Re: [Paddlewise] Routes: quilts, carpets and songs

Jim wrote,
>Farley Mowat, in his book which I think is called
>West Viking or something similar, has appendices
>on things like how the Vikings navigated.

Jackie wrote,
>I find the Maori's keen sense of navigation fascinating.
>Either that or they are some of the luckiest people in
>navigation.  Or, a whole bunch didn't make it

G'Day Jim, Jackie, Chuck and Patrick,

	Well I gave up on the inflatable kayak purchase, which leaves plenty to buy
all these books with! Thanks for the references, links and reviews, Chuck
and Patrick your reviews made it impossible to resist!
	Re Maori's. maybe all Jackies alternatives contributed. But presumably
whether luck or knowledge played the greater part would partly depend on
whether Maori's came from the America's or Asia. Thor Heyerdahl's theories
aren't widely supported any more and the longest open water distance between
Australia and Europe via Asia and/or the South Sea islands is about 100nm
(if I read the maps correctly). That last stretch to New Zealand? I don't
think any modern paddler has achieved it! But Maori and South Pacific
peoples seem to have been solidly built giving them the capacity for long
voyages. And Chuck and Patrick's description of the David Lewis book
indicates the high level of skill that was available.
	The temptation to drop everything and try the Australia through Asia voyage
is very strong after a week surveying business plans - but I'm a bit skinny
for all that - even with a GPS! Nothng would induce me to attempt the
Australia to NZ trip (by kayak that is).
	Talking of Vikings something else I heard was that they would tattoo a
pattern (sextant?) on their foreheads for use by the navigator who would get
them to stand in from of him. If its true I'm guessing it will be referred
to in the West Viking book?

All the best, PeterO

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