Kayak New Zealand

Ett stort tack! BIG Thanks!

2008-03-27T05:21:00.000-07:00

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!

The last days... and a fine finish!

2008-03-26T23:50:00.000-07:00

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!

Picton! CONGRATULATIONS BABS!

2008-03-24T00:54:00.000-07:00

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

Resolution Bay 11am

2008-03-23T14:57:00.004-07:00

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.

62 km to go!

2008-03-22T23:34:00.001-07:00

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...

2008-03-22T00:13:00.000-07:00

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

French Pass

2008-03-21T00:33:00.000-07:00

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

GleNduan,130km to go and head winds..

2008-03-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

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

Kina Beach..

2008-03-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

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.

Farewell westcoast hello Abel Tasman 110km!

2008-03-18T03:28:00.000-07:00

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!

So close yet so far....

2008-03-15T22:41:00.000-07:00

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.

North of Kahurangi Point

2008-03-13T23:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-13T02:46:00.000-07:00

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)

Westport!

2008-03-12T00:41:00.000-07:00

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)

Diary from Milford to Woodpecker Bay

2008-03-10T13:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Greymouth and some TLC

2008-03-07T21:42:00.000-08:00

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.

South of Greens Bay

2008-03-06T11:01:00.001-08:00

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.

See more pictures from Babs here

Long awaited photos of Fiordland

2008-03-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

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!

more photo´s click here.....

Okarito and good company...

2008-03-05T11:05:00.000-08:00

4th Mars

Babs made a short day to Gillespies beach in hope to meet up with Paul Caffyn one of the worlds great seakayak legends, he lives just 4 hours north, but as lcuk would have it Paul was not able to make it Gillespies beach.

5th Mars

A sore back and extremely tired Babs first planed to stay and wait to meet up with Paul, but the conditions were perfect to continue, well at first, but strong tail winds came up as Babs pulled into Okarito to a welcome from a familiar face, Paul himself.

Weather looks good for the next days, all though a SW swell will be building making landing dificult in places.

Hunts Beach

2008-03-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

2 March

Babs managed to meet some tourists, her first human interaction after being stuck at Barns Bay and having had a bad landing at Hannahs clearing, so this lifted her spirits despite having lost her padle in the surf.

3 Mars

Strong wind put any move on hold till after lunch then Babs made her way up to Bishops creek. Paul Caffyn planned to meet Babs the next day and she was very happy with the thought of having his company soon.

4 Mars

Babs woke me at 4am CET asking where Paul was after landing at Hunts Beach, a good effort of 50 km with a surf landing at the end. She obviously didnt get the message Paul will come tomorrow all going well with a spare paddle. She may or may not continue to Gillespies beach this evening, but she complained of not feeling to well and had a sore back, so maybe meeting Paul near Fox and getting a shower and real food is a good plan?

By the way, great amount of people have commented and or called me to wish Babs well, this is so appreciated, it will give her a great boost when she gets online. Hope to have new photo´s up to Milford in a few days, so stay posted.

James

Escape from Fiordland....

2008-03-02T08:08:00.000-08:00

2nd March

James writes:Knowing how much Babs wanted to get away from the rain and remoteness of Barns Bay we waited a long time for a message from her to say she was OK. A short brief message came at 10pm NZT to say she was Safe at Hanna´s Birdlings after a hard surf landing, I suspect this was in the evening light with a 2m swell.

Babs now starts a new chapter having escaped after 6 days stranded alone in rain and wind from the remote Fiordland coast. The west coast will present it´s own problems including long exposed surf breaks and the notorius west coast sandflies, but the good news its a good forecast for the next days with variable winds under 10 knots and a relatively low surf swell of 1 to 1.5 meters.

Special thanks to everyones comments and the Milford marine fishing radio community and of course again Meri who all took time to look out for Babs.

Hell in Barn Bay

2008-02-29T23:01:00.000-08:00

1st March.

James writes: Babs has been stuck in Barns Bay for 5 nights now after being sick the day after she arrived, missing a critical window to get through to Port Jackson and past a major mile stone both mentally and physically. But the weather has boxed her in with pouring rain and constantly strong winds. From brief messages and the odd satellite phone call, Babs is feeling very frustrated, wet and depressed having sat in a small tent in these conditions. So if people would like to send an encouragement hit the comment link below, she got a real lift last time she saw these.

Here is a photo when Babs left Milford in more favourable weather.I expect new photos any day, so watch the blog.

It is predicted Babs will be able to make a break Monday morning with better winds a N1m swell.

Hang in there Babs!

Kept going, safe at Barns Bay..

2008-02-26T00:06:00.000-08:00

26 Febuary

James writes: An hour after updating the blog, a new message "TUESDAY EVENING AT BARN BAY" so that was pretty long day with approx 75 km of paddling in not best of conditions. Tomorrow all going well a half day into Port Jackson.

Martins Bay

2008-02-25T22:24:00.000-08:00

26th Febuary:

James Writes: Sat phone message that Babs was in Martins Bay at around 10am NZT after leaving Belinda and Stanley who followed her out to Anita´s Bay. Paul Caffyn sent a mail saying the ses are quite big. Its a 45km padle to next possible landing in Barns Bay and another 30km around into Port Jackson where there is the next road and any connection with civilisation.

Back to Milford

2008-02-24T23:31:00.000-08:00

Monday 25th Febuary
James Updates: Babs went back to Milford today with Stanley & Belinda. The plan is to go out to Anita´s Bay and wait for a good opening in the weather for Jackson Bay. Ideally not landing would be a good goal but things happen…..

Here are also two pictures Babs mailed over from Thomson and Milford Sound.
Fredagen den 22 februari, lördagen den 23 februari och söndagen den 24 februari. Dagarna på land gick snabbt med fågelskådning, besök hos min favoritradiooperatör Meri och ett mindre föredrag. Läste alla positiva kommentarer på hemsidan och kände mig uppåt. Under lördagen blev vinden allt starkare och skulle enligt prognoserna gå upp till 60 km/h med vindbyar på 90 km/h. Ja, tala om att det kan blåsa på denna ö!
Friday the 22nd till Sunday 24th Febuary: The days on land went quick with bird watching and visit to my favourite radio operator Meri. Then a small public talk. I have read all the positive comments on my blog and it gave me a positive lift. Thanks! On staurday the wind gwas very strong and according to forecasts up to 60 km an hour with gusts of 90 km per hour. It really does get windy on this Island!

Torsdagen den 21 februari. De kommande dagarna skulle det bli nordliga vindar på upp emot 50 knots! Och matförrådet behövdes definitivt fyllas på! Men istället för Te Anau fick jag lift till Invercargill och blev åter varmt välkomnad av Belinda och Stanley.
Thursday the 21 Febuary: The coming days it shall be northerly winds of up to 50 knots! And food supplies definitely need filling! But instead of Te Anau I took a ride to Invercargill and was welcomed home to Belinda and Stanley.

Diary from Riverton till Milford

2008-02-23T00:50:00.000-08:00

Saturday 23rd Feburay

James writes: Below you will find Babs diary she has sent me by text message the last days while she was back in Invecargil to esacpe the poor weather in Milford. Babs plans to be back on the water early during the week with a 2-3 days paddle to Port Jackson. I hope to get some pictures in the next week from Babs, will have a selection quickly up for all to see. Having spoken a bit on the phone with Babs, she would like to pass on her thanks and greetings to all the boats and people she has meet along the coast and Fiords the last days.

Onsdagen den 20 februari: Paddlade i lugn takt in mot Milford och kunde konstatera att jag befann mig i ett underbart landskap. Men den ihärdiga lufttrafiken var lite väl ihärdig och själva platsen annorlunda från vad jag hade förväntat mig och kom ihåg från tidigare besök.
Wednesday the 20 Febuary: Padled at a relaxed pace into Milford and could see that I was in an amazing landscape. But the large amount of air traffic from the airstrip was a little disappointing. Milford itself was different from what I expected even after having been there before.

Tisdagen den 19 februari. För ovanlighetens skull verkade vindarna bli milda denna dag och det var fortfarande mörkt när jag tog första paddeltaget. Med kraftiga dyningar men en lätt bris passerade jag Nancy Sound, Charles Sound, Caswell Sound och det underbart vackra George Sound. Med ett så perfekt paddelväder bestämde jag mig för att göra ett försök att nå Milford Sound. En vacker solnedgång ersattes av en klar fullmåne och på Anitas Bay satt en paddlare vid namn Fiona med en värmande lägereld.
Tuesday the 19th Febuary: Unusually it was mild winds today and it was still dark when I took my first strokes. With a large swell and light breeze I passed Nancy Sound, Charles Sound, Caswell Sound and the beautiful George Sound. With such perfect weather I decided to try for Milford sound. A beautiful sunset was replaced by a full moon and at midnight in Anitas bay at the entrance to Milford Sound, sat a kayaker named with Fiona with a welcoming campfire.

Måndagen den 18 februari. Det var kallt och fuktigt om morgonen men så lite vind att jag åter beslutade mig för att hoppas på en säker morgonpaddling. Jag fick kämpa hårt med höga vågor, lurig brottsjö och en otrevligt växande vind. Men desto gladare var jag när jag kom in i det underbart vackra Doubtful Sound! Fick senare oönskat sällskap av mängder av sandflugor.
Monday the 18th Febuary: Cold and damp this morning but little wind, so it was decision to hope for a safe morning of paddling. I had to fight with large waves and rough conditions and wind changing direction all the time. But I was glad when I made it into incredibly scenic Doubtful Sound! Then I meet my regular companions, sandflies!

