: Hi Edith,

: I'm neither very experienced as a builder nor traveler...if the sail option
: interests you, you can get plans for both S&G kayaks and a sail rig from
: www.clc.boats.com . Don't know if decent plywood is available in OZ, but
: this might be one way to go ... if heavily loaded, a Chesapeake 16 or 17
: (full size, not the LT line) might be appropriate. Making the sail rig for
: my Ches. 17 is my current project.

: Lots of books in the U.S. for making kayaks, including some of the CLC boats
: (S&G), and Nick's book for strippers. The link for Nick's book is located
: on this website. The author of one S&G book (the New Kayak Shop)is Chris
: Kulczyniki (probably messed up the spelling)...both (and others) are
: available from Amazon.com.

: Good luck!

To John B, David White, Craig, Ross, James, Ronnie, Robert and Reg, I thank you all for your words of wisdom, but more importantly the "Pure Encouragement ". Collectively you asked a lot of questions that I'm fearfull of answering lest I'm assailed with a million reasons why I should not be doing this, anyhow here goes.

I am wait for it! 71 years of age, never paddled before, my thing has always been light aircraft, a number of which I"ve built and flown, as a result I'm no stranger to meticulous construction projects, likewise my sport has aquainted me with lone travel and the demons that can nibble at one's resolve when we make that total committment.

I can no longer fly as a result of deficient hearing, but this problem has no major disadvantages as I see it in kayaking, as to the inherent dangers that exist, well I never figured on dying in bed. As to my stamina, I play at least 4 eighteen hole of golf each week and frequently do thirty six if I can find a partner, this without an electric golf cart I might add.

I am a firm believer in the "use it or lose it " addage, I am satisfied that I have the mental faculties and physical capability to undertake this challenge, I have to do this thing!!, the alternative doesn't bear thinking about and to moderate it would be a comprimise I just cant make. After all an aged Sir Francis Chichester sailed a circum navigation single handed and suffering cancer.

Thanks again for all your thoughts. Edith W.