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  1.  
    Live Expedition Forum Continued
    • CommentAuthorRose
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2007
     
    Is the desal fixed?
    • CommentAuthorRobbo
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2007
     
    G'day Rats,

    You're doing an amazing job out there so keep it up. The technology for this trip is absolutely phenomenal, it's been great to be able to get regular podcasts from the kayak, live tracking, etc. It seems as though you've got into a good routine so hopefully you'll get some good weather for a few days so you can make some good progress.

    Robbo
  2.  
    so good to hear you guys sounding full of beans and happy, keep it up, you boys are amazing...
    • CommentAuthornicky
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2007
     
    Heya guys,

    Was talking to my partner tonight wondering how far you had got. Awesome to see you have a web site came across it just now thru perth now, a news website.
    good luck with everything!!! Will keep an eye on your progress
    • CommentAuthorlil9934
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2007
     
    good morning rats 1&1 ,great to hear your mental state have picked pt rats paddle, paddle
    do it easy ,like the chap pulling a long lenght of rohe , was asked "why are you pulling the rope along?"
    'its better than pushing!"
    Bern
  3.  
    Sat 24 Nov (Morning Sked)

    Lot 41 found a Bermuda Triangle in the Tasman last night. See sat pic attached. Looks like the guys pulled the para anchor in at about midnight and the wind pushed them West.

    SMS to the team this morning "GO EAST!"

    Reply from Lot 41 "IF ONLY THAT WAS THE SONG THE VILLAGE PEOPLE SANG PAT. IT IS A BEAUTIFUL DAY ON THE TASMAN!"



    Did not mention in last nights update that Jonesy spent 45mins fixing the Desal. Minor problem fixed now.
    • CommentAuthorbimini
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2007
     
    Ratwon and Rattoo

    You guys are just plain friggin amazing, you two are a very special breed. You are an inspiration. I don't think most people fully understand just what an epic journey you have undertaken...make history boys.

    Been tracking you night and day since you began and tell all my mates at every opportunity about your quest. Hey when I go the google map to check your position I can see NZ on the right hand side of the map now!!! You are making great headway in just under two weeks.

    Well done to whoever changed the icon on the google map to the lot 41 icon.

    The pod casts are fantastic keep them coming. Your back up crew are doing a great job!! Good to hear the desal is fixed.

    I spent Thursday on Broken Bay fishing got there before dawn and watched the sun rise and every now and then I would look to the east and think of you two buggers +-600ks offshore in that big and vast ocean paddling, paddling, paddling and huddled up braving those big swells at night. I came back in the evening salty and tired and I had yamaha to do all my paddling. Being out on the bay gave me a tiny taste of what it may be like for you two out there. RESPECT and lot of it is about all I can say.

    May your Gods be with you and may your journey be safe and swift, Rats you will do it I know you will ...paddle paddle paddle
    • CommentAuthorRose
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2007
     
    What arrangements have been made to rescue these guys if they need it?
    • CommentAuthormj59r60
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2007
     
    Heh Guys,
    I want to come and join the greeting party to welcome you to New Zealand. Any pointers from the support crew? I'll be coming from California. Fly to Auckland? Time window? Maybe e-mail me back channel.

    You Rats are an inspiration. Thank you.
    michael
    • CommentAuthorredrocket
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2007
     
    paddle on...
    • CommentAuthorjennym
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2007
     
    Hi Justin & James

    Been following your progress since Day 1 often checking the website several times a day. You guys are a fantastic (and for once, an extremely worthy!) distraction from work!
    It's great to hear your voices and read the blogs. Pat, thanks for keeping us all updated.

    Keep up the great work guys, I know you can do it :-)
    • CommentAuthorSchnitzel
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2007 edited
     
    RATS!!!!!

    Congratulations so far. I have been thinking of you both daily and have loved listening to the podcasts and reading the updates (thanks Pat). It really feels like I am living it with you (well to some extent at least). That Bermuda Triangle must have taken you by surprise - who would have thought?