Söndagen den 17 februari. Ytterligare en dag med prognos för starka vindar. Men om morgonen var det lugnt och med endast fyra timmars paddling till nästa landstigningsmöjlighet i Daggs Sound tog jag en chansning. Väl i nästa sund dröjde det inte någon lång stund innan vinden var så kraftig att jag trodde att tältet skulle gå sönder. Dessvärre fick jag en väderprognos för morgondagen med starka sydvästliga vindar, fyra meter höga vågor och "rough sea". Suck!
Sunday the 17 Febuary: Another day of of forecasts for strong winds. But the morning is calm and with just four hours paddling to my next safe landing in Daggs Sound I took the chance. Well it didn’t take to long after arriving that the wind took force and I thought the tent was not going to hold up. And the next forecast was for strong southwest winds, four meter swells and rough seas.Ahh!

Lördagen den 16 februari. Ännu en dag på landbacken med vindar om 35 knots. Förvisso starka vindar men varmt och soligt i den skyddande viken. Och även denna dag kom det in en båt med trevligt kvällssällskap!
Saturday the 16th Febuary: Another day on land with winds of over 35 knots. Despite the winds it was warm and sunny in the sheltered bay. And even today came a boat with some people for company.

Fredagen den 15 februari. Prognosen var vindar om 35 knots. Men trots de friska medvindarna fick jag en kort men härlig paddling genom Anchor Passage med stupande klippväggar. Ännu en dag i ensamhet? Nej, några timmar senare kom en charterbåt in i viken och snart hade de plockat över mig för några timmars trevligt sällskap och Carls underbara mat.
Friday the 15th Febuary: Forecast winds at 35 knots. But despote the fresh winds behind me I did a quick tour into Anchor passage with steep cliffs. Another day alone? Nope, a few hours later came a charter boat in and asoon they collected me for a few hours company and Carls delicious food.

Torsdagen den 14 februari. Det skulle blåsa från 20 upp till 35 knots under dagen. Men om morgonen var det hyfsat lugnt och jag gav mig av. Ute på havet var det hög svall och luriga brottsjöar (overfalls) men inte förrän strax innan Dusky Sound fick jag känna på de riktigt starka vindarna. Fick en härlig eftermiddag i den vackra skyddande fjorden och var lycklig över att ha klarat av den värsta sträckan!
Thursday the 14th Febuary: It should blow up between 20 to 35 knots today. The morning was relatively calm for the area so I took off. Out at sea it was a high swell and tricky conditions with overfalls, but just as I came into Dusky Sound I felt the real strong winds. Had a great dinner in the beautiful protected fiord and was so happy to have cleared that dangerous section of coast.

Onsdagen den 13 februari. Sov över på fiskebåten och vid tretiden var det dags att gå upp för att fylla en massa lådor med kräftor innan helikoptern kom för hämtning. Spenderade resten av dagen i lugn hamn med vindar om 40 knop ute till havs.

Wedneday the 13 Febuary: Slept on the fishing boat and at 3am it was time to get up and fill a lot of boxes with crayfish before the helicopter came for collection. Spent the rest of the day in peace in the harbour with winds at 40 knots out at sea.

Tisdagen den12 februari. Det blåste kraftigt när jag vaknade och det blev ytterligare en sovmorgon. Viljan att nå Dusky Sound var stark men vinden starkare. Istället paddlade jag till Port North för vatten och fick efterlängtat och trevligt sällskap av fiskarna Cyril och Michael.
Tuesday the 12 Febuary: It blew strongly when I woke up and it would be another sleep in. I wanted so strongly to get to Dusky Sound, but the wind was stronger. Instead I padled to Port North for water and got a welcomed onto Cyril and Michaels crayfish boat.

Måndagen den 11 februari. Starka nordliga vindar skulle bli lättare sydliga vindar mot kvällen. Men... Även om kvällen ryckte vindarna i tältet. Längtade tillbaka till de härliga kiwis jag lämnade i lördags. Började misströsta. Kanske dags att ge upp?
Monday the 11 Febuary: Strong northerly winds should be lighter southerly by the evening. But… even during the evening the wind tried to destroy the tent. Long after to the “Kiwi`s” I left on staurday. Starting to get down, maybe its time to give up?

Söndagen den 10 februari. Det var denna morgon som jag skulle paddla fyra timmar längs en stökig sträcka utan landstigningsmöjligheter bort från öns blåsigaste hörn. Det blev en heldag i tältet medan regnet vräkte ner och vindarna ändrade riktningar men inte styrka. Och jag var ledsen och förtvivlad. Fast igen på en liten strand med tusentals sandflugor....
Sunday the 10 Febuary: It was to be the day I should paddle four hours along a very nasty piece of coast without any safe landing. It would be in reality a whole day in the tent while the rain poured down and the wind changed direction but not strength. And I was sad and frustrated! Stuckm ona beach with thousands of sandflies….

Lördagen den 9 februari. Prognosen var sydvästliga vindar om 30 knots, dyningar på 4 m och grov sjö. Men om morgonen är det lugnt och trots mitt härliga sällskap beslutade jag mig för att göra en kort morgonpaddling. Marc och Gavin vinkade av mig och det kändes märkligt att paddla ut i mörkret!
Saturday the 9th Febuary: Forecast is southwest winds up to 30 knots, swells of 4 meters and heavy seas. But this morning is calm and despite my great company a decided to do a short morning paddle. Mark and Gavin waved me off and it felt strange to paddle off in the dark! (Babs made it to Welcome Bay).

Fredagen den 8 februari. Ännu en dag med trevligt sällskap och en vandring medan det stormade ute på havet. Och med matlagningslektioner under kvällen.
Friday the 8th Febuary: Another day with great company, a walk while it stormed out at sea. Then food cooking lessons in the evening.

Torsdagen den 7 februari. Under natten var jag sjuk. Kramper i magen. Kände hur otroligt utsatt jag är när jag färdas utan sällskap. Frisk men otroligt sliten om morgonen. Senare blev jag något förvånad när tio personer kom iland. För att tillbringa en semestervecka i detta fjordområde. Ett härligt gäng och en sen natt med underbar skaldjursmiddag!
Thursday the 7th Febuary: During the night I was isck. Stomach cramps. Felt how worn out I was with out company. Felt better in the morning but tired. Later I was surprised when 10 persons came onto land. They were having a week of holiday in the area. A great group of people and we ate a great seafood dinner!

Onsdagen den 6 februari. Denna dag och de kommande fem såg ut att få tillbringas på land pga nordvästliga vindar på upp över 40 knots. Men övergiven kände jag mig inte för redan om morgonen kom en helikopter förbi och gav mig tecken om jag var ok. Fördrev dagen med au vandra omkring i en vacker och intressant omgivning.
Wednesday the 6th Febuary: Today and the next five saw to it that with northwesterly winds over 40 knots was on land. Dereted I didn’t feel at all though, a helicopter came by and checked on me and I gave them the signal I was OK (Meri had asked it while training a pilot to check on Babs). Spent the day wandering in the wild and interesting enviroment.

Tisdagen den 5 februari. Jag insåg att jag måste ta mig bort från detta område men de brytande vågorna och den redan så starka vinden gjorde mig gråtfärdig. Men jag tog mig ut och jag höll båten på rätt köl vinden det tumultartade havet till trots. Senare lugnade sig havet och vindarna. Och det var en lycklig Babs som rundade det beryktade Puysegur Point. :-(
Tueday the 5th Febuary: I saw I have to get away from this landscape with breaking waves, and with the strongish winds I just wanted to cry. But I took me out and stayed upright despite the wind and sea conditions. Later it clamed down and it was glad and relieved Babs that rounded into Puysegur point ☺

Måndagen den 4 februari. Ännu en dag på land! Först pga den starka sydvästliga vinden. Men även pga kraftigt brytande vågor och tufft hav. Börjar bli less på vindarna. Nu vill jag styra fören norrut! :-(
Monday the 4th Febuary: Another day on land! Firstly due to the southwesterly wind, but late even for the powerful breaking swell and tough sea. Starting to get annoyed at the wind. I want to get North!

Söndagen den 3 februari. Enligt väderprognosen skulle det bli starka nordvästliga vindar och redan vid niotiden var det full fart. Fram emot kvällen stillade vinden men vid midnatt drog en stark sydvästlig vind in istället. :-(
Sunday the 3rd Febuary: Forecats says strong winds and already at 9am its in full force. In the evening it calmed but by midnight a strong southwesterly came in to replace it. ☹

Lördagen den 2 februari. Avvinkad av Belinda, Jacqui och Tim. Bra paddelförhållanden över Te Waewae Bay och lunch i Port Craig. Fortsatte men hann inte långt innan vinden tilltog snabbt och för starkt. Ännu en för kort paddlingsdag! Stort tack till alla hjälpsamma människor i Bluff och Invercargill! Ett varmt tack till Belinda och Stanley!
Saturday the 2nd Febuary: Waved off by Belinda, Jacqui and Tim, good conditions over Te Waewae Bay and lunch in Port Craig. Continued but not long till the wind took hold fast and strong. Another short days paddling! A special warm thanks to Belinda and Stanley.

