Back on land

Last day on the water

Final Report & Shalom

Back in Stykkisholmur, first and last point. Stieni (sea kayak Iceland) and Hadas (Terra Santa) paddled with me today the last section of my journey. I received a very warm welcome from all over. The media here are very interested and lots of people congratulated me. I received many emails. Thanks all of you! I´m “digesting” now what has happened in the last 53 days! I´m proud and happy of what I managed to achieve the goal and challenge that I set for myself. I plan to stay in Iceland for a week or two and travel inland. I would like to thank all the people that helped and supported me making this an extraordinary journey: Nigel Dennis, for the top quality and see worthy Explorer kayak Lendal paddles, for the kinetic touring paddle and the small kinetic touring paddle. Omer, Saggi and Hadas from Terra Santa, for sponsoring flight and lots of moral support along the way. Karel, the master weather man. Terra Santa club members, for the satellite phone. Alen, for the VHF. Steini - Sea Kayak Iceland, for all the logistics in Iceland. Sportbud, for storage of equipment in Iceland. Haldor in Isafjordur, Ari from Neskupstuder and the kayak club in Reykjavik for their amazing hospitality. And to all my friends following the journey blog. This expedition will fill my energies and memories for very long time. From here, in Stykisholmur, SHALOM

Rotem Arrival - Real time picture from the webcam

30\7 - ROTEM MADE IT !!!

29\7 - 8 NM TO GO …

STOPED TODAY 8NM BEFORE END POINT, LET PEOPLE JOIN ME TOMORROW TO END POINT STYKKISHOLMUR.

28\7 - 10.4 knot speed !

AROUND SNEFELLSJOKULL. THE DAY STARTED WITH BIG DUMPING WAVE THAT WASHED ME ALMOST TO WHERE MY TENT WAS. SECOND ATTEMPT WAS PERFECT. CONTINUE WITH 5BFT WIND, FORTUNATELY IN MY BACK.HAD GOOD SURF AND BROKE MY MAX SPEED 10.4KNOT. AND AROUND THE CORNER,2 ORCAS 20M FROM ME. ALL TRUE!

27\7 - Whales

CROSSED 1000NM, AFTER PADDLING 42NM TODAY. CAUSE OF BIG SWELL, COULD NOT LAND WHERE I PLANED SO PADDLE BACK 3NM AND SURF DOWN ON BLACK SAND SHORE. PADDLE AGAIN MANY HOURS WITH WHALES. FANTASTIC!

Rotem is escorted to Reykjavik

Some Photos From Rotem

25\7 - The many faces of Israel in the media: while Israel defense there northern border the Israeli kayaker rotem is front page news in Iceland

24\7 - Reykjavik

Paddle yesterday from Keflavik to Reykjavik. I stopped at Grotta light house and waited to Reykjavik´s kayakers to join me and paddle together to there club. The media (TV,news paper) were there. It felt strange to be in the center; many people asking questions and taking photos of me. We paddled about 5nm together and it was wonderful; talking during paddling. I forgot how much fun It can be. In the club, more people came, and they prepare vegetarian bbq: many fresh fruits. mmm… I love it. Steini (sea kayaking Iceland) took me to his mother´s place, had long warm shower, but more important, I have got very warm hospitality. Thank you so much, wonderful people, for letting me feel very welcome. I will continue paddling on Wednesday. bye, Rotem

23\7 - Keflavik

VERY NICE LAST 2 DAYS, LONG CLIFF WITH LOTS OF PUFFINS,GUILLEMOTS, RAZORBILLS, SEALS AND 3 DOLPHINS JUMPED IN FRONT OF MY KAYAK. NOW IN KEFLAVIK, TOMORROW ILL MEET SOME PADDLERS NEAR REYKJAVIK AND WE WILL PADDLE TOGETHER TO THEIR CLUB.

22\7 - ROTEM ARRIVED TO GRINDAVIK

21\7 - Porlakshofn

AT PORLAKSHOFN. THE END OF THE BLACK SAND. HAD NICE DAY, CLEAR SKY, SUN AND LIGHT WIND.

