Andrew McCauley

Search
Go

Discussion Topic

Return to Forum List
This thread has been locked
Messages 1 - 4 of total 4 in this topic
BeanJack

Mountain climber
Oregon
Topic Author's Original Post - Sep 18, 2008 - 09:58pm PT
Not climbing related but definitely adventurer related and he was a serious climber and mountaineer so let's talk about this.

Sad story but selfish?

Any thoughts?
slobmonster

Trad climber
berkeley, ca
Sep 18, 2008 - 10:40pm PT
maybe you could provide a link?
BeanJack

Mountain climber
Oregon
Topic Author's Reply - Sep 18, 2008 - 10:46pm PT


Email
Print
Normal font
Large font

Andrew McCauley
Latest related coverage
The last goodbye: kayaker's final self-portrait
Audio: Listen to McAuley's last tape
Other related coverage
'I really could die' - missing kayaker's last words
Family salutes late kayaker's spirit
Disbelief over loss of kayak man who had done it all
Don't give up on kayaker yet: survivor
AdvertisementAdvertisement
David Braithwaite
February 27, 2007
In the wind and wet, Andrew McAuley's family and friends stood silently as he told them a final tale about the most "full-on" adventure he'd ever had.

A tape recovered from McAuley's kayak after it was found floating empty in the Tasman Sea earlier this month was played at his memorial service in Sydney today.

In it, McAuley wonders if he's "bitten off more than I can chew", after capsizing in 30 knot winds and huge swells and bailing 100 litres of water from his kayak.

His wife, Vicki, told about 500 mourners at the open-air service overlooking the ocean off Sydney's South Head that some people might find the recording upsetting.

"But to me it demonstrates the real essence of you, it demonstrates what a truly amazing man you are," she said.

The McAuley's three-year-old son, Finlay, sat up on his mum's lap as his adventurer father joked and sang while reflecting on the hardships of his ill-fated voyage.

The recording was believed to have been made in the final days of the 39-year-old's bid to become the first person to kayak from Australia to New Zealand.

"I've learned the meaning of the word 'extreme', this really is extreme," he said.

"It's full-on man, it's f*#kin' full-on. It's an excellent adventure - provided I make it.

"It's something that's really out there - it's more full-on than anything that I ever imagined.

"It's just wild, but it's a true, true stunning adventure.

"I just hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew."

McAuley went on to say he hoped he would reach New Zealand "really soon".

"Right now I just want it to be over, to be truthfully honest." he said.

"When it's all over I'll look back and I'll be stoked, I'l be stoked, stoked, stoked that I did it.

"I'm looking forward to finishing because it's hard, it's hard going, but it's kinda fun at the same time.

"I was quoted in an article the other day as an 'extreme kayaker'... I guess this makes me extreme, if liking this stuff makes me extreme, maybe I am.

"I just like it, it's, I dunno, better than liking soap operas or something."

McAuley was within 65 kilometres of Milford Sound on the South Island of New Zealand when he is believed to have drowned after his kayak capsized while he was asleep on February 9.

His body has not been found.

During today's service, McAuley's father, Peter, brother Michael, sister Juliet and members of the sea kayaking and mountaineering communities recalled a man who lived for adventure.

A kayak wreathed with native flowers sat by the speakers' podium, while mourners were handed a branch of flowering South Australian bottle-brush to hold as they said farewell.

Vicki McAuley said the setting of the service had special meaning.

"I chose this lighthouse for you today not only because it looks over the Tasman but because it symbolises what you've always been, and what you continue to be for me, my beacon of light," she said.

"I also chose it for its historical significance, it is Australia's first lighthouse and you, my very brave man have just achieved an historical first, paddling a kayak across the Tasman.

"You'll go down in history too Ant, and will always be remembered."

with AAP

NKS





Lynne Leichtfuss

Social climber
valley center, ca
Sep 18, 2008 - 11:02pm PT
RIP Andrew McCauley. You were one serious Dude trying as only a few do, to push the limits of life, endurance and vision. Sometimes it happens and sometimes not. You leave behind ones that love you and mourn you. May your vision of pushing the boundaries of life encourage and comfort them.

Life holds few visionaries. Today, more so than ever. God bless you for your efforts. May your family understand the love of life and drive to discover that led you on.

Understanding grief and loss, God please comfort this extended family and help them process this time in their life.

My sincere love and condolances ...Lynne Leichtfuss
Messages 1 - 4 of total 4 in this topic
Return to Forum List
 
Our Guidebooks
spacerCheck 'em out!
SuperTopo Guidebooks

guidebook icon
Try a free sample topo!

 
SuperTopo on the Web

Recent Route Beta