19 days until departure - Final preparations continue

Producer in the Bay For 7 days my documentary producer - Katie Mustard joined me here in Alert Bay to help establish the filming side of the expedition. -Video footage was recorded, interviews were taken, press releases were distributed, a film proposal was created, new camcorders (HDR-CX500) were tested and much much more. Please go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4t4mzGLsKY to view some of the uncut, unedited video clips we have recently recorded. Last evening Jan 3rd, local Vancouver Island news station - Chek TV aired a piece on my up and coming South Georgia Expedition, including some older clips from my Van Isle and Haidi Gwaii solo sea kayaking journeys. They did a nice job and I got lots of Airtime! Click on http://www.chtv.com/ch/cheknews/video/index.html and go to January 3rd news clip. My segment is about half way through. Countdown to departure Jan 4th I am currently working on vacume packing my homemade granola, testing my drogue in our prevailing 20 knot SE wind and learning how to operate my new watch, amongst other things.

Stay tuned for daily updates

Photo by Robin Quirk, Alert Bay Happy New Year!

Jan 5th - 18 days to go

Testing Gear

Sorry folks, I did not realise my Youtube video was saved as private, I just changed it to public so hopefully you can now access the clips.

Today Jan 5th I am working on:

- Checking and testing Solar Panel charging system - Happy to have clear skies and sunshine here in Alert Bay.

- Testing my Kayak mounted camera system, making sure I have it placed where a good frame is established both from bow and stern.

- Googling Worldwide Bird Conservation Organizations and preparing to send each of them a press release.

- I just recorded a new audio broadcast and by this afternoon you will be able to hear it from this blog site (another systems check).

- Finally packing all remaining food with a plan tomorrow to load my kayak with all the gear I intend to take and see if it actually fits. Stand by for that result - fingers crossed.

Photo by Jared Towers, Alert Bay

Jan 7th - 15 days to go

Storm force winds approaching Northern Vancouver Island January 7th Today has been an indoor day: -Putting together my First Aid and Repair kits. -Packing all gear in drybags ready for loading my Necky IV kayak tomorrow -I finally had success downloading all video footage onto my external hardrives using my wee EeePC as a portal. -And now with my new watch sussed, I can watch the barometer plummet as this storm approaches over the weekend. I had a doctors visit today, wanting to get all checked out after recovering slowly from having the H1N1 bug. -Bloodtests came out normal - Yahoo! -Chest is clear - Nice one -Coughing somewhat subsided Yay! and....... -Found out that the medicine which I was prescribed on my last visit (which cost $140.00) gave me a throat infection, which is now on the mend - Weird.

And so it continues

Photo by Robin Quirk, Alert Bay

Jan 10th - 12 Days to Go!

Surfs Up Yep! Never thought I'd score surf in the Inside Passage right below the main street of Alert Bay. A Gale from the SE and a flooding current steepened the seas rather nicely. And so out I popped in my Necky 'Jive' river boat and played a little. All in an afternoon of 'serious stuff' training. -My rainy sunday was spent putting co-ordinates into my GPS of all intended camp sites, back-up landing sites and Capes and Points to pass. (Didn't get on the water today so an hour of rowing at the gym was squeezed in) -Handy Dean came up with a fabulously secure way of mounting my compass. -Found out my Sony CX500 camcorder allows me only 3 seconds of slow motion filming and it has no time lapse feature - bummer! -Back in Victoria, Gerald whose planning my going away shin-dig informed me that 30 dear friends have RSVP.....now why does the thought of my going away party give me a churney tummy?

Yep, it is drawing nearer to departure time and I was thankful with todays task (chart Plotting). It brings me back to the reality of the actual expedition. The chart work, finding a safe and protected landing site, soaking in the joys and beauties of being in such a gorgeously beautiful place - the expedition itself.

One can get too bogged down with 'Things to do' lists, one can forget why one is indulging in such an expedition.

