Progress Report 12/31/07 Monday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Mon mrng s 1 to2bft noon se 1 to2bft aft e 2to3bft seas 2.20 swell 1.30mtr frm w

Tues mrng e 4bft noon ne 3bft aft w 2bft seas 1.20 swell 0.70mtr frmw

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
40.46 172.16 Big River 80km 14hrs long but beautiful paddle. 4hrs solid headwinds at noon! Not southerlies... No satellite signal at night, sorry!

Maybe cut across tomorrow. Body and mind are on the "homerun"!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! THANKS FOR ALL THE GOOD WISHES FOR 2008! WILL THE GODS OF THE SEVEN SEAS BE WITH YOU.

Progress Report 12/30/07 Sunday

There's an interesting article and video clip from NZ TV, about Freya, with input from Paul Caffyn. Includes good footage of Freya crossing the Greymouth bar. You can read the story and see the video here . Many thanks to Derrick for this info -- Greg

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Sun mrng se 2 to 3bft noon w 2 to3bft aft sw 3bft seas 2 .40 to 1.80 swell 1mtr frm w

Mon mrng s 1 to2bft noon se 1 to2bft aft e 2to3bft seas 2.20 swell 1.30mtr frm w

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
41.23 172.04 In Little Wanganui. Flew with new (epic) wings up the coast. What a treat the last days! Lovely landing in river&camp. 3 to 4 more days...

Progress Report 12/29/07 Saturday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Sat mrng s 2 to3bft noon w 3bft aft sw 4bft seas 3.50 swell 1.90 frm w

Sun mrng se 1 to2bft noon w 2 to3bft aft sw 4bft seas 1.90 swell 1 mtr frm w

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
Westport today, Little Wamganui tomorrow. Good weather, seas warm, and easing a bit. What else do I need?

Westport good tailwinds all day easy landing Paul met me again to bring my new paddle.THANKS!

A BIG THANKS to Epic as they sent me a new midsize wing quickly and without problem to New Zealand, as I had to sacrifice my old one to the gods of the Tasman Sea...

Progress report 12/28/07 Friday

Freya clears Greymouth River Bar in large seas. Photo by Paul Caffyn

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Sat mrng s 2 to3bft noon w 3bft aft sw 4bft seas 3.50 swell 1.90 frm w

Sun mrng se 2 to 3bft noon w 2 to3bft aft sw 3bft seas 2 .40 to 1.80 swell 1mtr frm w

Update Received from Paul Caffyn:
Freya cleared the Greymouth River bar this morning - 28 Dec 2007 - at approx. 8.45am.

Intermittent breakers on the bar but Freya managed a clean run out to sea without getting her hair wet.

Big seas, but no wind so swell will subside as the day wears on.

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
42.02 171.22 Woodpecker Bay TV3 filmed yesterday & launch today, good run out of Grey River. Still roughish sea. Nice sunny SANDFLYFREE camp here.

There will be some footage about my trip on New Zealand's Saturday TV3 news. My new paddle will arrive tomorrow. Thanks to Epic!

Progress report 12/27/07 Thursday

5 days of x-mas bad weather days at Paul Caffyn's - we had the pleasure to host Gordon and Morag Brown for two days, too, with their two lovely kids Eilidh and Iain. They enjoyed being captains of their own kayaks in Paul's pool...and I keep on going on Friday with the middle section only...

Actually, I fibreglassed the stern section to the middle section now, to be sure the kayak stays in one piece on the last landings and launchings ;-)) Victurus Vicero!

The seas will be settled down a bit for the approximately last seven paddling days, if everything goes well as planned!

I'm ready to be done!

x-mas update by Freya

An early Kiwi Christmas gift! Paul Caffyn hands Freya a beer upon her landing at Greymouth. Photo by Murry Cave.

I wish you all a Merry x-mas and Happy Holidays!
Thanks for all the lovely comments and best wishes on my blog, it feels good to know a lot of friends all over the world are following up my trip.

Last time I did a longer blog update was in Riverton on the South Coast, so many days and exciting adventures have passed since then that I feel now a bit overwhelmed in these two x-mas weather rest days at Paul's to catch up with all the writing.

But my trip diary is full of notes, and I am thinking of putting my experiences together in a little booklet. Pictures need to be edited and selected for a slideshow and website, too.

