It was a glorious day and decidedly domestic paddle compared with the story told by Laurie about their epic journey along the Antarctic Peninsula in February 2006.
Around 30 boats (including two brand new Nadgee Kayaks) rocked up to the open invitation paddle hosted by Queensland Sea Kayaking Club. Most clubs and the free spirits had a representative turn out and the jam of cars may not have the best way to win friends and influence neighbours in a small waterfront cul de sac. The
promise of a SW inshore would have made for a palatable sail past King and Green had it turned up. While the best assistance came from the wash of a cruiser heading out from Aquatic Paradise, boat jam precluded most from taking a great ride.
Green is never that sexy on a low tide so it was onto St Helena for morning tea and a swim. For an Autumn Day it was warm and the pace soon sorted out who was in training. Along the way a couple of turtles were seen and some were lucky enough to come across dugong.
With the boats back on the cars it was time for a BBQ lunch followed by a sweet and juicy Lionel. He was meant for the masses at morning tea but had been accidentally left in the car. Following on was Laurie's side show about their remarkable paddle
along the Antarctic Peninsular. Covering 850Km pierced by Catabatic winds, entrenched in pancake ice, camping on rocky ground amongst the stench of seals or penguins, fear of being crushed by icebergs, eaten by sea lions, swamped by waves from rolling bergs or fracturing glacial snouts, deceived by distances, spy hopped by humpbacks, being separated in treacherous conditions and basically wondering if they would survive, you would have to say that all three were completely mad.
It also affirmed my view that I am a domesticated paddler. The only way I would go paddling in such an area would be on some cruise ship with a delicious menu, hot showers and the option of climbing into a dry suit and going on a day paddle in calm
conditions to marvel at the lucency and colours of icebergs. Their trip was a testimony to the sturdiness of fibreglass kayaks and what gear could take the 30 day challenge. I trust my Macpac tent will now deliver 25 years of domestic use.
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