    You have absolutely pushed yourselves to the boundaries and I can't even imagine the mental journey you are experiencing. Your determination and preparation is incredible. And as a wise man keeps saying - you guys are "hard-core" adventurers, and at the risk of sounding cliche, you guys are inspirational (even though that is an understatement).

    Sydney has definately caught the "kayaking fever" - on my way to work the other morning (which is not far) - I saw five cars with kayaks on their roof racks!

    Can’t wait to see you in NZ…

    Paddle on and keep living that dream of yours!

    Love Schnitzel xoxoxoxox
    • CommentAuthorbowenarrow
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2007
     
    great stuff lads. keep knocking on that door.you must be near 160 by now ? i'd like to know if you struck red weed after leaving and how much and how thick it was. can you remember back that far ?
    check you each hour and i'm stoked. ross
    • CommentAuthorShaz33
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2007
     
    Hi
    watching what's going on from NZ, looking forward to you arriving and hoping it's a time I
    can go down and see you come in, can anyone tell me where in Auckland they are coming in.
    Well done you guys are doing so well, keep your spirits high, thats whats going to get you
    through.
    Sharyn
    • CommentAuthorsharnee
    • CommentTimeNov 24th 2007
     
    Hi guys

    Keep on keeping on!

    You are both paddling your way into the history books displaying massive heart and a strength that is only found in a privileged few.
    People around the world are in awe while they watch you achieve your dream of this amazing journey.
    Journey safe and strong our spirit is with you
  4.  
    Sat 24 Nov (Evening Sked)

    Quick chat with the crew. Physical and mental scoresway up there in the 9sand 10s. Why you ask. Lot 41 bumped into a Yacht today on the Tasman. The Yacht camecloseand the boys went bizurk. When the yacht docks in a few days she is going to send back some photos they took. This really pumped the guys up and they are doing another 6 hrs tonight to get across the 160. Big Headwinds early next week followed by upto a 17kt tailwind forecast for Fri next week so the guys have a light at the end of the tunnel.

    The rescue arrangements for for Lot 41 are extensive. We have had close contact with the Rescue Coordination Centres in Australia and New Zealand over the past two years. They could execute a rescue operation right now. Short of that, we have three yacht crews on Standby from SYdney, LordHowe and Auckland ready to sail at Mach 1 direct for Lot 41 if issues arose that prompted a resupply or some kind of assistance.

    The forum will be pleased to see some dynamic analysis from Race Recon posted up tomorrow which I am sure you will allbesuitably impressed by.

    If all goes welland Lot 41 finds Auckland Harbourwe will be posting comprehensive details on the website sometime the week after next. Shortly we will also include a forecast Landing date as part of the daily report
    • CommentAuthorlil9934
    • CommentTimeNov 24th 2007
     
    Please Lord, What can I say to 2 rats,so as they will know my and every body elset he world over ,thinks of the mighty deed they are doing,and dont leave Patrick out of it also , I am very impress with your report with your rescue plans Patrick your tops.God is watching over them Pat ,and your plans will not be needed.
    paddle paddle rats ,I hope those hands you spoke about have healed, paddle paddle dont stop while I talk to you. paddle.
    God bless rats with calm seas and a tail wind
    see you in the morning
    Bern
    • CommentAuthorsmackley
    • CommentTimeNov 24th 2007
     
    So good to get up in the morning and log in to see how you guys are doing. You are amazing! Looking forward to seeing you arrive in our wonderful country.

    Stephen
  5.  
    Sun 25 Nov (Morning Sked)

    Detailed Update at Midday.
    • CommentAuthorNan
    • CommentTimeNov 24th 2007
     
    Rats, you are doing your generation proud, all of us in the office love checking up on you online. you really are an inspiration!

    Who was in the yacht?

    When will we hear from them?

    It must have been incredible to come across them in the middle of "the ditch"

    Paddle on...

