Saw two seals today - big fat happy ones lazing around in the warm clear water together, a sure sign that we are entering wilder waters. Today John, Mike and I were joined by Ken, and the four of us had a nice long paddle chatting about everything from super-string theory to John's solo midwinter kayaking trip down the Franklin and Mike's mate's tangle with a croc up North (he survived). Its great to be spending time with people who share such a love of adventure, and the tall tales that inevitably accumulate when you're out in nature pushing the boundaries. In contrast to the high drama of the conversation, paddling conditions were mild - a gentle Easterly wind blowing over clear water. The coastline was stunning and we got to paddle through a headland which has a split in it just wide enough to paddle through, granite walls rising steeply either side and water levels rising and falling over the rocks with every wave.
Right now it looks very festive down on Bingie Bingie point (aboriginal for "plenty food") with flouro coloured sails, tents and dry-bags scattered across the beach as we make camp, in as tranquil a spot as one could imagine. Tomorrow we'll paddle to Potato Point, then the 7ks out to Montague Island, then as far South as feels right.