20\7 - Not a good day

NOT A GOOD DAY! STARTED PADDLING WITH 4BFT HEAD WIND,AND STOPPED AFTER 4NM. 1H LATER, WIND DROPPED DOWN, SO CONTINUE BUT FOR ANOTHER 4NM ONLY THE WIND PICKED UP AGAIN. 15MIN AFTER I STOPPED THE 2ND TIME, WIND CHANGED TO MY DIRECTION! IM SO TIERED NOW, I CANT CONTINUE. CONCLUSION? IF YOU REST ON THE BEACH, DO IT WITHOUT “ISUREY MAZPUN

19\7 - WONDERFUL WEATHER

HAD WONDERFUL DAY YESTERDAY. HILDOR SHOWED US THE AREA,AND WE WALKED ON MYRDAL GLACIER. TODAY LEFT BEAUTIFUL VIK AND CONTINUE NW.

18\7 - Fresh Vegetables and Fruits

Had huge surprise , Hadas came with Hildor to visit me in Vik. They brought me fresh vegetables and fruits, mmm… today we will travel around , I am happy and looking forward see a bit of the highland.

17\7 - Vik Finaly

AT VIK FINALY. HAD GREAT WEATHER, 3BFT SE. AT THE SAME TIME I PADDELD YESTERDAY 12NM, TODAY I DID 30NM! BIG BREAK AT THE END, WENT WELL.

16\6 - PADDLED TODAY!!

PADDLE ONLY 16 NM WITH HEAD WINDS 4 - 6 BFT , BIG SURF IN THE MORNING LOWER IN THE AFTERNOON. LESS WIND NOW AND THE SUN IS OUT , I CAN SIT OUTSIDE MY TENT AND ENJOY THE PEACEFUL

15\7 - SHELTER

SW 5 TO 6BFT LESS RAIN, BETTER MOOD. HOPF TO PAD TOMMOROW.

14\7 - BAD WEATHER

BAD WEATHER, WIND RAIN FOG. SHELTER FELL 45 DEG ON ITS SIDE, WILL BE HERE TILL SUNDAY.

13\7 - SHELTER

PADDLED ONLY 12NM. VERY STRONG HEAD WINDS. FOUND RUIN SHELTER. SAND STORM OUTSIDE. HOPE I MANAGE HERE 4 DAYS. I HAVE FOOD.

11\7 - Shelter

BAD WEATHER, HARD WINDS, MY TENT WAS FULL WITH BLACK SAND. WALKED 1M TO SHELTER. FOUND THERE ANTHER GUY. IM FINE. HOPE TO FINED THE KAYAK

10\10 - About 57nm away from Vik

PADDLE ALONG THE SOUTH COAST FOR 2 DAYS NOW. THE BIG GLACIER VATNAJAKULL VERY CLOSE TO SHORE SOMETIME. LONG BLACK SANDY COAST WITH HIGH WAVE BREAKS, ABOUT 1.5 TO 2M TODAY. HAD GOOD LAND THIS TIME. ITS MEANS COLD SHOWER IN THE MORNING. FORGOT TO MENTION, ANOTHER WHALE AND DOLPHINS YESTERDAY.

9\10 - Rotem’s sms - On the big black sand , only 42 NM .

July 8 - resting in Hofn town

July 7 - Hofn town - 50 NM in one day !!!

( This email was written by Rotem July 8 ) Arrived yesterday night to Hofn town at the south east coat. My morning started at 6:00 am with rain, cold and heavy fog (as usual in the last days). The sea was calm (s sw 2-3bft) so I paddled close to shore, try to see a bit of it. The rain and the fog escorted me all day, and I said to my self (the only one I can talk to) “I won´t stop paddling today until the rain stops”. So I had to paddle 50nm. I didn´t plane it. At 19:30 I stopped, it was 10nm from Hofn town, so decided to go for a night paddling. It was a magic hour (witch became 3 hours against the tide). Around the town, the high mountains *(1000-1500m) of Vatnajokull iceberg. The sun was exactly on top of the mountains, the sky was clear and … the rain stopped! It was a long day, 15 hours in total. I´m resting today and getting ready to the south coast. Since I came to Iceland, everyone asked me how am I goanna do the south. It´s more problematic part, because it is very exposed and bad weather means high broken wave (also far from shore), very strong winds… The group (Shawna, Leon and Criss) that circumnavigate Iceland at 2003, experience a bad weather there. You can read about it in their blog. I will try to find a window of good weather and paddle as much every day. Some advice me to paddle at night and far from shore. I will start paddling tomorrow, if the forecast will be good. Bye, Rotem