Anitas Bay & 100k

2008-02-19T05:20:00.000-08:00

Entrance to Milford Sound (Google Earth)

20 Febuary 1am NZT

James writes: Its been a bit of a long morning here in Sweden waiting for a message from Babs, maybe the satellite signal was shadowed or...?

But one hour after midnight New Zealand time I received a message"MIDNIGHT.ENTRY AT MILFORD. SAFE AT ANITAS BAY.SLEEP IN 2MORROW.NO MESSAGES!" Measuring the distance on google Earth its is just on around 100km in distance! So I think she deserves a sleep in before 16 km into Milford for a hot shower.

Storm Saturday (But Luckily it was avoided-see bove)

2008-02-18T22:20:00.000-08:00

For 23 Febuary

19 Febuary

James: Waiting to hear from Babs to se how far she came today, but you can se she needs to ideally reach Milford soon, otherwise she will be stuck by herself in a bad period of weather around Saturday the 23rd with winds exceeding 35+ knots and 6 to 7m seas in a westerly direction, perpendicular to the coast. As Jette who left a comment "Man undrar om det någonsinn ska komma lugna fina dagar...?" we too are wondering when there will be some better weather, everyone was telling Babs it will be a perfect "LaNinya"summer, hmmmm....

Deas Cove Thomson Sound

2008-02-18T04:43:00.000-08:00

18 Febuary

James Writes: Babs sent a message to say she made it to Deas Cove inside Thomson Sound. Winds seem to have calmed down as she messaged first it looked rough and she was going back to bed as it was cold. The next days will lead into another long wait, but the 19th has good weather with a change to northerlies in the afternoon. These will last for a few days and t will get quite rough out beyond shelter of the Fiords.

Dagg Sound

2008-02-16T22:50:00.000-08:00

17 Febuary

JamesWrites: Text Message From Babs via the Satellite phone DAGGS SOUND.BUT YOUR FORECAST WRONG. STRONG WINDS 40 KNOTS AFTER LUNCH" so I guess I cant be right all the time, but Babs did get a bit further towards Milford and a hot shower!

It seems difficult to get the forecasts right down there, even the different services conflict sometimes.

Tomorrow could be strong southerlies and a large 4m Swell, but Tuesday looks good with Variable winds under and around 10 knots, so we hope she makes for North of Secretary Island via Doubtful Sound where she has a little more sheltered paddling. "Seems the more settled weather from the LaNinya (opposite to a El Nino) has yet to kick in" comments Paul Caffyn.

Heading North Breaksea Sound!

2008-02-14T23:22:00.000-08:00

15th Febuary

James writes: "Good as gold" Meri in Bluff sent me a quick e-mail that suprised us all. Babs was now safe in Dusky Sound! One of the fishing boats had been keeping an eye on her as winds gusting up over 30 knots were expected and the swell was at 3m from the South West.

An hour later I received a quick call from a very tired and cold Babs with news she was in Sunday Cove Breaksea Sound 70 km from Chalkie Island where she had moved to get away from the Sandflies and have company on a Crayfish boat!

So now its just 110 km or so to Milford where Babs can send us some more great images and reload some energy before heading towards Port Jackson.

See image gallery

Gone fishing

2008-02-12T05:40:00.000-08:00

12 Febuary

James writes: With stronger winds than forecasted, Babs was not keen to get out in 3m Swells and 20 knot winds, so she has moved to Port Chalkie across from Landing Bay to escape the sandflies a little. She has also meet up with a Crayfisherman who Babs will join fishing today, so we can guess whats for dinner!

Hopefully the weather will settle soon and then Babs can really head north towards home. Just a 25 km paddle around Cape Providence into the shelter of Dusky Sound is holding her back.

Chalky Sound & New Pictures..

2008-02-08T13:23:00.000-08:00

Surfs up in Dunedin!

Hanging out in Bluff?

Friday 8 Febuary

James Writes. Have had problems with messaging to the Satellite phone and just as I was updating Babs blog I received an e-mail from "Good as Gold" Meri that Babs just landed in Landing Bay Chalky Sound and is happy with her mornings effort. Next window is Wednesday afternoon or Thursday, where she will make a dash for Dusky Sound, another exposed section with little sheltered landings.

Meri in Bluff who operates a great service with the VHF Radio network, I would best described as the short wave angel of the southern ocean :-)

And we have some new photo´s here is 19 from the last 3 DVD´s that arrived this week, enjoy!

Stuck at Puysegur

2008-02-07T23:14:00.000-08:00

8 Febuary

James writes: Babs has beed stuck or for a better word sheltering at the Puysegur boat shed, she has good company of some fisherman I believe who are friends of a Kiwi we know here in Sweden, small world even in Fiordland. There is a chance Babs can paddle for a few hours tomorrow morning. I also received 3 DVD of photo´s and I hope to get these on her web site tonight.

PUYSEGUR BOAT SHED!

2008-02-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 5th Febuary

James writes: 4pm NZT I checked my mail (4am CET) knowing Babs was heading towards Puysegur and just as I did a mail arrived via the satelite phone:

"AT PUYSEGUR BOAT SHED.TERRIBLE LAUNCHING AND TWO FIRST HOURS WITH ROUGH SEA AND STRONG WINDS. THANKS FOR SUPPORT. THIS MORNING HAS BEEN THE WORST".

Thanks to Paul, Meri & Karel who all have been monitoring her progress and weather!

Well Done Babs!

The Crux...

2008-02-04T07:16:00.000-08:00

Monday 4th febuary

James writes: Babs is stuck still at Frances Burn due to high seas and winds. Its hoped she can escape to Puysegur (see bild) if not Green Islets this morning (5th), there is little sheltered landing till then with the tough navigated entrance into Port Knife and Steel that has 1 km southerly reefs on each side. The outlook is not good until after Sunday and everyone is asking when the more stable weather in Febuary should arrive? As Paul Caffyn says this is the toughest piece!

On a lighter note, Belinda from Invercargill sent some pictures of Babs. Thanks Belinda!

Arrived at Riverton

Leaving Monkey Island for Port Craig

Early Start

more pictures

Frances Burn.

2008-02-01T22:24:00.000-08:00

2nd Febuary

Text message via Satellite phone: "1 KM E OF FRANCIS BURN. SE WINDS TOO STRONG"

To Port Craig then Fiordland...

2008-02-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

2nd Febuary
Update from James: After some time in Invercargill with Belinda and Stanley babs left for Port Craig from Orepuki (Monkey Island) a distance of just under 30 km across Tewaewae bay, which has a it of natorius reputation for surf and wind. Babs strategy will be to wait for clear window before rounding to shelter behing Point Puysegur, reputed as one of most dangerous pieces of New Zealands coast, where New Zealand meets the force of the mighty southern ocean.At this time Tuesday may be a good day (see weather map above), but one thing is for sure things can change very quickly. Below is the current forecast or go to www.swellmap.com and watch the animated wind and wave forecasts.

Below is from Babs on the last week via SMS. (special thanks to Belinda and Stanley for their incredible enthusiasm and hospitality as hosts, Babs and James ask they come to us sometime).

Torsdagen den 31 januari och fredagen den 1 februari. Åter två dagar på land på grund av starka vindar. Fördrev tiden med att läsa, besöka museum och utflykter till havet. Dessutom kom jag underfund med varför jag inte har mått bra den senaste tiden. Min sista visdomstand är inflammerad men nu har jag fått bra mediciner och värktabletter.

Thursday the 31st January & Friday the 1st Febuary: Two days on land with strong winds. Spent the time reading and some trips to the local museum with some visits to the sea. I have also come to realize why I haven’t been feeling to well, my wisdom tooth is inflamed, but now I have good medicine and some pain relief.

Onsdagen den 30 januari. En kortare paddling från Riverton till Orepuki längs en kuststräcka med mycket rev och stränder med stora surfingvågor. Vid Monkey Island fanns det en säker landingsplats och där väntade Belinda och Jacqui med fika och glada tillrop. Det kommer att bli ytterligare två dagar på land på grund av ohälsosamt starka vindar.

Wednesday the 30th January: A short paddle from Riverton to Orepuki along a iece of coast with many reefs and beaches with large surf. At Monkey Island there is a safe landing, and there waited Belinda and Jacqui with some food and shouts of encouragement. Its seems it will be another two days on land with bad winds.

Måndagen den 28 och tisdagen den 29 januari. Två dagars paus hos Belinda och Stanley i Invercargill för att ladda med mat och laga utrustning. Och inte minst blev jag bortskämd av Belinda och Stanley som är hängivna friluftsmänniskor med hjärtan av guld.

Monday the 28th & 29th January: Two days pause with Belinda and Stanley in Invercargill. Restocking food and repairs to equipment. I was spoilt by Belinda and Stanley who are outdoors people with hearts of gold.

Söndagen den 27 januari. En lugn morgonpaddling med en tepaus hos Helen i Omani. Fortsatt färd till Oreti Beach i bästa paddelväder. Och den första frivilliga simturen!

Sunday the 27th January: A quiet morning with morning tea with Helen in Omani. Continued to Oreti Beach in the best of weather. And my first voluntary swim!

Lördagen den 26 januari. En underbar paddeldag med perfekt vind och solsken. Trots bra väder kunde jag föreställa mig hur hemskt det kan vara att passera den ökända udden Waipapa Point. Enformig paddling förbi Toetoes Bay och strax innan Bluff blev motvinden så stark att jag fick ge upp och tälta med aluminiumverket som närmsta granne.

