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I bought one, stupidly. The young bloke directed me to it because it answered my concern about chafed armpits and other discomfort when paddling a kayak.

Then I bought all the terrific benefits unique to this lifejacket – benefits out of the water.

Then I’m at the lake learning more about it as I look over how it’s made. You have to know where the pull-tab is, pull it correctly, and if it doesn’t inflate or not hard enough you have to blow it up using the tube in your mouth.

I looked everywhere and couldn’t find the tube. Then I did, hidden away, after I opened it up.

Has there ever been anything so idiotic?

You can’t: get confused or mistake your way around this, as you struggle to breathe. You can’t bang your head. You can’t be upside down or turned around in the water. You can’t be rushed or have anything else to do, like disentangle from something under water.

Idiots. Absolute Idiots, the designers.

If I’m found drowned and have my stupid, stupid vest on, please tell them I was underwater and I tried.

7 35 AM. Strange dreams again. But loved the fresh air and country. Highway was busier than expected. Only the one other overnighter, but vehicles pulled in during the night.

Looking forward to maybe getting on the lake today. We’ll see. If prices are low I’ll get a legally required lifejacket on credit.

Anyway, the skies are clear, it’s cool and fresh.

Showered at Queanbeyan and then the purchasing nonsense began, or continued.

One of the Pests of Waldren’s Swamp is down. Must’ve arrived after dark, possibly after I watched the beloved Matildas.

Saw him this morning. Only one, so he’s quiet. But if his brother and or friends come down he along with them are guaranteed to disturb.

It’s 9.30 AM now and I’ve had breakfast Bacon and MHs eggs.

A shower at the pool, to the Bay to pick up the cheapo blowup kayak, then what? Might continue on and up.

12.25 PM

Believe it or not that’s my new inflatable kayak. Cheapo.

And the carpark I’m leaving Batemans Bay from. Up the mountain we go. I’m dead tired, so must take it easy and remember to stay focused.

Shit it’s hot. Muggy too. Keen to change the scenery.

2.40 PM

At Brooks Hill. Surprised to see a motorhome set up, awning and table out, as though by a lake or a view. Looking straight at a water tank. But so far no generator.

Awake since 3.30 AM and struggling for energy. Hoped this might help. Seconds ago.

6.30 PM

Terrible day within myself. Not really here in the world and the bit that is didn’t feel worthy. Very unsettled.

I paid for an inflatable kayak. Half price and cheap and probably won’t last. I didn’t feel worthy of picking it up. I will use it though. Been wanting one for a long time, to get on the water.

At Waldrens again. No idea what is in store. Have a sty feeling my right eye.

I hope ai sleep better tonight. Been waking up a lot lately, in a sweat, wet shirt.

Did some internet tasks here from 2.15. Good to get done.