Paddling Update: Day 62–65

Day 62 – Umhlanga to Zinkwazi, 62km

After a few days staying with the Harkers and loving their aircon, I decided on a late start hoping the forecast would deliver a SW 15kt wind. On the water at 08h00 at “Grannies Pool,” Umhlanga. The first hour reminded me of my ocean crossing days, paddling in a rain squall for ages. I love paddling in the rain, it cooled everything down.

Day 64 – Mtunzini to Richards Bay, 41km

I thought the rain was over but it just poured all night. A quick photo shoot with our host, Isabella, before we set off to meet Craig Webster at the reserve gate. The water was still dark brown from the river still gushing into the sea. I think I am over this brown water now! After a quick interview with the local press and a nice shower I was treated to a local refreshment, milk stout in a pint glass topped up with cola. Sounds odd, but it’s right up my alley.

Day 65 – Richards Bay to Nhlabane, 25km

The weather and sea had not been playing along and I was getting frustrated waiting in the bustling city of Richards Bay. Craig, our host, joined me again and we paddled out of the harbour just after midday, straight into a wind that was supposed to swing SW but was in fact coming from the NE. Not much to do but get into a rhythm, stay close to shore and watch for rogue waves. In the last 5km the rain and wind stopped, the clouds moved off, and the sea flattened out, back to a decent pace.