One of the reasons I wanted to kayak around Tierra del Fuego was to challenge myself. I never imagined that the challenge would be ¨not kayaking¨. In January we paddled 4 days, less than I would paddle at home. In February we have yet to hit the water.  

I have found the inactivity more challenging than the paddling, including kayaking 25 miles across the entrance to the Magellan Straits at night. I suppose I should be pleased that I have got what I wanted!  I certainly think that I grow as a person when I meet and overcome difficulties, and we never know what shape those difficulties will take.

There are positives in everything.  We are getting to know Monica and Marcelo, who are wonderful people and have helped us in so many ways. This is our 17th day staying in their house – how many people would welcome strangers so warmly and unselfishly? We are well rested, well fed, warm & dry & we laugh alot. We have experienced things and met people we would never have known if we were kayaking every day.

We had intended to start paddling this week but on Monday Barry´s wrist was still sore at times. Now it is feeling a lot better and we hope to start kayaking early next week. There are a few things the navy require us to do before we can get on the water.  2 days before we start paddling we have to visit a doctor to get a new medical certificate to say that we are in good health to paddle ( we will do that tomorrow). We also need to tell them exactly when we will drive 2.5 hours north to where we left the water. The navy will be driving there with us to inspect our kit and make sure we have everything that they require. We hope to drive there on Monday afternoon, have everything inspected, and paddle as soon as conditions are good.

At times over the last 17 days I have felt very sad in case we are not able to complete this paddle this year. Today I feel much more positive, not just becuase I am optimistic that we will be able to continue but also because I realise that I am lucky to be in Tierra del Fuego at all. I have a good life with the opportunity to chase my dreams. To kayak and camp in wild & challenging places makes me feel deliciously alive and I really value doing what makes me feel good.  But this time off the water has also reminded me to keep things in perspective. My kayaking adventures are a selfish pleasure & not a given right. If some of my dreams are hard to achieve then I will be a better person for it. As they say, s**t happens!

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