22 July 2013

Sea trip to the Northern Coast.

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“I have come to accept the feeling of not knowing where I am going. And I have trained myself to love it. Because it is only when we are suspended in mid-air with no landing in sight, that we force our wings to unravel and alas begin our flight. And as we fly, we still may not know where we are going to. But the miracle is in the unfolding of the wings. You may not know where you're going, but you know that so long as you spread your wings, the winds will carry you.” C. JoyBell C.​

Kvällspaddling vid Ö bokö

There is a need in me that calls me to travel to far away places. When young I travelled a lot with my parents exposing me to new cultures and alternatives lifestyles. Then one day I left my native country and moved to Australia. I love my new country but my soul still searches for familiar landscapes where spruce trees are the forest, not gum trees. I love the cold as it is in my bones as I love skiing and winter camping; it reminds me of the bitter winter mornings waiting for the school bus on snowy roads.
I find pleasure in being rugged up and feeling the cold air on my face.
My upbringing saw me outside a lot and I lived for the forests and mountains behind my house. I feel that evenings become more contemplative when I camp in cold weather; I am not a big fan of sweltering Queensland summer nights.
Give me a down jacket and a decent shelter from wind and I feel at home. After a few years of dreaming to eventually paddle in arctic waters this time the stars aligned and I am off to the land of the long shadows.

Långeskär i Fjällbacka

I have a vague plan but not distinct destination. I want to spend the days exploring and make decisions as I see them fit my mood. No destination syndrome and no log of my mileage: sea travel at its best with the unknown and surprises my driving force.


Toppbestigning
all images courtesy of  Eric Sjostedt

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10 July 2013

Photos: autumn paddling in Queensland

Blessed with windy conditions I have been sea kayak sailing in the last couple of months.
As the forecast has been calling for unfavourable conditions for the motorized crowd, quite often I would find the bay very quiet.
Gone are the pesky jet skiers and only sailing boats find the choppy waters to their liking.

Sailing Mockpool_c


Bribie Passage sailing_c

But not all forecasts have been accurate and often the conditions were mild.
There have been days that my sails have been stowed on deck and the cleared colder waters of autumn have created mirror like conditions.

Liquid silver_c

As the sun has been setting early I would often be still on the water to enjoy the last light of the day.

Bribie Passage sunset_c


Bribie Sunset_1

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