But all that takes time and different to my trip I don't really enjoy rushing writing and posting, maybe because it's in English and proves actually to be the hardest part for me of a trip like that :-)). But the rewarding comments make it well worth sharing the experience in the best possible way.

But if I really decide to go for the booklet written at home then, this won't take too long then, as memories need to be fresh on writing.

I'll do my best to complete my trip asap, and hope to keep my kayak and myself in ONE piece on launching and landing :-), and hope to have no more losses of precious loved gear!

Thanks to Karel Vissel for the daily precise weather updates, to Greg Stamer about updating my blog, to Paul Caffyn for mental and practical support, to my family about being patient with my absence and home managing, to my shop managers and workers to keep things going while I'm away, and to all the lovely people hosting and wishing me well along the way!

Merry x-mas!

Progress report 12/22/07 Saturday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Sat mrng e 3bft noon nw 3bft aft w 3bft seas 1.40 mtr swell 0.80 frm w

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
42.27 171.12 Grey River safe & sound with Paul & friends over xmas. Taking even tomorrow off due to xmas parties starting tonight :)

Progress report 12/21/07 Friday; Still trucking...

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Fri mrng e 3bft noon nw 2 to3bft aft w 3bft seas 2mtr swell 1.10 mtr frm w

Sat mrng e 3bft noon nw 3bft aft w 3bft seas 1.40 mtr swell 0.80 frm w

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
42.43 170.57 Hokitika Took the chicken run this morning out of a side river no more risk for body boat blade see Paul Caffyn tonight for mental support :)

Easy day to Greymouth only 40km tomorrow Christmas seems like well deserved weath.rest days! Gordon Brown will be around at Paul's, good timing! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Paul Caffyn today!

Progress report 12/20/07 Thursday; Surf Trouble

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Thu mrng ne2 to 3bft noon w 3bft aft sw 3bft seas 3.30 to 2.70 mtr swell 1.60 mtr frm w

Fri mrng e 3bft noon nw 2 to3bft aft w 3bft seas 2mtr swell 1.10 mtr frm w

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
43.02 170.25 Wanganui R F*%K! Lost my stern on launch, repaired. Lost my paddle on landing, gone. F*&K! But I'm ok. Just stupid misjudgement.

Editor's note: I have been in contact with Breanna of Epic kayaks. She is working intently to get a replacement Epic paddle (205cm midsize wing), to Paul Caffyn, for delivery to Freya. Freya does carry a spare, and is able to continue. However her spare is a larger blade size than what she normally prefers, and a spare is needed for safety.

Update: Freya is using a sectional 3-piece kayak. The clips holding the stern section were damaged, and Freya is worried that they might fail, but they are still holding as of this writing. Nigel Dennis has ordered new clips but they will take some time to arrive -Greg

Progress report 12/19/07 Wednesday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Wed mrng s3bft noon w 3bft aft w 4bft seas 2.80 mtr swell 1.50 mtr frm nw

Thu mrng ne2 to 3bft noon w 3bft aft sw 3bft seas 3.30 to 2.70 mtr swell 1.60 mtr frm w

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
43.23 169.55 beh. Galway Point went in early today 65km paddled with closed eyes all day to relax mind body still had to work, steady but slowly.

Progress report 12/18/07 Tuesday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Tues mrng s4bft noon sw 4bft aft sw 4bft seas 2.20 to 2.80 mtr swell 1.30 mtr frm nw

Wed mrng s3bft noon w 3bft aft w 4bft seas 2.80 mtr swell 1.50 mtr frm nw

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
43.42 169.15 90km Whakapohai River good surfing day, but mentally draining when high. At least found a sheltered landing. In a hut & cold shower!

Progress report 12/17/07 Monday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Mon mrng ne 4bft noon sw 3bft aft sw 3bft seas 1.70mtr swell 1 mtr frm nw
Tues mrng s4bft noon sw 4bft aft sw 4bft seas 2.20 to 2.80 mtr swell 1.30 mtr frm nw

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
44.02 168.22 Cascade River mouth 65km staying in the entrance of a private hut. Nobody home. Fun on the river entrance good paddle in RAIN!

It will be a lovely day! The rain seems to be gone, following winds for at least 3 days, no lack of food, good spirits and body condition!

Progress report 12/16/07 Sunday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Sun ne 4bft mrng tru eve seas 2mtr swell 1.10mtr frm n to nw

Mon mrng ne 4bft noon sw 3bft aft sw 3bft seas 1.70mtr swell 1 mtr frm nw

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
44.26 167.52 Dumping Beach. Who is the rider in storm and waves? It's La Ninja in her Roaring Fourties.