Saturday the 26th January: A wonderful paddle day with perfect winds and sun. Despite the weather I could see how terrible passing Waipapa Point can be. Passing Toetoes Bay and just before Bluff the head winds became strong and I had landed tenting just before Bluff with an Aluminium plant as my nearestneighbour.

Fredagen den 25 januari. Upp tidigt men nästan lika tidigt fick jag en envist stark motvind. Iland på Dummies Beach för en bit mat och sedan ett nytt försök att trotsa vindarna. Men jag blev kvar på samma vackra strand som visade sig vara populär både hos människor och sjölejon!

Friday the 25th January: Up early but following my start so was the strong winds. Landing quickly at Dummies Beach for some food and another try despite the wind. But I ended up staying put alog with both Sealions and tourists!

Torsdagen den 24 januari. Vinden skulle vara stark även denna dag men senare under förmiddagen var det fortfarande lugnt och jag gav mig av. Det blev inte någon trevlig paddling mot dyningarna från tidigare dagar och när motvinden snabbt tilltog gick jag iland. Sorgset kunde jag konstatera att det blev en kort paddling men Les och Sues sällskap och berättelser piggade upp mig.

Thursday the 24th January: Forecast was for strong winds today, but after lunch it eased and I got away. It was not pleasant paddling with a large swell and wind became a head wind it was time go I again. Sadly a short paddle but Les and Sues company and stories lifted my spirits.

Orepuki

2008-01-30T11:29:00.000-08:00

New pictures from Christchurch to Dunedin

Wednesday 30th January

James writes

Babs padled to Orepuki, she wanted to go further but she was suspicious of the weather. An hour later new she made the right decision, unexpected winds whipped the Tewaewae bay into not a pleasant place to be in a kayak. Later Stanley and Belinda collected Babs, seems they cant get enough of her company, and Babs is enjoying theirs.

Past Bluff into Riverton

2008-01-27T01:08:00.000-08:00

26th January
James writes: Just spoke with babs on the phone for 15 minutes, she took advantage of the weather and shot past Bluff after nearly reaching the harbour within 2 hours, having to camp on the spit outside the entrance when winds came up. The next day she paddled past the entrance onto Omaui and then across the bay to Riverton. Belinda and Stanley fromm Invercargill now have her in their care where she will prepare for the next big leg into Fiordland and if I guess right some Bluff oysters.

UPDATE from Babs of the last week till the 23rd..

Onsdagen den 23 januari. Ja, vad gällde vindarna var det inte någon förbättring men däremot mindre regn och fler promenader. Men vad jag är less på de starka vindarna...
Wednesday the 23rd January. The wind is no better today with a little less rain, so it was more walks, Im tired of this wind…

Tisdagen den 22 januari. Enligt väderprognosen kunde jag förvänta mig vindar om 40 knop och mer. Det såg inte inbjudande ut om morgonen och snart vräkte regnet ner och vinden ryckte i tältet. Som tur var fick jag tillbringa eftermiddagen i familjerna Mills och Scotts avslappnande sällskap.
Tuesday the 22nd January. Weather forecast was correct with 40 knots plus. Not very inviting along with the pouring rain pelting down on my tent! With luck I spent the day with Scott & Mills in their wonderful company.

Måndagen den 21 januari. Det är ovanligt med dimma längs denna kust men denna morgon låg den tjock över havet. När den väl hade lättat fick jag en underbar paddling till nästa säkra landningsställe. Och i Tautuku Bay blev jag varmt omhändertagen av familjerna Scott och Mills som skämde bort mig med den underbart goda fisken Blue Cod och tog mig med på en kvällspromenad till pingvinernas värld!

Monday the 21st January. It was an unusual thick coastal fog along the coast this morning. But when it lifted it was another wonderful day of paddling to Tautuku Bay, where again I was taken care of family Scott & Mills who spoilt me with delicious blue cod and took me for a walk to the Penguin colony.

Söndagen den 20 januari. När jag skulle ge mig av fick jag problem. Det var lågvatten och jag fick dra kajaken en lång sträcka. Bara för att konstatera att jag inte kunde ta mig ut i de branta vågorna. Men genom att dra kajaken en bit bakom en ö kunde jag äntligen ta mig ut. En vacker morgonpaddling och senare en mängd uddar med stökiga rev. Den allt starkare östliga vinden gjorde mig allt tröttare och vid Port Molyneux gav jag upp. Lynette och Bill var snabbt nere på stranden och tog hand om mig på bästa sätt med mat, skogspromenad och trevligt sällskap!
Sunday the 20th January. Just as I was to leave a problem! It was low water and I go to drag the kayak a long distance only to see that the surf was to risky to get out. Dragging the kayak along the beach a bit more I could eventually see a way out. A beautiful day of paddling, with plenty of small peninsulas with breaking reefs. The easterly wind strengthened and getting tired I ended my day in Port Molyneux. Lynette & Bill were quick down to the beach and took care of me in the best of ways with food and walks in the forest, great company, thanks!

Lördagen den 19 januari. Idag var det dags att göra ett utbrytningqsförsök från St Clair. Även om havet hade lugnat sig var många av vågorna otäcka. Som tur var fanns en av surfingkillarna på plats och det kändes tryggare med honom på stranden när jag gav ut. Nu väntade mig en kuststräcka ner till Bluff med få säkra landningsplatser och dagens paddling blev därför ganska så kort till Taieri Mouth. Strax efter det att jag hade kommit iland ökade vinden åter till upp emot en 40 knots och resten av dagen tillbringades på landbacken med kamera, paj och trevliga möten.

Saturday the 20th January. Today was time to break out through the surf in St Clair., even though the sea hadn’t fully clamed down with some not so nice breakers. It felt safe to have one of the surfers around, it gave some security. Ahead of me all the way to Bluff there is to be more safe landing places, hence my next stop was the sheltered river mouth at Taieri. Just after I came into land the wind went to 40knots and the rest of the day was spent on land with my camera, a pie and meeting some nice people.

Invercargill around the corner

2008-01-24T20:57:00.000-08:00

Friday 25th January

James writes: Small short bits of information is coming in via the sat phone by SMS texting, After 2 days of rough weather Babs made a half days padddling approximately 25km to Chaslands Mistake on the 24th. Now its for rounding the most southern point of the South Island and head west into Bluff to resupply and prepare for the push around and into Fiordland. Its hoped she will reach Bluff Saturday afternoon and the weather will be on her side the next weeks.

Tautuku

2008-01-21T11:43:00.000-08:00

Monday 21st-22nd January

Satphone message: At Tautuku Beach. Safe landing, road and people. No idea paddling today Tuesday.

Port Molyneux

2008-01-20T00:59:00.000-08:00

Sunday 20th January

James wrires: Short message from babs, she reached todays goal Port Molyneux. Aprrox a 50 km paddle.

Thankyou Dunedin!

2008-01-19T01:35:00.000-08:00

19th January.

James writes: I just arrived back in Sweden, received a message Babs left Dunedin in the morning and later this evening she made it to Taeiri Heads, where she made a more sheltered landing. Weather permitting it will be Kaka point tomorrow eve. When I spoke to her on the phone she was really thankful to everyone in Dunedin who went out of her way, she appreciated it a lot!

SMS Text from Babs:

Fredagen den 18 januari. Enligt väderprognosen skulle jag få sydliga motvindar om 20 knots så det var bara att ställa in mig på ännu en dag på landbacken. Det blev en avslappnad strövdag i Dunedin med många pratstunder med människor som hade läst dagstidningen och hos turistinformationen på Princes Street som hjälpte mig med smått och gott. Men nu vill jag ut på vattnet!

Firday the 18th January. The weatherforecast was for southerly 20 knots, so it was to be another on land. It was a relaxed day wandering Dunedin with many conversations, meeting with people who had read the paper with an article about my travel. Including the tourist information centre on Princes Streeet, who had helped me. But now I want to get out on the water…

Torsdagen den 17 januari. Strax innan jag gick till sängs la jag märke till att det ena paddelbladet var ordentligt skadat. Utan en fungerande extrapaddel paddlar jag inte så det blev ännu en dag på landbacken. Killarna på Watercooled Sports ( www.watercooled.co.nz ) gjorde ett fantastiskt jobb! Riktigt proffsigt! Och dagen gick fort med mycket mat och prat och intervju av Otago Daily Time.
Thursday the 17th January. Just before I went to sleep I noticed my paddle blad was seriously damaged! It would not work without a functional extra paddle, o it will another day on land. The guys at Watercooled Sports ( www.watercooled.co.nz ) did a fantastic repair job, very professional! And the day went fast with a lot of food, talking and an interview with Otago Daily Time´s.

Onsdagen den 16 januari. Jag var ner till stranden tidigt om morgonen men kunde snabbt konstatera att med dessa gigantisja surfingvågor var det uteslutet att ge mig av. Istället fick jag tillbringa dagen hos en god väns goda väns goda vän med att torka och laga utrustning och sitta vid stranden för att beundra surfarna. I vart fall en dag med värme och strålande sol!
Wednesday the 16th January. I went down to the beach early in the morning, but could straight aay se that the gigantic surf defied my getting out today. Instead I spent the day with a friends good friend oy a good friend. Spending time drying and fixing equipment, then sitting at the beach admiring the surfers. I any case it was a warm and sunny day at the beach.