    Nan
    • CommentAuthorBlueberry
    • CommentTimeNov 24th 2007
     
    Hello
    Interesting trip and site. Best to both paddlers. Sems to me they have their prep act on just right. Likely 9/10s of their success should be attributed to the careful and thoughtful preparation and the lion share of this should go to all the brains behind the gear. This is not to say in any way that the physical test they are experiencing now is not a huge part of the mix. What I want to convey is in my opinion these two guys have done it right............preparation, preparation, preparation. All successful sea voyages begin and end on the prep factor.

    I am curious to ask about the claim of the longest two man kayak expedition claim though. I thought Aussie Tony Brown and American Eric Stiller have that one in the bag, Sydney to Darwin. Haven't done the math on miles so am likely wrong.
    Keep it up guys!! Eat, hydrate and sleep.
    From Micronesia
  6.  
    Wow what a treat to meet someone out on the Tas....can't wait to hear from Patrick....it is 6:30pm here in Texas USA on Saturday night, so will check again before I hit the hay!!!! Keep it up rats, you are fantastic, can't wait to here that you are in NZ. MS. Tex
    • CommentAuthorphduck
    • CommentTimeNov 24th 2007
     
    Rat a Tat Rat,
    Dear Justin and James, I was in a frenzy, kept logging on yesterday and going to page 6 of the log and no word since Friday night. Just now I went back and discovered the new page, how silly of me, but, the purpose of this is to let you that I can get lost at my desk, so what hope would I have out there or without Patrick for that matter, when it came to giving directions or finding my own way home.
    No wonder that old aboriginal man I referred to in my previous post reassured me "he knew he wasn't lost ".
    So relieved to pick up on yesterdays post and hear that Justin had been able to repair the desal, the haunting rhyme of the Coleridge’s ancient mariner was mentally returning all day to sing 'water water ever where and not a drop to drink.... I pondered you harvesting rain at sea and other ideas of conserving and reusing supplies.
    So all that is good too.
    Further more we are better reassured of your safety by reading of the additional and now well understood and thorough recovery procedures you have so beautifully dovetailed in this expedition. I feel that in your preparation you did that so we would not be concerned should there have been any unforeseen natural disaster. In planning for your own safety I feel reassured for mine.
    Yes your expedition is all so brilliantly imagined, researched, considered, planned, designed, constructed, tested, implemented, executed, learned, communicated, endured and paddled. All brilliantly completed before you entered the water. Basically you completed the journey before you left, this time you are taking us across the divide of our own consciousness whilst you are left free in paddling meditation to see where we might like to go next in our Aquarian rising tide of universal and human consciousness.
    As we now take all this considered preparation into deeper emotional perspectives we are offered a unique opportunity to personally recognise and take a moment to study and feel a rising sense of humility in our beings as we take in the realisation that in you exercising your dream you have created new intensity and self awareness within the hearts of all the contributors to this forum.
    In your symbolic chrysalis, wrapped so safely in your cocoon of Lot 41 you are presenting us all with a unique present, an experiential opportunity of transformational self awareness, yes, to states of higher consciousness.
    Humanity is starving in longing for this internal safety for heart felt community connection, honesty, ethics, and general trust worthiness, decency and courtesy.
    Here, through your expedition we are being given a unique opportunity to come alive "spiritually alive".
    This is the new clear loving energy of the universe in this Age of Aquarius where the desal itself has become an additional symbolic replica for cleansing our waters as you young men lead the world to new heights of pure consciousness.
    As with the man who stilled the water you "paddle across the Tasman ditch" (Tasman means of great faith) see http://www.baby-names-meanings.net/meaning/tasman.html
    Moses also made history a while ago by symbolically leading the Israelites to safety and out of the clutches of Pharaoh when he opened the Red sea of consciousness to safety for his people whilst Pharaoh’s soldiers and tax collectors were swamped. What a timely coincidence!
    You men “Rats of Tasman” are universal God sends in this age of 2007.
    So my guess is that you could probably take any part of 40 days and 40 nights to make this crossing just as you had predicted in your plan.
    Blessings, love and deep appreciation for your gift to us on this full moon morning of November 25 2007. The beginning of a new age as you also symbolically and fearlessly have planned and lead the way to Australia’s future by Crossing the Ditch.
    “If we change the way we look at things the things we look at change” how true this is.
    Phduck and Carol Isabel, ringing in our heart with you. as you float.
    • CommentAuthorNan
    • CommentTimeNov 24th 2007
     
