For years the right elements to embark on a trans-Tasman mission have eluded me, but now finally the time is right. Still, there've been complications, from overnight deliveries loaded onto ships, to postponed meetings and paddles going walkabout. Six days after my originally planned departure, I'll be meeting Tasmanian James Thorp, Victorian Sam Treganza and a Kiwi contingent headed up by Jimmy Lohrey and Blake Reid.As far as I can gather, the plan is to ravage the West Coast heli runs, but to be honest my knowledge of what I'm in for is limited to tall tales of epic day-long missions, caves, sieves, sketch portages and miserable weather. Maybe there was something about unbelieveably good whitewater too. Yeah, that sounds familiar.
Thanks to Kayak4Play, a rather generous box of Immersion Research goodies arrived at my door today that should keep me sufficiently warm in the wintry climes of Summer in NZ. It was a solid 30° today with a humidity that took me right back to Laos, yet still I wasted no time jumping in my sexy Union Suit and Dry Suit. So stoked. And a bit sweaty.With any luck the Kiwi's will have figured out this whole internet thing and I may even be able to post up some mid-trip reports. At very least there's bound to be some great footage flowing soon after my return. Well maybe after the Kimberley trip.
We're in the final stages now meeting with sponsors, booking flights and seeking out all the loose ends that need attention. The website is online at KayaktheKimberley.com, check it out.
So it's goodbye beach, hello creeks. Can't wait.
Cheers
boz