Tisdagen den 15 januari. Väderprognosen var fördelaktiga nordliga vindar senare följda av sydliga vindar. Det blev en dagspaddling i vackert väder och jag njöt av Otago Peninsula där klippor och sandstränder avlöste varandra. Men på dess södra sida kunde jag inte hitta någon bra landningsplats. Hela kuststräckan var en drömplats för surfare! Tyckte ändå att jag hittade en hyfsat bra plats tills jag upptäckte surfarna framför mig. Som dessutom pekade frenetiskt bakom mig! Jo, det var definitivt den största våg jag har sett från kajaken! Konstigt nog blev jag inte rädd. Kanske hann jag aldrig bli rädd. Fokuserad som aldrig förr gav jag mig bara den på att försöka surfa mig genom vågen. Det gick rätt bra och först mot slutet misslyckades jag med att hålla mig kvar. Det var kraft i den vågen för plötsligt höll jag i en halv paddel. Den andra halvan av den delbara paddeln väntade på mig efter det att jag hade simmat klart. Ja, detta var helt klart mitt sämsta beslut hitintills! Ett stort tack till den surfare som senare kom förbi för att kolla hur det hade gått. Och ett jättetack till ni tre killar från Queenstown som tog hand om en strandsatt och supertrött Babs!

Tuesday the 15th January. Weather forecast was mostly northerly soon to be followed by a southerly change. It was a day paddling in splendid weather and I enjoyed the Otago Peninsula where cliffs and sandy beaches made the scenery. But on the southern side, I coudln’t see a good landing place. The whole coast was surfers paradise. Thought I did find a relatively ok place to land, until I saw surfers in front of me. Strangely I wasn’t afraid, maybe I just did not have time! Focused like never before I started to try to surf my way in. It went really well and just at the end it didn’t quite go so well. There was power in them waves, for all of a sudden I was holding just half a paddle! The other half of my split paddle waited for me on the beah as I sam myself in the last bit. Yes, that was clearly my worse decision so far! A big thanks to the surfers that later came past to se how I was. And a bigger thanks to the three guys from Queenstown who took care of a stranded and super exhausted Babs!

Dunedin surfin... UPDATE

2008-01-15T01:52:00.001-08:00

UPDATE

16-18th January.

Babs has spent the last three days with either large swell or non paddler friendly winds, but the time has been put to good use and she says thanks to everyone´s support. I will get text from her the next 24 hours.

James Writes:
Tuesday 15th January

Babs made Dunedin today, managed to catch the biggest wave of the day according to local surfers, who seem to have taken care of her after she landed for the night.

Babs sent this text for yesterday:

Måndagen den 14 januari. Vaknade tidigt till ännu en gråmulen morgon. Bara några timmar senare gav jag upp gentemot vinden. Efter ytterligare ett försök hamnade jag i Karitane. En tråkigt kort paddelsträcka och ett ihållande regn tröstades med mat och lite godis. Hoppas på bättre väder men det ser ut som om jag får vänta ett tag...

Monday 4th January. Woke to another grey day. A short while later I was out against the wind but got only as far as Katritane. A boring short paddle leg and in rain, but I treated myself with some food and sweets. Hoping the weather will be better, but seems I will be waiting a while…

Latest text from Babs

2008-01-13T12:15:00.000-08:00

Below are the latest SMS messages from Babs.

Söndagen den 13 januari. Det var en gråmulen himmel om morgonen men det mer varierande landskapet med berg, jordbruk och sandstränder piggade upp. Vid Moeraki tilltog den nordostliga vinden kraftigt och det blev en högst utmanande paddling mellan Moeraki Point och Katiki Point. Fortsatte ännu en sträcka men gick iland innan nästa udde när vinden blev allt starkare. Och åter regn i luften.

Sunday the 13th January. Grey skies with varied landscapes of mountains farmland and beaches kept me awake. At Moeraki the north easterly wind strengthened and it became a very challenging paddle between Moeraki Point and Katiki Point. Continued but went into land at the next point as the wind increased with rain.

Lördagen den 12 januari. Jag vaknade till en vacker dag men kunde snabbt konstatera att vissa vågor vräkte så kraftigt mot stranden att jag riskerade att skada mig om jag gick ut på egen hand. Vid lunch kom familjen Brown och hjälpte mig att ta mig ut på ett säkert sätt. Samtidigt hade den västliga vinden börjat tillta och det blev en jobbig paddling till Oamaru med kastvindar. Väl i Oamaru gillade jag inte den himmel jag såg och stannade fegt kvar på land. Tur var det för snart vände vinden och på bara någon minut blåste det cirka 40 knots. Nu längtar jag efter gynnsamma vindar!

Saturday the 12th January. I woke to a beautiful day but could quickly see that some sets of waves were landing so powerful that I knew I would be risking too much attempting single handedly getting out. With Lunch came the Brown family and who helped push me out in a safer manner. At the same time the now westerly wind began and it was difficult paddling to Oamaru with gustily winds. My decision in Oamaru I didn't appreciate as I stayed on land. But that ws a good call, soon the wind changed and within a few minutes it blew 40knots. Im looking forward to constant winds!

Fredagen den 11 januari. Sov underbart gott och vaknade utsövd med en spinnande katt bakom knävecken. Tillbringade förmiddagen hos Wright Technologies där problemet med satelittelefonen löstes alldeles galant och för egen del kan jag snart påbörja min anställning som försäljare. Det var inte lika lätt att lifta tillbaka men fram emot kvällen var jag ändå framme. Fick en härlig kväll i Oamaru tillsammans med de skotska paddlarna Gordon och Morgan samt en trevlig pratstund med bondfamiljen strax intill.

Friday the 11 January. Slept wonderfully with a purring cat behind me at Ian and Gina´s in Christchurch. Spent the morning back at Wright Technologies where the problem with the Satellite phone was sorted and after all this I cold make a great Iridium sales person. It was not as easy hitching back towards Oamaru but eventual. Had a great night in Oamaru with the Scottish padlers Gordon and Morgan, as well as good talk with the farming family Bond near to us.

Near to Oamaru..

2008-01-09T19:37:00.000-08:00

9-10th January

James writes:

Babs almost reached Oamaru on the 9th, but southerly winds with predicted high seas have given her a day to carry out some maintenance and dash back to Christchurch to sort some technical problems with her satellite phone (problems with texting) and to send some pictures we hope to see soon. Babs should be back on the water Saturday.

Timaru,yahoo!

2008-01-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

8th Januray

James writes:

Babs passed Timaru last night and is making her way towards Omaru, she is relieved to have to cleared the narly Canterbury Bight and its dumpers. But strong Southerlies and swells are due tomorrow so they will give her the time she needs to recover and do some errands in Christchurch the next day.

Soon Timaru...

2008-01-07T09:31:00.001-08:00

7th January

Update: James Writes

Good weather till this afternoon got Babs till Hinds River approximately 40 kms from Timaru. But after 12 hours of paddling fast approaching Gale force winds forced Babs into shore. This evening large dumping swell seem to dappen any chances leaving in the morning.

Babs sent the following SMS fo her diary fom last 2 days:

Lördagen den 5 januari. Passerade några vikar med ett fantastiskt djurliv. Tillbringade faktiskt hela förmiddagen i denna naturens egen djurpark med massor av delfiner, sälar, pingviner och fåglar. Och senare under dagen passerades jag av ett gigantiskt svart djur med fena...

Saturday the 5^th January. Passed by several bays with fantastic animal life. Spent whole morning in this nature park with masses of dolphins, penguins and other marine birds. And later on during the day a gigantic black animal with a fin…..

Fredagen den 4 januari. Färden gick mot Banks Peninsula. Mulet väder men delfinmötena och det spännande landskapet med vackra klippor och grottor piggade upp. Lugn paddling fram till Pompeys Pillar där sydlig vind, vågor från olika håll och stark ström bildade ett inferno.

Friday 4^th January. Journey around Banks Peninsula. Cloudy weather but Dolphins and the spectacular landscape with beautiful cliffs and caves made it enjoyable. Quiet paddling to Pompeys Pillar there southerly winds, waves from all directions with a strong current built an inferno.

Round Banks Peninsula and on

2008-01-06T18:55:00.000-08:00

Update from: James
6^th January
Babs started her next big challenge with southerly head winds that made her day long but short in distance, hoping to reach the Rakaia river she made short at Taumutu with a rough landing. The last Ive heard was the next morning she was on the water just after 6am and I presume with the good weather forecast she is making as far as she can for Timaru before a change, but weather looks good for the next days.

Special thanks to Karel for the tip with www.marineweather.co.nz this site seems much better for passing on forecasts to Babs! Also thanks to all who´s encouraging comments on her blogg site. I will pass onto babs when we get a clear line to talk, the GSM signal often is weak ashore.

5^th January

Babs had a fun day with dolphins and meet people who remembered Paul Caffyns visit 30 odd years ago. With advice from a local farmer and surfers Babs made her way to Magnet Bay. Babs is was somewhat nervous about the next days as she tckles the Canterbury Bight, a 100+ km´s of steep dumping beach till Timaru.