    Incredible what people like you guys do:
    Just read up on Ed Gilettes voyage:
    http://www.canoekayak.com/features/stories/gillet/
    absolutely amazing
    keep it up..
    Nan
  7.  
    DYNAMIC AND LIVE EXPEDITION ANALYSIS

    We have just published our live and dynamic expedition analysis "beta" for those of you out there that just cannot get enough data and information.

    Please find the Expedition Analysis Here.

    Please submit any feedback, comments and suggestions to the discussion group we have started for this purpose.

    Big Thanks to our Head Engineer, Luke, at Race Recon for initiating this project when the team left Forster on top of his already mammoth workload.

    Enjoy!
    • CommentAuthorjules
    • CommentTimeNov 24th 2007
     
    Hi James, Just thought i had better let you know Duncan and I are off to the Grampians on Wednesday. BANG! Dunc has been down at Buffelo since Tuesday but it has rained since he got there. Probably a good thing.. He needs a rest.
    Went to Nick and Jens wedding on Friday night. It was really nice to be there to see them get hitched. We are all following you from your site every day. Its really cool that it is being updated so often so we know how you are going.
    All the best mate.. We will be thinking of you both while we are cringing on Taipan Wall...
    Jules.
  8.  
    Hi Justin & James,

    Thanks to Patrick & Luke for keeping us all right up there with all the info on your epic, the website is quite addictive - well done.
    Great to see some good progress, keep your spirits up and paddle on into history...

    "Paddle away, paddle away,
    Strive and strain and dare,
    But never let your guard down,
    'Til your well and truly there."

    We're with you all the way, take care
  9.  
    Patrick,
    Could you explain to me what the 0' or 52' means in front of the current speed of knots .
    Good on you mate , your'e doing a terrific job of keeping us updated on the trip as it happens.
    Wild Thing.
    • CommentAuthorandyjones
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    Hey J and Cass,

    Nearly to the 160! You guys are putting in an outstanding effort and everyone is extremely proud of you. "One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name" - you two are certainly living up to that. Maintain the rage!! But most of all stay safe and look out for each other. We're all right behind you 110%.
    I'll see you both in NZ. Cya soon bro,

    Oni
  10.  
    Sunday 25 November (Evening Sked)
    Click here for detailed Expedition Analysis.

    Physical: JC7, JJ6 (Physical Condition Score out of 10)
    Mental: JC5, JJ6 (Mental Condition Score out of 10)
    Fatigue Factor: JC3-4, JJ4 (Fatigue Factor, 0 = Empty, 10 = Fully Charged)

    Lot 41: Barnacles starting to form on the hull of Lot 41. Battery power back up to 12.2V on both batteries. Desal for 2hrs today.

    Weather Summary: SW5-10kts, Seas 1-2m. Temp 35-40.

    Activity Summary: 11hrs in the pits today. Very little sleep last night. JC5hrs, JJ3hrs. First day the guys reported that they are were short with each other, doing silly things and getting clumsy. Paddled on 105T for the morning and then 90T in the afternoon

    Concerns: Big Headwind Forecast for Tue/Wed. Team are hoping that if the current is heading NE that by dropping the para anchor they can have another day in the cabin recharging and not loose too much ground.

    Next Waypoints
    35.7/162
    36.0/165

    Forecast
    MON 26 SW-S/10-15; SW/0.5
    TUE 27 SE/15-18’;
    WED 28 SE-E/15-10;
    THU 29 SW/20-25
    FRI 30 S/15-20
    SAT 01 SE-NE/5-10
    SUN 02 NE-NNE/12-16

    Summary
    The team did a big night last night as they were getting frustrated at the lack of progress. The lack of sleep, hot conditions and the general fatigue of being half way between Australia and New Zealand are starting to take there toll. The signs and symptoms they reported today are commensurate with someone who has had very little sleep and is still working hard. The 'clumsy', irrational behaviour that the guys report is a concern if it continues. Many have suggested that this is a potential factor that lead to the disappearance of Andrew McAuley during his attempt to make the crossing solo last year. James and Justin will be keeping a close eye on each other and using good 'double check' practices just as you would on a big climb with your partner.

