Its unusual...its intersting and a certain German kayaker (who is currently approaching Broome from Darwin by kayak, after beginning her circumnavigation of Australia in Melbourne 148 days ago) needs your help. The link below will explain. http://qajaqunderground.com/2009/06/14/special-bulletin/ Basically it seems that the hole punched in Freyas kayak while paddling over coral during her trip across the top-end has led to her kayak needing replacing URGENTLY. Is anyone able to help FREYA by transporting a new kayak from Perth to Broome?? ASAP??? A big ask I know, but there must be a lot of grey nomads out there in the vicinity of Perth who were heading up to Broome, and Freyas situation means that maybe you now have a really good reason to go and SOON??? Of course you also need to have a space on your rig where a kayak can be secured and transported. If you are intested or know someone who might be, please respond to the blog on Freyas website above. I am merely her friend who hosted her in Hervey Bay QLD during cyclone Hamish in early March. She is an exceptional person, a great gal, with grit of steel and a determination in her eye that is obvious within 2 minutes of meeting her, but continuing her circumnavigation beyond Broome with this damaged kayak is now obviously NOT part of her plan. Can you help? Thanks in advance if anyone can. Best regards and happy travelling, Janita Knowles Hervey Bay QLD
A quick update to anyone who may possibly be in a position to help: The replacement kayak is currently on its way to Perth and will arrive at the following address in approx 5 days (around June 23): Sportsfirst Shop 5, 264 Pinjarra Road 6210 Mandurah (08) 9582 9995 The kayak is approx 3 m long and weights less than 20 kg and is easy peasy to put on roof racks on the average vehicle (I had Freyas kayak on the roof racks of my Commodore Wagon and it is light and very easy to handle). So....all you good people out there, if you need a reason to go for a drive from Perth to Broome, this could be it! Get an update on Freyas situation at:
PS. Australia has only been circumnavigated once before, by Paul Caffey in the late 1980's. Freya is well on track to be the first woman, and to break his record paddle by many months. She is already weeks ahead of his schedule. If you are able to help in getting her replacement kayak from Perth to Broome, you will play a small but not insignificant part in her success. Go to it! and if you need any more information, please feel free to call me on 0400 429 990 anytime. Janita Knowles Hervey Bay
You could try some of the WA Transport Companies, if you explain the circumstances they may do it for free, Sportsfirst should know who they are or could look them up in the yellow pages/online etc.
They are always doing runs up north and would be a lot quicker. Chances are any caravanners going North from Mandurah/Perth would not want to go direct in a hurry but would want to stop at various tourist destinations along the way.
I wish Freya all the best in her quest,
Regards Vic
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Vic "Sunset Coast" Member - Australian Touring Caravan & Motorhome Club www.atcmcc.org.au