4^th January
Thanks to John Kirk Anderson and his wife Mary who gave Babs a bed for two nights and great help we have some photo´s also from him of Babs leaving Sumner beach the 3^rd with good paddler friendly conditions that allowed her to reach around to Ontanerito bay on the east tip of Banks Peninsula.

Comments

2008-01-03T12:59:00.000-08:00

James writes: If you would like to send an encouraging message please feel free to comment which I have just added to her blogg site. A few people have contacted me and asked if I can pass encouraging messages on.

Christchurch and pictures...

2008-01-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

1 - 4th January
James writes
Babs has sent some pictures via via John Kirk Andersson, you can goto her website here and see them here.

She has sent me the following sms text from her Sonim GSM phone the last day from Christchurch where she spent the 3rd fixing and shopping items she needed including digital topo maps to go into her Garmin GPS as the sea chart are difficult to orientate at times. She also picked up a new Niko D80 house ater water has damaged her old D70. A massage and back to Johns for the night before heading out south this morning (the 4th), TV3 were planning to meet her as she leaves Sumner beach. The media are having a great time with 3 women having, planning and currently paddling the south island.

Below is the text she sent with my translations below each day till the 31st.

Måndagen den 31 december.
Jag vaknade till en stark sydlig vind och istället för paddling blev det debut i tennis och en tur till Christchurch för att hämta den efterlängtade satelittelefonen. Väl tillbaka i Montenau var det kväll och nyårsfirande. Gott Nytt År!

Monday th 31st December.
I woke to strong southerly wind and instead of paddling it became my debut at tennis and tour o Christchurch to collect my long awaited satellite phone. Back at Montenau in the evening to celebrate new year. Happy new tear!

Söndagen den 30 december.
Sov dåligt, morgonen var kall och jag mådde inte bra. Dessutom skulle jag börja morgonen med att paddla ut i brytande vågor. Trots att utbrytningsförsöket gick bra, vädret var fint och landskapet vackert beslutade jag mig för att stanna i Montenau. Här blev jag omhändertagen av familjerna Arthur och Beck - en avkopplande eftermiddag.

Unday the 30th December.
Sleep poorly, morning was cold an did not feel well. Despite all this I started the morning paddling out through the surf. This went well, the weather was fine, but the landscape made me decide to stay in Montenau bay. Here I was in the company of the families Arthur and Beck, a rlaxed afternoon.

Lördagen den 29 december.
Efter en dag på landbacken var jag extra pigg på att paddla. Det vackra vädret, de lekfulla delfinerna, färdens första albatross och det annorlunda landskapet med vita klippor gjorde paddlingen lättsam fram till Waiau River. Där blåste det på snabb tid upp en kraftig vind och jag valde att gå iland vid Gore Bay med en snygg surflandning.

Saturday the 29th December.
After a day on land I was feeling good and keen to paddle. The beautiful weather, playful dolphins, my journey´s first Albatross and the different landscape with white cliffs made the paddling lighter to the Waiau River. There the wind blew up fast and I choose to shelter in Gore Bay with a nice surf landing.

Fredagen den 28 december.
När jag vaknade var den sydliga vinden alltför stark men när den började ge med sig gav jag mig av. Snabbt kunde jag konstatera att väderrapporten om att "sea become ruff for time" stämde. Istället för att utmana ödet tillbringade jag eftermiddagen i Kaikoura med att äta paua och dricka öl i trevligt sällskap.

Friday the 28th December.
I woke to a strong southerly wind. Too strong s when I got ready to leave I decided. I could see the weather forecast was as stated “ sea to become rough for a period”. Instead of my daily challenge I spent my fate for the day in Kaikoura eating paua (clam type shell fish NZ delicacy) and drinking beer in great company.

Torsdagen den 27 december.
Det kändes kallt om morgonen och bergstopparna var täckta med snö. paddlingen ut genom brytande vågor gick bra och snart kom solen, värmen och lekfulla delfiner. under resten av dagen fick jag dessutom se sälar fram till kaikoura. en lång men underbar dag.

Thursday the 27th Decmber.
It feels cold this morning and the mountains are covered in snow. Padling out a breaking surf went fine, and the sun soon came out along with playful dolphins. The rest of the day went by with company of seals untl I cam to Kaikoura. A long but wonderful day.

Onsdagen den 26 december.
En stark sydlig vind skulle dominera dagens väder och det blev en dag på landbacken. Fish and ships i kaikoura där jag kunde konstatera att alla båtarna var kvar på land.

Wednesday the 26th December. A strong southerly wind dominated the days weather and it was a day dry on land. Fish and chips with a visit down the coast to Kaikoura there I could se that all the boats were in harbor, also sheltering.

Christchurch soon....

2008-01-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

1st January

James writes:

Babs has managed to hop another 30 km´s yesterday before landing between Leithfield and Waikuku beach. Winds picked up again making further distance difficult, but winds on wednesday should allow her reach Christchurch or Lyttelton. before strong winds expected start the following 24 hours.

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T15:05:00.000-08:00

James writes:
1st January, no news from Babs this morning so either she is recoverng from a new year party or she is heading towards Christchurch with a tail wind and improving conditions the next days.

31st December
No kayaking condition gives Babs time Monday to hitch into Christchurch and collect her new Satelite phone that has become apparently important to send weather conditions all as she continues al around the coast. Special thanks to Paul at Wright Technologies for their help at short notice

30th December
Babs left Gore Bay Sunday morning but after approximately an hour ducked into Montenau bay as the winds came up again. Again she found herself with some local holiday makers and had a very social time.

Unpredictable weather continues

2007-12-30T12:09:00.000-08:00

30-31 stDecember
James writes:

Babs made an attempt towards Christchurch yesterday morning but after 30 minutes again felt the winds were going to increase and could see a front approaching, so she headed in and spent the day with some new found friends.

Today the sea and winds are not looking good, so Babs is still 1/2 an hour south of Gore Bay, she has an infected blister to take care off today so it may be a good thing.

Weather forecast is maybe a window tomorrow morning, but even the forecasts don´t always sum up in reality, as she is in an area between two weak highs and this creates quickly changing and unpredictable winds it seems.

Happy New Year to everyone from Babs.

Gore Bay 80 k in a day!

2007-12-29T12:14:00.000-08:00

James writes:

29th December.

The weather forecast is good and Babs makes for her longest day yet 80 km, she makes Gorebay and has to get a ride with a local person to where she can use a phone just to report in safe. The satellite phone to be collected in Christchurch seems more and more practical even on the east coast we expected good GSM phone coverage.

30th December 9am.

Babs just called to say she is heading for shelter after heading out early for what we thought would be great conditions, she can see the weather changing quicker than expected later today. Below is the weather map forecasted 8 hours ago, there are two cold fronts below moving up, these may slow her progress next days, buts its Island weather and one thing is certain, there is a "change coming".

Shelter in Kaikoura

2007-12-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

James writes:

26th December Babs sent me a SMS at 5am saying she is heading out in a half hour, 8pm that night a quick phone call saying she made Kaiakoura on the southern side due a dumping swell on the northern side. She was tired after 60 kms, but was happy some local people recognised her from the article in the Christchurch news paper, and she was quickly showered and feed. I was just happy I heard from her, its not easy wondering whats happening after 12 hours, something to get usd to the next months just as in Norway.

The next day on the 27th Babs attempted to get away when the weather should improve before lunch, but for the 2nd time made a smart move and quickly came back to shelter where she left from as the winds and swell picked up again.

Now she is starting to see a pattern, but as a local said, the wind blows two ways, "up the coast and down the coast", but the morinings are often more stable and if you see dark clouds south in the horizon, its likely to be the nasty southerly, so its time to seek safety.

South for Picton the long way!

2007-12-26T20:31:00.000-08:00

Wednesday 26th December (Picture of a surfer in a more sheltered bay).

Waima River Mouth

James writes: We stripped down her Kayak taking away much of the things we know she can do without including her Apple powerbook, a large lens and some other little items, just to gether weight down and to do away with the deck bag that was catching to much wind. That morning she set out alone with many mixed and sad emotions at 0630 hours with a much lighter kayak, in what was perfect but cloudy conditions. After 15 minutes a strong southerly wind kicked in. I quickly loaded my kayak and gear to go meet her in the next bay, when just as I was to drive off (I had hitched into Picton and collected the car the night before), I hear Babs shouting, she had made a smart move and turned back, the condition became even harder for the day. My ferry wasn’t till later in the evening so we had a look down the coast visiting the seal colony, before coming back and fixing some small things before I had had to leave again for the North Island.
So from today I will receive short text messages or phone calls from Babs and will up date the web every few days. I will have a map link up soon so all can follow her easily, but Ill need a better internet connection. I will also be feeding her weather reports. She is out out on her own now heading for Picton, the long way!

2007-12-26T20:18:00.000-08:00

Saturday the 22nd December

The morning started with packing of the kayak – not my strongest side packing that morning with much to think about. But soon place was found for everything and it was time to set off. James followed with me to se that all worked as it should after receiving many items last minute and little chance to check how well they worked. Allan and Joan waved us off with a great weather forecast of sun and little wind it felt great! And it was too. Some light winds and some tidal currents in the wrong direction, but the lovely landscape of the turquoise sounds distracted us. Just before the mouth of Torre channel into Cook straight we camped in the setting sun.

