[Paddlewise] Hayley Shephard off to Circumnavigate South Georgia

What follows is an excerpt from http://victoriakayaker.blogspot.com/

I said a difficult farewell to Hayley Shephard and Beth-Anne Masselink at
Victoria International last Friday. Hayley is off to attempt a solo
circumnavigation of South Georgia Island. Beth-Anne is her backup rescue
kayaker who will launch from the support vessel and come to Hayley's aid
should it be needed.

The circumnavigation of South Georgia is perhaps the most difficult paddle in
the world. Although it's not long by many expedition standards there are no
days when you are not at extreme risk. It's 400 miles of deadly risk.

Saying good bye to someone who you may never see again is troubling. All sorts
of conflicting thoughts run through your head. I took some comfort in knowing
that well known and trusted west coast guide Beth-Anne Masselink would at
least be near by.

The island lies at 54 15 S and 36 45 W. Look it up on a globe and you'll see
how one could strike out sailing east from South Georgia and your first land
fall would be the west shore of the island you left from. There would be
nothing but wind waves and the odd iceberg on your journey. There is an old
mariners saying "in the forties there is no law - in the fifties there is no
god"

The follow link takes you to a 2009 Christmas Day photo of a sheltered port on
the east shore. Nothing landed on Christmas Day.

http://www.sgisland.gs/index.php/Image:13dec09.jpg

You  can follow her attempt at the following link.

http://hayleyshephard.blogspot.com/

If you are religious please prey for fair weather and god speed.

Gordin Warner
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