Photo by Brandon Harvey

Jan 13th - 9 days to go

Kids and Kayaking
It's been a world wind of activity over the past few days:
-I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit the two schools here in Alert Bay and share my adventure with the local kids. I had a life-sized Wandering Albatross to display the 12 ft wingspan, a heavy 1 week food bag showing my freeze-dried provisions, and I even wore my Kokatat kayaking attire throughout the entire presentation. I hope I experience warmth like that in South Georgia :)
-Yesterday I loaded my kayak with all the gear I intend to take and guess what?
It all fits! (Phew) A tight fit but a fit which is what matters. It was actually quite nice to paddle a loaded boat and experience the extra stability the weight offered, and my waterline could still be seen, another important discovery.
-The co-ordinates for my intended campsites, emergency landing sites, Capes and Points I have to round were put into my GPS.
and finally.....
-My new MSR Fury tent now stands beautifully in my backyard with all lines attached. It's been raining ever since so it is definitely getting waterproof tested.
-Tomorrow I intend to spend about 7 hours in my kayak, getting a few errands done in near by Port McNeil and to see how my seat feels after that length of time, or should I say bum.

Thanks for your interest. I'll keep keeping ya posted. Cheerio, Hayley

Jan 17th - 5 days until departure

My Final Weekend in Alert Bay What a treat to have glorious winter sun for my final weekend in Alert Bay. It made things slightly warmer than expected even when upside down (rolling practice once again) in the somewhat frigid waters of Northern Vancouver Island. -I spent Saturday morning with the Young Naturalist club who ventured from all corners of the North Island to partake in a presentation about my up coming adventure and to learn about the Albatross and the what is happening to the world populations. What a keen, interested and caring group of kids whom had so many wonderful questions and fantastic ideas as to how they can help save the Albatross. -I am very grateful for the donations that have recently arrived. I am thankful to be able to add: $1500, $50, $50, $40, $100, $25 and $50 to the total donations so far which is - $8984.10 I sincerely appreciate your encouragement, support and interest. -I was back upside down in my sea kayak, however this time it was fully loaded with all the gear I intend to take, as well as the gadgets that will be placed on kayak deck. We caught some of this training on film and soon will have a clip for you to take a peek at on Youtube - stand by for that. -Finally, it's been a while since I've had to cook for myself. My dear friends here in Alert Bay have organized dinner parties and evening get-to-gethers as an opportunity to say 'bon voyage', 'safe travels and paddles' etc. It's been a pleasure to enjoy an evening meal surrounded by good people who have supported me from the get-go! There is a part of me that is eager to get going and begin this big adventure and along with that is the natural feeling of apprehension. I can definitely say that it finally feels like it is real, it is really happening! I am leaving for South America. I will be boarding a 54ft sailboat and sailing to South Georgia in what could be huge, treachorous seas. And I am about to Kayak Alone around South Georgia Island! Ahhh, I literally get goosebumps when I say that out-loud. Here is my calender of events: Jan 20th Wednesday 17:55 - I depart Alert Bay by ferry then drive down to Victoria Jan 21st Thursday day - Shopping for final items Thursday evening - BBQ send off at my dear friend Geralds house Jan 22nd Friday 1200 - Beth-Anne and I depart for South America Jan 23rd Saturday - Arrive Buenos Aries and spend one night Jan 24th Sunday - Arrive Ushuaia and head down to the Northanger to meet the owners and crew of my support vessel Jan 25th - 28th - Prepare Northanger and continue training and prepping of gear (putting my tent up in horrendous winds). Jan 28th - Depart Ushuaia Bound for South Georgia Feb 6/7th - Arrive South Georgia, clear customs, go through safety and environmental protocols while expeditioning around South Georgia. Feb 7/8th - Begin my kayak circumnavigation of South Georgia Island! Wahoo!

AUDIO BROADCAST from ALERT BAY

Gabcast! HAYLEYS AUDIO BLOGS - AUDIO BROADCAST from ALERT BAY B.C.

Training Training and More Training

After a month kayaking for Strait Watch and paddling up to 7 hours a day in search of other kayakers to educate and inform them about the 'Be Whale Wise' guidelines it looks as though my South Georgia Expedition training is well under way.

http://www.straitwatch.org/

Over the next two weeks I thought I'd change my training up abit therefore have taken advantage of an invite by the Annenberg Foundation to join them on a rafting drip down the Grand Canyon September 18th - 28th. The goal behind this adventure is to bring together some of the worlds leading thinkers on the looming world water crisis and specifically engage the Native American community within the Grand Canyon. This journey will be filmed.

http://www.annenbergfoundation.org/ and http://www.explore.org/

Other than that I am gradually piecing together the final gear I require for South Georgia. I am currently researching to purchase a High Definition Video camera that can withstand the cold, have substanial long battery life and is small enough to mount on the bow and stern of my kayak in a waterproof casing. Any ideas?