20km couldn't wait in tent all day for the weather change so I was working a bit but there is only so much an (even well trained) body can take.

launching will be interesting through THAT dumper from sticky sand...

Progress report 12/15/07 Saturday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Sun frcst ne 4bft mrng tru eve seas 2mtr swell 1.10mtr frm n to nw

Mon mrng ne 3 to 4bft noon nw 3bft aft nw 3bft seas 1.80mtr swell 1.10 mtr frm nw

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
44.35 167.47 Anita Bay. Probably head north tomorrow. Sorry about no updates on the blog - just too busy resocializing after the wilderness... :)

Progress report 12/14/07 Friday

Freya is waiting for the winds to subside and plans to be back on the water in a day or two. She does have internet access. Freya mentioned that she appreciates your comments! -Greg

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
Going back to Milford Sat. Maybe paddling out to Anita Bay to get going North again on Sun or latest Mon

Progress report 12/12/07 Wednesday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Wed mrng ne 4bft noon ne 4ft aft ne 4 to5bft seas 3.40 swell 1.60mtr frm nw

Thu mrng s 3bft noon e 3bft aft e 3 to 4bft seas 2.70 to 1mtr swell 1.40 to 0.50mtr frm nw

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
44.41 167.55 Milford Sound "Paddle-on-Inn" all inconveniences forgotten going in here :)

Never had such a quick pit stop; everything washed, dried, cleaned, fed. Thanks Fiona Lee! Can go out in the bushes again tomorrow!

Despite the OK day today and everything is ready I decided to stay in Milford as minimum Fri&Sat are bad :(( I will take a good rest...

Progress report 12/11/07 Tuesday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Tues mrng e 6 to7bft noon e 4 to5bft aft e 4to 5 bft seas 3.40 to 3.90 mtr swell 2mtr frm N

Wed mrng ne 4bft noon ne 4ft aft ne 4 to5bft seas 3.40 swell 1.60mtr frm nw

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
44.44 167.35 South. Sound rain all day & strong(est) headwinds all day. Seakayaker's delight :). Urgent drying pitstop in Milford tomorrow.

Progress report 12/10/07 Monday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Mon mrg nw 5 bft noon ne 5 to 6bft aft ne 5 to 6bft seas 2.80 to 2.50 mtr swell 1.30 mtr frm w later n

Tues mrng e 6 to7bft noon e 4 to5bft aft e 4to 5 bft seas 3.40 to 3.90 mtr swell 2mtr frm N

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
No paddle today it's blowing hard out there. Will explore the hinterland on a bushwalk and fight the psychoterror of the sandflies!

15hrs stormy rain trapped in the tent which is holding well! NZ has all kind of pleasures to offer... but could be worse. Hope to get going again tomorrow!

I had to move my tent before dawn_fully naked,in pouring rain and sandstorm...not to get anything more wet than necessary...no pictures :)

it's still pouring and blowing. slight bit less stormy. But nothing inviting yet :( in a rain lull I might go...or not. Everything is damp :(

Progress report 12/09/07 Sunday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Sun mrng e 2 to3bft noon e3 bft aft e 3 to 4bft seas 2mtr swell 1 mtr frm w

Mon mrg nw 5 bft noon ne 5 to 6bft aft ne 5 to 6bft seas 2.80 to 2.50 mtr swell 1.30 mtr frm w later n

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
YAAWN! 5am...but no ripple on the water (yet) stars are just about to fade...

44.49 167.24 60km easy start - hard headwind end (as usual..) but low seas. Paddled up the river into Catsey Bay lagoon, beautiful! But sandflies..

Progress report 12/08/07 Saturday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Sat mrng w 3bft noon w 3 to 4 bft aft nw 3bft seas 2.60 to 1.90mtr swell 1.20mtr frm w

Sun mrng e 2 to3bft noon e3 bft aft e 3 to 4bft seas 2mtr swell 1 mtr frm w

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
45.11 166.59 Neck Cove tired of battling into funneling headwinds against the tide in Thompson Sound. I didn't go out to the open sea.

Made a windy, almost sandfly-free beachday and hope for tomorrow's good forecast. Will start very early for a long day (hopefully...)

It seems like the summer arrived with sunny days but increasing winds during the day, too. We'll see how to handle the easterlies.