    It is likely that by the morning the team will have covered 1000km (620miles) or there first 'tonne'.

    Click the picture below for a larger image
    • CommentAuthorniblet
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    Cheer up boys! I'm always thinking of you and I can't wait to hear you again
  11.  
    Dear Justin & James,

    If you want to clean the Barnacles, look out for sharks????????
    Or you may use strong wire hold the ends and drag and slide left to right, maybe it works??
    Big fish are dangerous.

    Take care and keep cool.......
    • CommentAuthorEllice
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    Justin & Cas, I just got off the phone to Dad who is keenly following the website, its his homepage and he checks it all the time and wishes you guys well on your trip. Got some big milestones not far off with almost 1000 k's clocked up and the 160 point almost reached, that must feel pretty damn good! It would get tough out there - but when you start to get frustrated just think at least your not sitting in an office like i am living vicariously though you guys - instead your out there breaking records, and you have the whole of Australia following you (even Leunig!!)
    Keep on paddling and we're with you all the way : )
    And thanks so much Patrick for doing such an amazing job at keeping us all up to date.
    Ellie May
    • CommentAuthorbasil
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    Go for it you guys I hope the tide is coming in when you both come into Manukau harbour. She is a bit fast on the out tide. Also hope the winds are being fear to you. Being alone at sea is got to be a soul searching mission and a trying one at that. Do Andrew Mc Cauley proud. Short term pain long term gain. Have you encountered any great whites out there yet?. I was wondering if you kept the yellow buoy you spotted? You could keep it and nickname it 'Wilson" after Tom Hanks movie castaway. do us a big favor persevere and be stubborn and staunch and don't give in. Go for it guys.
    Da Basman from Hamilton N.Z
    • CommentAuthorlil9934
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    Rats 1&2 my keep you chins up heros paddle paddle I have been asking the good Lord to keep his eye on the two of you, paddle paddle on ,just think, you are just about half way there then its downhill from there Go Rats Go,
    bern
    • CommentAuthorjeff1
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    SOOO close to 160 now! What an heroic job you blokes are doing. There are a few folk from the Bendigo Canoe Club watching your progress, by the way. Problem is my son - 10 - is starting to think about doing something like this when he is a tad older! But the main thing is, you have inspired at least one young paddler to work hard to become a better paddler, knowing that there are adventures to be had on the water, and what greater thing can you do than be an inspiration to others! Keep at it, and know you have many supporters and well wishers.
    Jeff1
    • CommentAuthorjeff1
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    Patrick, I have not been able to find any descriptions of Lot 41 - eg. length, beam, laden and unladen weight, etc. Any chance of finding a few moments to put these on the site somewhere? Many thanks,
    Jeff1
    • CommentAuthorian n
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    Hi James and Justin, and Patrick,
    I am amazed by your efforts and the progress. I can't even imagine what it's really like out there. I have surfed most of my life, been in some big surfs, sailed a small Hobie cat in big seas but have done only a very small amount of kayaking and have never been out past the horizon in any craft. Sometimes I look east from Sydney and even from the top of Longreef, can't see the top of NZ but I imagine that it is somewhere over the horizon; the next suburb beyond Manly. If NZ did not exist, we would get many more big surfs along the east coast of Oz. When east coast lows move out to the east, the wave machine stops sending waves to us when it passes NZ.

    Are you heading for the NW tip of NZ or can't you be that accurate at this stage due to currents, winds and sea conditions?

    The new map showing your cumulative track and daily positions is great to see.

    When you were heading towards Lord Howe Island for a couple of days, it looks like you had that common problem; all booked out for the holidays!!