Söndagen den 23 december

Vackert väder om morgonen och det utlovades nordöstliga vindar om 5 till 10 m/s. Väl ute på det öppna havet kändes det stort och mäktigt. På grund av min förkylning hade jag inte kunnat paddla under den senaste månaden och kände mig något ovan vid de böljande vågorna.

Det blev en färd genom ett varierande landskap. Från kala branta klippor till långa inbjudande sandstränder. Det gemensamma var att det fanns få ställen att gå iland på och jag insåg att paddlingen kommer att innebära noggranna planeringar inför var dags paddelsträcka.

Det blev en paddling med mycket medvind. Men vid White Bluffs hände det märkliga saker; ett tumult av starka vindar och elakt brytande vågor.Strax efter White Bluffs slog vi nattläger medan barometern visade att regn var på väg.

Sunday the 23rd December

Beautiful weather forecasted with a promising north easterly wind of 5 to 10 m/s in our general direction made for another perfect day. Still out in the open sea it felt BIG and powerful. Because I had a cold the last weeks I didn’t feel I was in the peak condition I planned for and the large swell felt foreign. The days distance was a varied landscape of steep jagged cliffs to long inviting sandy beaches. The day did confirm to me, I will need to plan my days for where I will be able to land into shelter.The end of the day ended with more challenging conditions and as the wind became stronger just as we reached White Cliffs, where we set up camp watching the barometer drop, rain was on its way.

Måndagen den 24 december

Väderprognosen löd enligt följande: ”Ny 35 knt. Sea very rough.” Hade jag paddlat på egen hand hade jag inte paddlat denna dag. Men ännu hade inte vinden tilltagit, vi var två erfarna paddlare och nästa landstigningsställe högst två timmars färd från vårt nattläger.

Med den starka medvinden tog det inte lång tid till Marfells beach med snälla surfingvågor. Sedan var frågan om fortsatt färd. Var det lämpligt att passera Cape Campbell när vädret snabbt kunde bli ”very rough”? Efter att ha pratat med de lokala fiskarna bestämde vi oss för att runda udden. Trots uddens utsatthet och den tilltagande vinden kändes det som en kontrollerad utmaning medan sträckan efter udden med starka vindbyar och kraftigt brytande vågor var en mindre behaglig upplevelse.
Torra men trötta kunde vi surfa iland på Ward Beach där vi snart föll i djup sömn …
God jul!

Monday the 24th December

Weather forecast: Ny 35 knt. Sea very rough. Had I paddled by myself I had not paddled that day. But the wind hadn’t risen and we were two experienced paddlers , with our next landing just two hours from our start.
But the strengthening winds took us quickly into Marfells Beach with a friendly surf landing. The question was if we should continue? Was it possible to round Cape Campbell when the weather looked as if it could get worse? We talked to the local fishermen and we decided to try. Now the difficult nature of the Cape with a long reef and strong gusts with white capped waves the experience was not the most pleasant.
Tired but dry we surf landed into Ward Beach where we fell quickly into a deep sleep, Merry Christmas. ( A small bottle of wine did help ;-).

Tisdagen den 25 december GOD JUL

Nästa morgon var det – trots en utlovad sydlig vind – fortfarande en stark nordostlig vind. Än en gång valde vi att ge oss ut men när vinden började tillta i ökad styrka valde vi att gå iland.
Vi hamnade vid Waima River och innan vi slog upp tältet gick vi upp till den intilliggande byggnaden för att fråga om vi fick slå upp vårt tält. Några problem att vistas på Bobs mark var det inte och när vi väl var tillbaka vid våra kajaker tog det inte lång stund innan vi blev inbjudna på julmiddag till Bob och några av hans söner. Så även jag och James fick uppleva lite avslappnad julstämning.
Under middagen blev det snart vindstilla men sedan dröjde det inte länge förrän en stark sydlig vind tog över. Men vi hade kunnat ha det sämre. För när man får en solig dag, trevligt sällskap och god mat i ett vackert landskap får man inte beklaga sig…

Ja, sedan så har jag lärt mig en massa om fjärilar för säg vad inte Robert Thomson kan om fjärilar… Han håller hus i Blenheim så hör av dig till honom om du vill göra din trädgård än mer gemytlig…

Tuesday the 25th December MERRY XMAS

Forecasted was a southerly wind but the strong north easterly was still persisting. Again we choose to go out again but when the wind increased more with a larger swell we landed on the next possible place.
Before we just put up camp we went to ask the local farmer if we could camp on his / her land. And it wsnt a problem for us to camp on Bobs land, in fact he offered us Christmas lunch with his two sons, so we got some Christmas after all!
During the afternoon the wind died and was soon replaced with a southerly increasing in strength. But it couldn’t have been better we had a geat place to camp, good company and food, no complaints! I learnt about butterflies from bobs son Robert Thomsonfrom Blenheim who breeds them, so if your looking t make a ore attractive garden contact him.

First perfect and then the winds!

2007-12-25T14:32:00.000-08:00

English text will follow in a few days when James get back to the north Island.

Lördagen den 22 december

Morgonen tillbringades till att packa kajaken – en syssla som just denna morgon inte kändes som min starkaste sida. Men snart var allt på plats och det var dags att ge sig av. James följde med mig för att se till att allt fungerar eftersom delar av utrustningen kom på plats lite väl sent. Allan och Joan vinkade av oss och med den senaste väderprognosen om strålande solsken och milda vindar kändes det som en bra start.
Det blev en underbar dag. Lite byiga vindar och starka strömmar men det uppvägdes lätt av det vackra bergiga landskapet med sandstränder och turkost vatten. Strax innan Cook Straits mynning slog vi läger och njöt av kvällslandskapet.

Söndagen den 23 december

Vackert väder om morgonen och det utlovades nordöstliga vindar om 5 till 10 m/s.
Väl ute på det öppna havet kändes det stort och mäktigt. På grund av min förkylning hade jag inte kunnat paddla under den senaste månaden och kände mig något ovan vid de böljande vågorna.
Det blev en färd genom ett varierande landskap. Från kala branta klippor till långa inbjudande sandstränder. Det gemensamma var att det fanns få ställen att gå iland på och jag insåg att paddlingen kommer att innebära noggranna planeringar inför var dags paddelsträcka.
Det blev en paddling med mycket medvind. Men vid White Bluffs hände det märkliga saker; ett tumult av starka vindar och elakt brytande vågor.
Strax efter White Bluffs slog vi nattläger medan barometern visade att regn var på väg.

Måndagen den 24 december

Väderprognosen löd enligt följande: ”Ny 35 kt. Sea very rough.” Hade jag paddlat på egen hand hade jag inte paddlat denna dag. Men ännu hade inte vinden tilltagit, vi var två erfarna paddlare och nästa landstigningsställe högst två timmars färd från vårt nattläger.
Med den starka medvinden tog det inte lång tid till Marfells beach med snälla surfingvågor. Sedan var frågan om fortsatt färd. Var det lämpligt att passera Cape Campbell när vädret snabbt kunde bli ”very rough”? Efter att ha pratat med de lokala fiskarna bestämde vi oss för att runda udden. Trots uddens utsatthet och den tilltagande vinden kändes det som en kontrollerad utmaning medan sträckan efter udden med starka vindbyar och kraftigt brytande vågor var en mindre behaglig upplevelse.
Torra men trötta kunde vi surfa iland på Ward Beach där vi snart föll i djup sömn …
God jul!

Tisdagen den 25 december

Nästa morgon var det – trots en utlovad sydlig vind – fortfarande en stark nordostlig vind. Än en gång valde vi att ge oss ut men när vinden började tillta i ökad styrka valde vi att gå iland.
Vi hamnade vid xxx och innan vi slog upp tältet gick vi upp till den intilliggande byggnaden för att fråga om vi fick slå upp vårt tält. Några problem att vistas på Bobs mark var det inte och när vi väl var tillbaka vid våra kajaker tog det inte lång stund innan vi blev inbjudna på julmiddag till Bob och några av hans söner. Så även jag och James fick uppleva lite avslappnad julstämning.
Under middagen blev det snart vindstilla men sedan dröjde det inte länge förrän en stark sydlig vind tog över. Men vi hade kunnat ha det sämre. För när man får en solig dag, trevligt sällskap och god mat i ett vackert landskap får man inte beklaga sig…
Ja, sedan så har jag lärt mig en massa om fjärilar för säg vad inte Robert Thomson kan om fjärilar… Han håller hus i Blenheim så hör av dig till honom om du vill göra din trädgård än mer gemytlig…

Picton!

2007-12-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

Picton!

Efter en dryg veckas kuskande runt Nya Zeeland är vi nu åter i Picton. Vi har haft turen att få stanna hos Allan och Joan - ett äldre par som helt klart får räknas som pionjärer inom paddling. Numera blir det inte så mycket paddling men vi har istället fått njuta av en massa intressanta historier i en prunkande trädgård.

Idag bär det av! Första dagen på den långa färden runt den södra ön! Min förkylning har fortfarande inte gått över efter fyra veckor men just nu bryr jag mig lika lite som sjuksköterskan på Gagnefs vårdcentral innan jag åkte. Däremot kommer jag att vara snäll mot kroppen den första tiden - några alltför långa pass blir det inte tal om.

Picton!

After just over a week travelling around New Zealand we are now in Picton. We have been lucky to meet Alan and Joan who were early pioneers in the kayak industry back in the UK. and we sat listening to many interesting stories. They have an amazing garden and are justa cross from Picton Marina.

