These images were retrieved from Andrew's kayak: Andrew's last position — 35NM from land, within sight of the mountainous coast   In the text area below you can click the thumbnails to see full-size photos     Andrew McAuley in his Trans-Tasman kayak.   More Weather                                                                  Jan 09, 2007 Sea kayakers and sailors spend a lot of time talking about the weather. The wind, waves and sea state have an enormous influence on progress at sea. Each day during this expedition, Jonathan Bogais will be sending me his analysis of the weather outlook for my position. I'll be providing local weather observations in return. Local observations of cloud formations, wind and surface pressure are all valuable tools that can allow accurate forecasting of local conditions. I'm also using a satellite tracking system kindly provided by Fastwave Communications, that will send regular updates to my ground support crew of my precise position.                                                                                                           Its looking like there may be a break in the weather later this week... we're keeping a close eye on it!   Altocumulus cloud off the NSW coast   Whether the Weather...                                                 Jan 06, 2007 Cyclone Isobel, the first of the WA tropical cyclone season, has now deteriorated into a low pressure system and moved south, making its way across the Great Australian Bight towards Tasmania. I think we'll let this one slip through before venturing out into the Tasman Sea! This system is forecast to bring some much-needed rain to Victoria and Tasmania. As the forecast chart on the right shows, it will also bring some strong winds to the southern Tasman Sea in another day or two.  The summer weather patterns we're having at the moment deserve a lot of respect. There's been plenty of easterly headwinds recently, so I'm still on weather hold, waiting for the right moment to make the dash towards the land of the Long White Cloud - New Zealand!   Thoughts of Others                                                         Dec 11, 2006  Thoughts from pioneering Tasmanian sea kayaker Laurie Ford on my recent attempt to cross the Tasman are here. Derrick at KayakQuixotica has also penned some thoughts, with amazing insight into what goes on in someone's head when they are faced with turning back during a big trip.   Low Pressure!                                                                 Nov 29, 2006  We're waiting for the weather now before I launch off on the mammoth paddle across the Tasman. There is the MOTHER of all low pressure systems about to march through the Great Australian Bight and towards the Tasman. I wouldn't send my worst enemy out  in  that one so we'll let it pass through and I'll head off on the back of it. The plan is that this will give me a nice push off the coast in winds that are abating rather than strengthening. At the time of writing the forecast chart shows a nice big high moving through after the low, with westerly winds forecast. Nice!    Departure formalities with the relevant authorities were completed here on Monday. This meant that we missed the recent weather window and hence the wait for the next one. Sometimes these things turn out for the best though, so here's hoping the next run of weather sees a clear run across the Tasman.                                                                                      Thanks again to all the well-wishers out there. A whole bunch of people have come out of the woodwork to wish me good luck and godspeed. I really do appreciate each and every one... so, thanks again, you've all been awesome!!!     Tassie                                                                             Nov 26, 2006
Here in Tasmania we've been hanging out with some friends for a couple of days while completing  departure formalities with the authorities. This process has taken a little longer than anticipated, but it's actually been great to have a little breathing space. Every expedition seems to be a mad rush before leaving, and this one has been no different. In amongst it all there's been a surprising amount of interest from the public. The good folk at the Sydney Morning Herald cobbled together a    multimedia piece that you can view here.
	Kayak testing with Tasmanian SAR staff (photo at left - Andrew is on the left) was enjoyable and an eye-opener for both parties. They are great guys down here and have been a tremendous help. You'll notice that the cockpit cover has had a facelift and has a personality of its own now!

Countdown                                                                       Nov 21, 2006

Only a few more days now and I'll be alone in the blue... poking my way across the Tasman sea as fast as conditions allow. It's a mighty big project and one that I treat with an enormous amount of respect. Here's hoping for fine weather and fair winds.
I was really touched by the card sent to me by Tom, our five year old neighbour, a couple of days ago. I'm assured that he wasn't put up to it by his mum, either!! Tom's card (at right), wishing me well for the long journey across the Tasman, was a wonderful gesture that I will treasure. Many other friends and well-wishers have also been in touch. Thanks all!                                                                                 The weather outlook is quite good for the southern Tasman at the moment, but we'll be reviewing the situation regularly before setting off. I am very fortunate to have the skills and expertise of Jonathan Bogais to assist with the weather forecasting and analysis. Jonathan is a highly skilled yachtsman with a passion for all things meteorological, and his advice is invaluable.

Testing, testing...                                                            Nov 20, 2006