belinda och Stanley. Och en härlig stund vid elden innan läggdags.
Monday the 25th Febuary: Weather looked as if it was to calm. Had a beautiful day of pdling through Milford Sound with Belinda and Stanley. And a nice evening with a fire before sleeping.

Woodpecker Bay and 50k




9 March: A rest day after having some infected sores attended to and the winds were not to be all that favorable.
10 March: From Greymouth bar past the famous Pancake rocks and some of New Zealands most scenic and wildest looking coastline babs arrived at Woodpecker Bay at 8pm with a reception party with diner and a bonfire. A 50km effort bringing Babs closer to finishing.
Text:James.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Greymouth and some TLC



7 March
James writes: Babs made a long day all the way to Kumara whwre she meet Paul Caffyn again, returning home with him for a shower and good sleep.
8 March
A short morning to Greymouth and over the bar before having some wounds cleaned and checked on her hands and backside by a nurse. A good meal at Pauls, some sleep and then just 500 kms and Babs will be eating fish and chips in Picton.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

South of Greens Bay



6 March
James Writes: Babs had hoped for better winds and to get close to Hokitika, but stronger than expected head winds put a damper on that with a 44 km distance after a long day. Forecast is good next days but south westerly winds are likely to bring larger surf than whats wanted, but hopefully  some unexpected easterlies will dampen that down.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Long awaited photos of Fiordland

This week arrived 3 more DVD's with the pictures from Riverton 
till Milford, below is a good example of the latest of Fiordland 
fashion, then you can see why on the next photo, yikes!
Fiordland traditional dress?
Just a few sandflies!