Barry's thoughts after paddling round the South island
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
The reality is just beginning to sink in that Justine and i have just completed a circumnavigation of the South Island of New Zealand,a trip that we've both seperately dreamt of for quite a few years.For me there are mixed feelings about finishing. In some ways i'm relieved that i don't have to be concerened about how big the surf will be that we land in at the end of each day or if the weather will change while we're miles from a place to land. On the other hand there's a big part of me that will miss waking up in amazing places and meeting such fantastic people.
When Justine and I first decided to do the trip together we both had the same goals. Both of us not only wanted to paddle all the way round the South Island, we also wanted to see the place properly and meet local people. So we decided we'd paddle hard when we could and have days off and look around when conditions were not good. Whenever we had days off we were blown away by the friendliness, hospitality and help from complete strangers all around the coast. I've found New Zealand a beautiful place and a very testing place to kayak but for me it's all those amazing people that we met along the way that made it such a fantastic experience.
There were so many times we were taken in and helped by people from beginning to end and over the past 67 days i've learnt the true meaning of a supported trip. If ever a trip were supported it was this one.
We have a lot of thank you's to send out to so many people but i personally have to thank Justine for being such a great trip partner and companion.
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Justine will write something more tomorrow.
posted by Justine Curgenven | 7:40 am
10 Comments:
Superb trip by both of - really well done! So Barry, only South Georgia, Newfoundland and Iceland to go to complete 'The Big Five' then....! :-)))
Rowland
Congratulations to you both. A fantastic achievement. What next? Hopefully a well deserved rest. Looking forward to seeing you when you get back.
Love Sue, Alan, Jenni and Laurence
Many congratulations to you both - we look forward to hearing your tales first hand.
Perhaps a good wirral curry to celebrate
love
Rosey and other wirral sea kayakers
Bravo!!!
What an achievement!
I enjoyed following your trip via this site.
Oded
Congratulations Barry and Justine! It must be so fulfilling to complete such a challenging expedition and to meet so many wonderful people along the way. I look forward to hearing all about it in person when I come over for Nigel's Shetland Expedition in July. Now get some sleep!
Best Wishes,
Ken Tappen
Congratulations on completing your epic trip: hospital stay 'n all!!!
Stine XXX
Love the photo of you in thought, We have decided you are not sitting on your eerie or your alberti but your very own Barritree
how about that?.We've found a new word.Have you come down from your "High" yet?
Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Love from the old folk xx
Hello Baz
You look so rugged, me and the boy scouts left and headed west on day 66. Its such a pity my Sister Siobhan was looking forward to meeting you and the boy scouts had worked you up to be such a hero! Anyway well done on your trip with your lady friend.
We are now off to Japan, romuer has it you heading this way next. P.S can you arrange to open up a puppy farm or a shopping centre soon the boy scouts mums think your smashing.
regards
Chief communications officer on the fishing trawler.
Congratulations Barry and Justine.A Fantastic way to visit south new zealand and meet the ppl.Really pleased you had the same goals on seeing the island.All at 'northfield' upper raby, send their best wishes to you both.All our love and best wishes, Kenny, Jen, Lucy and Rebecca
Well done chaps!
Phil.
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