March 26 - Discovery Island (#7)

I paddled out to Cadboro Point where I met Dan and Paulo to a paddle around the islands. It was good to get out in my home "paddling grounds". There was a bit of a headwind and some lumpy water to begin with as well as a strong ebb current. The winds and sea conditions improved over the paddle and it was nice to see the usual seabirds and a group of sea lions by seabird point! The current was still strong on the return and though I went due west, I was pointing north-west!

click to enlarge

16 km, YTD 95 km

March 20th - Lake Taupo (#6)

I rented a SOT kayak from Taupo Kayaking Adventures in Acacia Bay on Lake Taupo to paddle to the Maori carving. I had great conditions and a fun paddle. I also managed to get Monica to paddle and see the carving (she hiked out to the point and then we switched places in the kayak for a bit!).

the track - click to enlarge

the carving - click to enlarge

11 km, YTD 79 km

March 1st, 2023 - Quail Island (NZ) (#5)

John Kirk-Anderson of KASK very kindly offered to take me out for an afternoon paddle around Quail Island (Thanks for the connection, Gary!). We met up at his boat shed and john was able to loan me a kayak and gear. We had great conditions and a nice paddle. We spent some time with the wrecks (Darra), some nice geology and birds - including my first Spoonbills of the trip! We also visited some of the historic buildings on shore.

the track. I had an issue with my GPS for the first part!

me in the wreck of the Darra

8 km, YTD 68 km