Finishing the expedition kayak, paddling and photo considerations

The expedition kayak is almost done. I have spent a lot of my sparetime lately on all the little rigging details that has to be well thought through. It all has to be very general purpose, yet specialized enough to satisfy my very specific needs. I think I'm getting there.

Back a week ago. I was invited to Northern Norway to give a presentation about paddling. Preparing this, I went though some hundreds of photos. Among them, many great photos from the 2011 round-Norway expedition. The talk went really well. It was a very good audience and I got some really good feedback. On Saturday morning I took my friend's kayak out for a little paddle. Just a little spin around the nearest island from the cabin where we stayed - a total of 9 kilometers. First I thought the morning rather dull, until I rounded the corner of the nearest island. A flock of perhaps 10 huge grey seals were taking a nap on a near-flooded rock. Lots of action when I came along! On the next little rock, I saw the perhaps biggest otter I've ever seen. Above me 2 eagles... And rounding the next corner, another huge otter swimming in the sea just in front of my kayak. Almost back at the cabin I thought I would test the fishing rod and caught 2 nice coalfish in two throws. I truly felt blessed.

Back home the conditions are somewhat less spectacular, yet beautiful in their own way. It's getting a lot colder, and ice is forming around the local waters. The light is vanishing, and my afternoon paddling often ends up dark and cold. I'm testing out my new expedition kayak. It seems very promising. One evening last week there was some wind waves on the big lake. I paddled out to catch some small surf, and surfed quite a distance in high speed. My typical trip is around 10 km. wich I do alone or with Jannie. Sometimes fast for exercise, sometimes touring speed. 3-4 times a week. This week my log said 38 km. paddled. A lot to me, but still not even one average day's paddling on next summer's great adventure.

Jannie took this picture of me today with her phone. I had originally planned on just bringing one small camera on next years long journey. Going through all my photos last week made me think twice. Back in 2011 I used a really easy and very functional system for bringing along a real SLR camera. You can see it in the picture: The zippered waterproof camerabag is behind me. The camera is wrapped in a small towel. When I grap the camera, my hands get dry and I can operate the camera and put it back really fast. I'm not and advanced photographer, but I like to look into the viewfinder when I take a photo. And the bigger more pro cameras do produce better pictures. Below is two pictures I took with this Canon full-frame and my 24-105 zoom lens.

Only problem really is the space and weight the bigger camera occupies. So tips on smaller cameras are most welcome. However, another big consideration of mine is on this journey NOT to go out and buy a lot of stuff. So tips on where you could possibly borrow or rent a smaller and equally functional camera would also be much appreciated. Lately my biggest concers are centered around clothing for the expedition. The temperature in the air when I paddle now is around 5-8 degrees and the temperature in the water is around 7. It will probably be a bit warmer in The Northernmost Norway in the summer, but you can get temeratures this cold for sure. So now I'm building up my courage to do some rescue exercises and test out my paddling clothing very soon.