Stand by for further updates as the departure date draws near....January 22nd 2010.

Don't forget there are T Shirts for sale.

South Georgia Expedition departure Jan 22nd, 2010

Two Months To Go!

Update:

1. Departure from Victoria B.C January 22nd, 2010

2. Beth-Anne Masselink (Kayak guide, instructor extraordinaire and lovely lady) is joining the Northanger support team.

3. Katie Mustard http://www.katiemustard.com/ is a Filmaker,photographer and writer and has agreed to co-produce the documentary film post Sth G expedition.

4.While guiding in Churchill, Manitoba I was thankful and relieved to find a row machine was added to the gym facilities. I have now rowed to the equivilent of going around South Georgia twice over the past 5 weeks!

I am now home, the ocean 20 steps away and my kayak beneath my bum :)

5. Funds still to raise - $16, 831 CAN

If you would like to make a donation Please visit http://www.kayakingtosavealbatross.com/ and look for the 'Donate' button. Thank you for your kindness, your support and interest.

6. I have T shirts for Sale - $20.00 and funds go directly to the 'Save the Albatross South Georgia' Expedition. Email me at oceanmaid1@yahoo.com and place an order for your friends and family.

7. A calender countdown will be posted soon, so you can keep tabs on my final plans and progress leading up to time of departure.

Enjoy, be safe, have fun and live widely

Hayls

"For all at last returns to the sea - to Oceanus, the ocean river, like the overflowing stream of time, the beginning and the end". Rachel Carson

SOUTH GEORGIA CONFIRMED

To ensure the South Georgia Expedition takes place, I have recently secured a bank loan to go towards the cost for the Mandatory support vessel required by British Law, just in case I am not successful in gaining sufficient sponsorship.

The South Georgia 'Kayaking to Save the Albatross' Expedition is happening this coming January!

The job I have right now is perfect. I spend up to 7 hours a day kayaking many miles of our gorgeous BC coastline, talking to paddlers along the way. My job is to monitor kayak movements around the resident killer whales who spend the summer months feasting on salmon which are migrating up rivers where they were born a number of years ago. I offer interpretive talks about the whales and the region aswell I educate people on the best way to view the killer whales without interfering with their daily routine and lives. I am based in Alert Bay which is where I live, rather unique and refreshing actually working from my home. I will continue to update my blog, keeping you posted as the South Georgia Expedition departure draws near. It's all training and preparing from here! Cheers and thanks for your interest Hayley

South Georgia Expedition Countdown

The COUNTDOWN is ON! - Departure January 12th 2010.

Funds to Raise $39,081 - (For Mandatory Support Vessel)

How You Can Help -Visit Hayley’s website and donate directly online using Paypal http://www.kayakingtosavealbatross.com/donate.asp -Or you can donate directly to help fund Hayley’s expedition by mail: *No amount is too small!* Kayaking to Save the Albatross PO Box 491 Alert Bay BC V0N 1A0 -Become a sponsor! You or your organization can become a sponsor for Hayley’s South Georgia Expedition. All sponsors will receive recognition on my blog or website and help cover the cost of chartering the mandatory support vessel required by British law. -Charitable Tax Receipts available by donating to the Wild Places Fund (Registered Charity # 125184655RR0001) and receive a charitable tax receipt. 100% of this money goes to fund Hayley Shephard’s 'Kayaking to Save Albatross' Expedition. Send your donations by mail: Wild Places Fund “Kayaking to Save the Albatross” 443679 Concession 8, RR#1 Markdale, ON N0C 1H0 Get involved. Plan a fundraiser. Follow my blog for regular updates. Book a speaking engagement. Tell your friends. Help me spread the word. BUY a T SHIRT

mailto:Emailoceanmaidventures@yahoo.ca for details on how to purchase a 'Kayaking to Save the Albatross' South Georgia Expedition T Shirt.

Last Alert Bay Broadcast

Gabcast! HAYLEYS AUDIO BLOGS #8 - LAST AUDIOBLOG FROM ALERT BAY!

Hayley will be leaving Alert Bay Wednesday evening and will be spending a day in Victoria. Then its off to Argentina!