40 Days in Godzone
I kept both a diary of my adventures on the lake and in the mountains and bush, plus a journal of my spiritual journey. I have opted to record in full my diary entries and parts of my journal and reflections. Some of my journaling is private to me and the Lord. I have also the challenge to convey some things that are hard to put into words. My invitation is for you to enter the journey with me. You have one advantage I never had - no sand flies!
My big tent that I used if I was staying somewhere for more than a few days. My Zolo tent was little but quick to erect and take down which I used for one nighters.
Drop-Off Day
Diary. Sunday, January 13, 2008
What a day! Ben and Josh dropped me off at about 12.15pm. Packed kayak and got underway. I felt very emotional to leave them. I was touched when they both said they would pray for me every day. Good sons! Had to make two runs to set up a base camp at Dry Creek Beach near Mary Island. Strong nor westerly came in about 15 minutes into first run. Became rough but kayak handled everything very well. Got caught by williwaw on second run which hit with such force I was starting to lift out of the water. Did about 14km all up. Set up big tent as expecting to stay here tomorrow. Took over an hour to set up radio aerial first time. Sched came through loud and clear. Forecast for heavy rain and thunder clearing in afternoon. Light rain falling now, should be fine Tuesday to go to south of lake.
Journal. 14.1.08
Not sure how I am. Feeling lonely and isolated already. Apprehensive about this large task I have undertaken. Am I prepared enough? Worried about the weather and the lake although the new kayak and mountain radio comforting - as is having locator beacon. A lot better equipped this time. Spiritually I am expectant but feel low today. Help me Lord - I am here for you - to listen and learn - already lnowing that I need your sustaining.
ended the day feeling OK. Reading A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson, the guy was translated The Message Bible. A book for me at the moment. Psalm 120:1 expresses so well my feelings of this morning. "I'm in trouble. I cry to God, desperately
Temperature has dropped. Tuna and rice crackers for lunch. 1pm. Southerly front arrived. Wind and rain. Cold! 3pm. Steady rain. Wind dropped off. Rain stopped about 4pm so went for a 2.5 hour walk. Looked at slip damage across the bay. After a year mud still clinging to trees 15 metres up. Bit of sun. Nice calm evening. The radio sched was a great morale boost. Weather forecast fine but with passing showers and gusty southerlies. Will listen to the 8.30am sched before I decide what to do. Teal Bay hopefully as more bad weather on the way next few days. Prefer to be in a hut for that. Ate half the food in the pack today and that was enough. Settling down to a good sleep despite spending most of the day in the tent.
40
Diary. Monday, January 14, 2008
8am. A very windy night but my camp is in a sheltered position. Light rain. Had breakfast. Sorted solar shower. Went for walk. Returned to tent to escape sand flies. No sign of rain or thunder. Reflecting on yesterday very satisfied with kayak. Goes fast when going with the wind and surfing on waves. Was handling conditions I would have found difficult in Sprite II. Handled strong NW wind conditions superbly. Feeling OK although had thumping headache most of the night. Unusual for me. Tummy a bit queasy - wondering about the de-hy food agreeing with me. 9.25am. Steady rain set in. 12 noon. Steady rain. Few drips through tent fly.
