I'd like to thank my sponsors for their contribution and encouragement in my adventures. Nadgee Kayaks Australia has generously allowed me a page on their web site allowing me to keep you informed of my progress.

I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I will.

1st Sept 2010

Left Esperance and headed out to Israelite Bay. The photo is just after landing at Cape Arid. I got tripped up by some heavy weed which I was pulling out of myself for a few days after!

On to Israelite Bay where I had to sit out some strong South Westerly Winds and big swell before heading on to the Baxter Cliffs. The beach at the start of the cliffs was sporting some big surf which took me a couple of hours to find a way through. Then a few days later I did the 27 hours paddle along the cliffs to Twilight Cove.

I have to say its a hard part of coast to get along, what with the surf, cliffs and lack of water to deal with. I'm not sure I'll be so quick to do it again!

12th August 2010

Its winter in Esperance, which is a long way from the wet season in Broome.

Its been an adventurous four months with plenty of water passed over.

Thanks to Paul Roberts of the Albany Canoe Club for looking after me so well during my stay. I had a great time in Albany and left wanting to come back. On the morning I was due to depart my tooth fell apart. Local dentist Colin Bailes saw me at 0800 on his day off, worked on my tooth for over half an hour then didn't charge me. That alone makes you want to move to Albany!

The coast from Windy Harbour to Esperance has been a great place to paddle. Lots of Islands, reefs, inlets and interesting coast to keep me on my toes. It also has a good sprinkling of safe places to head for when the weather turns. Loads of whales, I saw five mothers and calves 50 meters off the beach, one with an albino calf.

I wouldn't like to give the impression that its all easy street. I've been knocking into a headwind for a few days and so will spend a few days in Esperance recovering before heading off again.

28th July 2010

I have been seeing whales along the coast. Some evenings they come close to shore and I can hear them sing.

As well as whales I've been seeing Grey Headed and Yellow Nosed Albatross's, seals and dolphins but they don't sing as well as the whales!

I'm being well looked after by the Albany Canoe Club before heading off on the next leg.

The caretakers at the campground at Point Hillier (Parrys camp ground I think) gave me the best home made fruit and nut mix to see on my way.

All,

 A better start from Perth this time, the wrist and new Mitchell Blades paddle are going fine.

 I'm off the west coast and I'm at a little place called Windy Harbour, 100km East of Augusta on the South West Corner.

There were Southern Right Whales slapping tails on the water when I rounded the corner which I took as applause as I'd finished the West Coast.

 I've been paddling hard to make the most of a good spell of weather to get to Windy Harbour.

Its 100km of open beach from Augusta to Windy Harbour which catches the South West Swell, so I did it in one push as I could have been unable to get back through the surf.

As it gets dark at 6pm and I didn't fancy weaving my way through unfamiliar reefs and bommies in the dark I set off at 1am.

It was a bit nippy and I defiantly appreciated the warm paddling top and trousers donated by Terry from 'Canoeing Down Under'.

The moon went down 3am and it was very dark until 6am when the first signs of the sun were showing, then 7am the sun started warming things up.

Winds were from nothing to 15 knots from East to N. East and the swell was very low, just about as good as it gets but still a long paddle at 14.5 hours.

 I've now run out of food and energy so will gather supplies and recover before continuing to Albany. 

9th July

Mark Sundin of Expedition Kayaks www.expeditionkayaks.com  has donated a Mitchell Blades crank shaft paddle to trail to see if it eases the strain on my wrist.

After some light paddling the paddle feels easier on my wrist and shoulders, being so comfortable that I have little problem in swapping my paddle mid trip.

With my physio, rest and new paddle I feel ready to get back to it so I will be back in WA in a few days to resume my trip.

After a few days rest in Perth I set off south. Unfortunately I did'nt get far as I developed a painful right wrist after only two days paddling.

It was clear that to continue would only make things worse and delay recovery so I'm taking a couple of weeks out to give my wrist a chance to come good. It appears I have a problem with my Extenser Carpi Radialis. Or, for you and me, I've strained something in my wrist which needs a bit of time but should recover.

It was a disappointment to have to stop paddling again after a week in Perth but I really did'nt have a choice. The pain was an indication that it was not something that would get better during the long days along the south coast.

OK back to the Physio.

20th June,

I'm having a few days rest in Perth after a great trip down from the North West Cape. The coast has its share of rocks as reefs on the shore and offshore but also great beaches and fishing villages.

I've met many who have helped me along the way such as David Evans who met me as I was leaving to do the cliff stage. He had never seen kayaks on the ocean and was amazed at what was being done in a kayak. He gave me his contact details for Geraldton and admitted later that for a few reasons he never expected to see me again! He helped me in Geraldton and fed me great home brew. Another couple beat the record and invited me round for dinner in 1 min 50 secs after meeting me. Cliff and Margaret are shown in the photo, you just can't see the resident python in the rafters.

Thanks to everybody who I meet that's helps me on my journey, its a great help.

I'm being looked after in Perth by Terry Bolland of 'Canoeing Down Under'. Its a great advantage to stay with like minded kayakers. Terry is a pioneering adventurer and has been for many years. A great motivation for the weeks ahead.

31 May

Between Denham and Kalbarri lie one of the more challenging areas of coast for a sea kayaker. The Zuytdorp Cliffs run for 200km north of Kalbarri and offer only one landing place at False Entrance.

What makes this area such a challenge is that the weather is changable and blows from the south. Also the swell runs in from the southern ocean, then of course there is the distance.

I left Steep Point and paddled 30 hours through to Kalbarri without stopping as I thought I'd have problems getting back off the beach at False Entrance. All went well apart from being blown over once and almost running into a sleeping whale in the dark, to be met by Phil Hearps at the entrance to Kalbarri harbour. I was quickly taken to Ken Wilson's place and before long was enjoying a Malt Scotch.

Date 26th Feb 2010

Sydney

We have delivery of my new Nadgee Solo kayak, my Sea to Summit gear and Wilderness Wear clothing.

I have limited space and can afford few luxuries. The equipment I'm taking is the best quality Australian products able to withstand the harsh elements for the duration.

My Nadgee Solo Kayak has been made with the finest of materials and is  the best all round expedition kayak I know. That and the quality of the build means its the only choice for me.

Wilderness Wear thermals and clothing are quality and style that will see me through. The items I'm taking are versatile enough to see me through the heat of the tropics and winter on the south coast, be used in camp, on the water and at the cafe.

Sea to Summit Dart 2 tent, dry bags, and many accessories along with Solution spray skirts are not new to me. I have been using these products for many years and know that they can be relied upon.

I have chosen all of these products as I have used them before on previous trips and know they are of a quality and design that will see me through.