    Please stay safe. I will be hoping the sea gods are on your side all the way.
  12.  
    Hey guys, to keep the guys motivated tell them about the current news stuff if you can. It will recharge their batteries and give them something to think about for a while.

    Also, you should get the rats to speak to a Radio show via the Sat phone to highten their profile and highten awareness.

    Keep going guys

    No pain, No gain!
    • CommentAuthorjonnyf
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    Jonesy and Cas,
    Its Jonny Feil here. Just wishing you guys the best of luck... it is so good being able to track where you are going and to listen to your reports. looking forward to some serious partying when you get back!!
    • CommentAuthorjonnyf
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    yeh? yeh
    • CommentAuthorTigerBaby
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    Fantastic ! !

    Patrick -- Love the updates and all of the extra information. Good on ya!

    Rat1 and Rat2 -- maybe a little Black Sabbath on the ipod for the head winds. Great adventure, keep up, keep on, keep going.

    You two are a class act!
    • CommentAuthormandy1
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    Good Morning Rats of the Tasman, I remain in awe of your efforts, two hour kayak trips leave me exhausted! I keep a Winston Churchill quote in view at work "If you are going through hell, keep going". I hope some restoring sleep, some tailwinds and good tides come your way soon! Thinking of your endeavour constantly. Mandy
    • CommentAuthorol oiler
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    HI James and Justin,

    After having been treated for cancer I went last Saterday, after having been absent from the water for nearly 4months, for my first 3 hour paddle.
    It was like paddling on only two cylinders instead of on all four. Being buggered after only 3 hours, I thought about you two guys paddling for 12 hours straight and that every day! Years ago I paddled the Murray Marathon in a heavy seakajak and know what it means to sit there and paddle for 10 hours straight.
    After five days of paddling we all got very short tempered and it is general fatigue and lack of proper sleep which eventually catches up with you.

    I can imagine you would need a week's rest to recover from all these sore muscles.
    What stops you two blokes from doing bugger all for a week or so? Go fishing instead!

    No one is telling you to push on! Let the lady drift as you more or less float in the right direction anyway! If you ignore your body , which might be screaming for rest, then sooner or later you will pay a heavy price!

    James and Justin, you both are the engineroom of your ship. If the engineroom breaks down, then the ship will be very quiet and she start drifting indefinitely
    (I worked in enginerooms and a complete breakdown results in a very eerie silence, especially when you two thousand miles from land).

    Take it easy and enjoy yourselves !

    Ol Oiler
    • CommentAuthorEllice
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    CONGRATULATIONS ON HITTING THE 160 MARK RATTIES!
    • CommentAuthorBiff
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    Hi Rats.

    How good are the two of you?

    I keep telling everyone I speak to about your expedition. What you guys are acheiving is truly remarkable. Each day I look forward to reviewing the forum, Patrick's comments and the maps showing your progress. All this information provides us with a glimpse of what you are experiencing, which must be totally amazing.

    You guys are doing so well! Stay strong!
    • CommentAuthorlisao
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    Hey Boys.

    How you doing? Its Lisa (from Ryans Bar), and Lee (333). We've been constantly logging onto your site to find the latest updates and are so amazed by how much you've achieved. Bet you must have cabin fever real bad, im sure any games of 'i spy' is real old by now with nothing new to see. Hopefully only another fornight or so till your back on land and we'll have to have some celebration drinks when you get back to Syd. All the best

    xoxo
    • CommentAuthorSheesh
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    Hey rats, if those headwinds start getting you down just imagine if you made it all the way to NZ with no problems at all: just 10 easy hours of paddling a day, plenty of sleep, lovely weather, benevolent currents. When you got to Auckland you would say, "Well, we made it, meh".
    • CommentAuthorSkye
    • CommentTimeNov 25th 2007
     
    Hey guys, just dropping in to say hello and to cheer you on again! We were listening to your podcasts with a group of mates over the weekend and they were all amazed. I hope you're feeling better this afternoon and that you've made some progress today that is putting you in good spirits.
    xx