Well the worst is over, the shortest day has come and gone and we look forward to longer warmer days in South Australian waters. I dream of summer when I wont have to be donning wetsuit, thermal and heavyweight paddling jacket just to go out for a quick splash around; it will be back to board shorts and sun screen. Well maybe in another 3 months or so, right now its still “penguin” weather in Adelaide with the thermometer reading a balmy 12 degrees and the house full of drying bushwalking, cycling and kayaking gear.

Managed to dodge most of the rain and storms long enough to get on the water for a couple of hours with Mal and Gavin to celebrate the passing of the Winter Solstice. We bobbed along the local Adelaide coastline in the wind-driven chop. Luckily we were accompanied by a couple of dolphins for most of the way which certainly made the paddle enjoyable. It’s amazing how the company of these guys gliding along just off your bow makes your hands feel warm again and you forget about the occasional showers.

Speaking of other madness have a look at Dave and Benno’s latest extreme paddle;  New Zealand to Australia the long way. These guys are amazing and well worth paddling hero status.

Check out their Facebook site with this link.

OUT FOR A SOLSTICE SPLASH