Today I start my paddling, my 4 week long cold still has not fully disappeared, but I care as much as the niurse at the mdical centre in Sweden before I left. But I am going to take it easy the first days, but will build up the length of the days over the next week.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=picton+new+zealand&ie=UTF8&ll=-41.250064,174.022064&spn=0.333496,0.710678&t=p&z=11&om=1

En blöt men underbar dag!/A wet and wonderful day!

2007-12-19T21:34:00.000-08:00

En blöt men underbar dag!

Vi anlände till Paul Caffyn sent igår eftermiddag och medan vi väntade på Paul passade vi på att bygga upp kajakens sittbrunn för ett bättre och skönare stöd. Lite senare njöt vi av en underbar middag tillsammans med en av Pauls vänner medan solen gick ner i det Tasmanska havet.

Idag åkte vi iväg för att leta efter lämpliga surfvågor utanför Greymough och hittade en bra plats för att trän

a i brytande vågor och surflandningar. Det var också ett bra sätt att testa kajaken och övrig utrustning. Sist men inte minst gav det mig självförtroende inför den kommande turen med en hel del stora brytande vågor.

Senare kom vi tillbaka till Pauls hem och gick igenom kartorna i detalj med en massa bra information som råd om var det kan vara bra gå iland vid tuffare väderförhållanden.

Enligt den nya traditionen för paddlare runt Nya Zeeland klädde vi sedan upp oss för ett bad i Pauls pool med lätta förfriskningar. Ett stort tack Paul för din underbara gästvänlighet och goda råd!

Imorgon far vi tillbaka till Picton där större delen av eftermiddagen kommer att gå åt till att packa min kajak och förbereda för min första paddeldag runt den södra ön.

A wet and wonderful day!

We arrived at Paul Caffyns late afternoon and while we waited for him to come home we padded my seating out for a tight snug fit. Later we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with Paul and a friend of his as we watched the sun go down from his house overlooking the Tasman sea.

Today we went for a surf training session at Greymouth and found a great spot to practice breaking out and and landing - it was good to check everything was working with the kayak and new gear. It also gave me confidence for when I will have to come in on large surf.

Later we came home and meet Paul and I went in detail over the maps right around the South Island with lots of great information that will come in handy including the better places to come in if there is a large swell.

Following a new tradition of bound to be South Island circumnavigators we dressed for the occasion and took to the pool with some light refreshments. Special thanks to Paul for his true Kiwi hospitality and support.

Tomorrow we head back to Picton and will spend the afternoon loading my kayak and preparing for I hope my first day of paddling.

Regn och sol på Sydön/Rain and sunshine on the Southern Island

2007-12-18T18:28:00.000-08:00

Regn och sol på Sydön!

Trakterna kring Rotorua har jag alltid stannat till vid under mina besök på Nya Zeeland. Så blev det även denna gång. Det är framför allt de heta källorna som drar för i denna trakt finns det mängder med hälsosamma bad och vräker ut rök från marken lite överallt. Utanför

Rotorua bor Donald och Natalie (fd ägare av Sunspots Kayak Sport) och Nat bjöd på god mat medan Donald tillverkade ett stativstöd för kajakens däck åt mig.

Nästa stopp blev hos Max och Margareta Grant utanför

Palmerston North. För de som inte redan vet det så tillhör Max en av pionjärerna inom paddling på Nya Ze

eland och dessutom har han byggt upp företaget Quality Kayaks. Hos Grants blev det en härlig kväll med delikat fisk, många kajakbilder och Max berättelser om bland annat sina paddlingar i Fjordland. Och ett lika trevligt möte med dottern Melanie - en duktig forspaddlerska.

Efter ett kort stopp i Wellington och fika med James bror Brendan fick vi en lugn färd över Cook Strait. Regnet öste över oss när vi närmade oss Sydön. Men idag är det strålande solsken när vi närmar oss Paul Caffyns hem...

Rain and sunshine on the Southern Island

I have always somehow stayed in Rotorua each time I have come to NZ, and so it was again this time. If it has anything to do with the hot springs all around the area it would not be a surprise (yes, we went to a remote hot spring and had a soothing soak).

Next day heading south was Max and Margareta Grant outside Palmerston North, and for those who dont know of Max he is one of NZs pinoeer kayakers and owns his own plastic and laminated kayak factory called Quality Kayaks. It was a great evening with a meal of fresh fish he caught and information gathering from his many padling trips in Fiordland. We also met his lovely daughter Melanie - a good white water paddler working in the family business - when we had a close look at their factory. A quick stop before the ferry crossing we met James brother Brendan. The crossing was relatively smooth and it rained as we came into the South Island, but today on our way to Greymouth to meet Paul Caffyn the sun came out, a good omen!

Besök i Betlehem/Visiting Betlehem!

2007-12-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

Besök i Betlehem!
Vi tar oss söderut mot Wellington men inte speciellt snabbt och inte heller den rakaste vägen. En av anledningarna till detta långsamma tempo är att jag är dunderförkyld sedan början av december och inte i det skicket att jag kan påbörja en lång paddling. En annan anledning är möjligheten att få träffa vänner och bekanta längs vägen.

Från James familj i Glenn Murray gick färden till Blair och Charlotte i Betlehem strax utanför Tauranga för att organisera mat och utpostering av mat. Där ligger deras företag Waimarino Kayak Shop and Adventure Park med alla möjliga möjligheter att få en spännande semester. För egen del har jag fått njuta av olika skaldjur, vacker utsikt över Wairora River och ett varmt återseende. Sedan fortsätter färden till Rotorua för att hämta utrustning och därefter till Palmerston för att träffa den välkände paddlaren Max Grant.

Visiting Betlehem!

We take us south towards Wellington, but not particually quickly or the most direct way. One reason is I have a bad cold that has been plagueing me for a few weeks, not great before a long paddle. Another reason is we need to pack food and organise food drops to be sent out from Tauranga with Blair & Charlotte at Waimarino Kayak Shop and Adventure Park. We also had a meal of shellfish with a great panoramic view over the lower Wairoa river before leaving for Rotorua the next day to collect some equipment. Next stop Palmerston North to meet Max Grant a well known kayaker.

Kajak i säkert förvar!/Kayak is finally mine and on the roof!

2007-12-14T13:09:00.000-08:00

Kajak i säkert förvar!

Nu har vi kajaken med oss på taket. Fast det tog en stor del av dagen att få loss den. Först fick vi gå till något som kallas för MAF för att intyga att det gods vi förde med oss inte hade vistats i vattendrag med parasiter. Sedan var det dags för ett besök hos tullen. Och slutligen bar det av till New Zealand

Air för att hämta ut kajaken. Förutom att det tog tid så kostade det en slant.

Det positiva under dagen var - förutom att kajaken nu är med oss - att jag har fått en lektion av Shelley i konsten att göra den perfekta baklavan. Denna efterrätt är lite av en nationalrätt och en härlig kombination av sött och fräsch frukt. Baklava kan jag definitivt inte få för mycket av!

Kayak is finally mine and on the roof!

Finally after some stress of getting the kayak here on time we spent the good part of Friday at the airport again clearing the Minsitry of Agriculture and Fisheries, then the Customs before collecting it from the bonded storage at NZ Air. The whole process was not cheap either, but now we have my kayak and with at bit of skill we strapped it to the roof without any bars.

Another positive happening is that Shelley taught me the fine kiwi art of pavlova baking! For those that have not tasted a pavlova it´s a desert made of egg whites and lots of cream and fresh fruit, mmm...

Framme i Nya Zeeland/Arrived in New Zealand!

2007-12-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

Framme i Nya Zeeland!

Det är torsdagen den 13 december och nu är jag framme i Nya Zeeland. Det tog ganska exakt två dagars resande, 24 timmar på flygplan och fem bensträckningar på olika flygplatser att ta sig från Dala-Floda till Auckland. Trots avstånd, allt bagage och alla byten gick det förvånansvärt bra tack vare Lufthansa och Qantas samt trevliga medpassagerare
Just nu befinner jag mig i Glen Murray en bit utanför Auckland – ett frodigt kuperat område där får, kor och all-packers ströver omkring. Får och kor känns ganska så typiska för Nya Zealand medan alpacas bäst kan beskrivas som tillhörande kamelfamiljen men mest liknande lamadjuren.
Imorgon kommer det definitivt att bli intressant. Min kajak är av någon märklig anledning fortfarande kvar hos tullen och vi räknar med att få ta större delen av dagen i anspråk för att få loss den. I det avseende verkar det vara nästan lika byråkratiskt som hos tullen i Madagaskar. Förhoppningsvis tar det bara en dag och inte tre dagar att få ut den gula farkosten. Håll tummarna!

Arrived in New Zealand!

The 13 of December and after 2 days with 24 hours in the air both James and I safe are in NZ. The trip went smoothly with all 4 connections and even all 50 kg of our luggage arrived. The service and flights were very smooth.
Just now we are in Glen Murray outside Auckland in lush green sheep farming area with cattle and even alpacas - a member of the camel family from South America (definitely not a part of the traditional fauna).
Tomorrow will be an interesting day! Considering my kayak arrived on Sunday and is still in customs we are going to collect it ourselves to speed things up. This is not the first time we have to wait for the kayak - hopefully we don't have to wait for three days as in Madagascar. Wish us luck!

Babs :-)