Progress report 12/07/07 Friday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Fri mrng e 3bft noonnw 3bft aft nw 3bft seas 3.20mtr swell 1.70mtr frm W

Sat mrng w 3bft noon w 3 to 4 bft aft nw 3bft seas 2.60 to 1.90mtr swell 1.20mtr frm w

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
45.18 167.02 long day:quiet morning, lunchtime headwinds, sightseeing Doubtful Sound, fighting sandflies, noisy possums in dschungle (jungle).

Out of Thompson Sound to maybe Caswell Sound today. Sandflies trap you inside the tent all the time.Good organisation important!

Progress report 12/06/07 Thursday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
Thu mrng S 4bft noon S 4bft aft S 4bft seas 4.10 to 3.30 mtr swell frm NW

Fri mrng e 3bft noonnw 3bft aft nw 3bft seas 3.20mtr swell 1.70mtr frm W

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
45.37 166.40 Disap.Cove touristic paddle in most stunning sunny scenery. What a country! Had a freezing river bath and laundry. Happy Nikolaus!

(Note from Greg: I didn't understand Freya's last sentence so had to do some web-sleuthing. Dec 6 is St. Nikolaus day, a popular children's festival in Germany, Holland, Belgium and in some US cities with a strong German influence. I had never heard of it before. So, "Happy Nikolaus!"...)

Progress report 12/05/07 Wednesday; The Yachting life!

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
Woke up at 10am with lovely coffee and freshly baked bread smell :) Dave and Jenny Todd are lovely! Good luck to end up on their 11m yacht!

Relaxing rainy stormy day on the yacht. Visited the "neighbor's" DOC boat at night for an interesting chat.

Heading quietly through Acheron Passage to Breaksea Sound with some sightseeing.

Progress report 12/04/07 Tues; Rounded the Bend!

Freya has passed the half-way point, has rounded the bend, and is heading north! This is a remote area and it might be some time before she finds internet access. Please keep the comments coming! Knowing that someone is rooting for you makes all the difference in the world.

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/
tues mrng NE 3 to4bft noon Ne 4bft aft NE 4bft seas 3.80 swell 2mtr frm w

wed mrng Ne 5bft noon NE6 to 7bft aft NE 6 to 7bft seas 3.10 to 4mtr swell 2mtr frm NW

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:
45.46 166.31 Luncheon Cove paddled into bit of darkness staying on a yacht with a lovely couple TTYL!

40km 14hrs no suitable pee-stop at all, dangerous playground out there. Pushed myself over the limit. Relaxing weather day off tomorrow. Comfy yacht!

Progress report 12/03/07 Monday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/

mon mrng nw 3bft noon nw 3bft aft nw 3bft seas 4 to 3.80 mtr swell 2.20 mtr frm w

tues mrng NE 3 to4bft noon Ne 4bft aft NE 4bft seas 3.80 swell 2mtr frm w

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:

45.60 166.28 sorry didn't feel today like battling into 4_5 headwinds in 4m seas just cut x rough West.Passage to reef sheltered Landing Bay

hope I feel strong enough to punch through Luncheon Cove tomorrow in those headwinds with probably very choppy seas on that side

Progress report 12/02/07 Sunday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/

Sunday: fjordland mrng s 3bft noon w 4bft aft w 4bft seas 3.70 swell 3mtr frm w

Monday: mrng nw 3bft noon nw 3bft aft nw 3bft seas 4 to 3.80 mtr swell 2.20 mtr frm w

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:

46.02 166.31 Chalky Island 40km an almost relaxing paddle comp.to yest. through swell and backchop with less h.winds to another paradise beach

headwinds...headwinds...at least moderate and seas are ok so far...daylight until 10pm but it's nice to sometimes paddle not that long :)

Progress report 12/01/07 Saturday

Weather update from Karel Vissel:
http://www.kayakweather.blogspot.com/

sat mrng nw 3 to 4bft 4bft aft sw 3bft seas 2.20 swell 1.20 frm sw

sun mrng fjordland s 3bft noon w 4bft aft w 4bft seas 3.70 swell 2 mtr frm w

Satellite Text Messages Received from Freya:

46.13 166.47 Green Islets "Guarantee you a safe harbour, but not always a smooth passage."

15hrs headwind and rough seas for 40km only...nobody said it's gonna be easy! Green Islets are paradise_with sandflies and sandfleas...