Blog

We are still here waiting for Barrys wrist to heal and we are both finding the waiting hard today, probably because its another great day for paddling and because Barrys wrist is almost better so we were agonising over whether to make the most of the better weather today, or to wait in case we make it worse by paddling. I am trying not to look at the sea which is flat calm. The current has just turned in our favour and we would just be setting off if allwas well. We are a bix anxious that we will run out of time to kayak around Tierra del Fuego with all the delays we are having but there is no point worrying about what we cant do.

On the positive side, we are getting to know Rodrigo in the Armada who has been very kind, giving Barry ice and giving us tidal and weather information, and we are resting, eating,  and getting strong and fit for when we can paddle.

They have got some impresive technology here, check out those huge binoculars. You can clearly see people on the other side of the narrows through them – although Barrys prefered to use his monocular!

When we do kayak again, we have a 27 nautical mile plus distance to do. We could paddle just 4 miles to the headland on the other side of the Narrows, but once we leave there its a 25 mile crossing to Punta Catalina across a huge bay. Theres a 10 metre tidal range here and the bay dries out up to 5 miles offshore so we cant paddle around the bay, or easily nip ashore if something goes wrong. We will be paddling with the ebb tide so the bay will be getting shallower all the time. If we take too long, the tide will be against us when we arrive…. its one of the most committing paddles that we have on this trip so we want to make sure we are both in good shape when we attempt it. Then again, we also need good weather for it, so it is tempting to take a chance and go today while conditions are good…. but we stayed, which was probably the right decision! I added a couple more photos to earlier entries.

 Thanks to Rodrigo and all the staff at the Armada for their help and hospitality.

17 January
Unfortunately the photos of Justine and Barry arriving at Punta Delgada have not made it through cyberspace. An article in the local press sent by Kiko, about their circumnavigation of Tierra del Fuego, has landed in Jersey and is included for any followers conversant in Spanish (click to enlarge).

I am writing a very quick post from the Navy post at punta Delgada. They have been really kind to us and let us come up here for weather forecasts (in addition to the ones we recieve from Karel), to put ice on Barrys wrist and just for a change of scene and a chat. We did get Barrys kayak back straight away. I realise i didnt  make that clear, but it was a really scare to us and we moved the kayaks right by the tent last night. We dont bear a grudge to anyone for taking it, and we sympathise with the people protesting against the fuel price rise, but we are VERY glad they decided against burning the kayak!

Barrys wrist is a bit better today but still no good for  paddling, especially since the next paddle is a 27 nautical mile plus paddle across a big bay. Yesterday was absolutely perfect for the crossing with almost no wind all day and a beautiful sunny day; they dont get days like that very often here. the only consolation is that we would have been baking in our drysuits! today we would have the wind partly behind us, but a bit offshore. its a pretty strong wind so definately not a goer with a sore wrist.

Mum, I sent you some photos yesterday that our friend in the Navy here took of us arriving. Check your junk mail, there was also short email from me. I cant access my email here but hopefully you can find the message and photos. Better go! We are both happy and have readjusted to not paddling for a while. Things change and the challenges arent always on the water. We remain optimistic that well get on the water again in 1, 2,3, or more days. Meanwhile, there are pancakes to be eaten! Hugs and kisses to family and friends and a BIG thanks to everyone who has helped us get this far and is still helping us.

16 January, Day 5
We are having at least one more day off due to Barry’s swollen wrist, having phoned kayaking Doctor Bob Mark for advice.
Yesterday a kind man from the Navy provided lots of ice for the swelling and we had a chilled out day in the sun.