6\7 - Head winds

PADDLE MOST OF THE DAY IN HEAVY FOG. FOR COUPLE OF MINUTES COULD SEA BEAUTIFUL HIGH MOUNTAINS, COVERED WHITE AND GREEN. STILL HEAD WINDS, 3 TO 4 BFT

4\7 - Back at Neskaupstadur

I left Ari, Aslaug and Palmi (Neskaupstadur) this morning after very warm hospitality. When I started paddling, the weather was south 3-4 bft, and 20min later it was 5-6 bft. according to the forecast, the wind should have been decreased in the afternoon. So I stopped after 5nm and hopped for better conditions. I land on a flat rock (exposed at low water) that was semi sheltered, the best I could fined. Semi sheltered was not enough! Sudenly the kayak made 3 rolls by himself towards the water! I ran to catch it, but it was very slipery so I fell down on my knees. Usually, when I fell, the first thing I do is looking if someone sees me. Not this time. I was too worry to the kayak and well, I was alone! Don´t worried, we are all fine. I started to shiver and decided I should continue paddling. The closest landing point was the town I came from, witch meant I had to paddle against very strong wind. It took me 2 hours and very hard work. Now, at Ari´s warm house again, I´m looking outside at the wind blowing on the water. Hope tomorrow will be better. Bye, Rotem

“Close to the town I met 4 paddlers (Bjarki and Ingolfur, Helga and their 12 years old sun)from the local seakayak club”

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3\7 - Find by the Search and Rescue team

SOF SOF (finally), after 4 days of very strong wind, I had a nice calm weather yesterday. Paddled between rocks, enter caves, beutifull day. After couple of hours, heavy fog came in and I was paddling using my compass only. 2 hours later I saw a speed boat not far from me. They signed me to come closer. It was a search and rescue boat, asking me if I was lost. I said no, I had a map, a compass and a GPS. They looked disappointing, finding someone who didn´t lost. I was asked about my paddling route that day and my plane for the next hours, and I continued paddling to Neskaupstadur town. This organization is based on volunteers and are doing very good and important job around Iceland. Close to the town I met 4 paddlers (Bjarki and Ingolfur, Helga and their 12 years old sun)from the local seakayak club. Later I met Ari and his brother Palmi that tried to meet me on the way, but we missed each others. Ari and Asloug invited me to their lovely home and let me feel very welcome here. Thank you so much for the worm time with you. I will continue paddling tomorrow along the east coast. Bye, Rotem

2\7 - Online Update on Rotem

Steini from www.seakayakiceland.com got a phone call few hours ago from the coast guard on the east coast saying they saw a kayak with a woman in the fog… 4 kayakers from the town of Neskaupsstaur paddling towards Rotem to meet her and escort her to town were see will stay at Ari’s.

1\7 - Glettingsnes

25 NM head winds 3 - 4 bft for half a day than F… strong ( sorry ) wind 40 knots. Met the guys that goes around Iceland in 14 days and maintain the light houses.

30\6 - Wind !!

4 - 5 bft HEAD WIND , WAVE 1 + METER, AFTER 1 HOUR GAVE UP AND RETURN TO THE SMALL ISLAND DIFFERENT SPOT , FEEL A BIT DOWN AND WEAK , WELL TOMORROW A NEW DAY !

29\6 - 50 knots head winds !

Bjarnarey, 50 knots head winds, could not paddle much , cross to this little island to his protected side and found big group of seals. They were a bit agressive so I landed on a rock far from them. I waited for 3 hours but the wind didn’t drop down.So I made an attempt to paddle against it , after half an hour paddling against 50 knots I decided to turn back to the island and landed on a less protected beach , No seals but thousends of puffins. It is like a National Geog film here !

One third of the way !!!

Rotem circumnavigate one third of Iceland - 880 K”m or 488 NM , yesterday she paddled 70 k”m ! This report given by Karel Vissel who is the weather man in all Terra Santa’s challenges.

Rotem’s Email - 27\ 6 Amazing day !!!

I had an amazing day yesterday , It started like a regular day , forcing myself out from the sleeping bag , making tea and start paddling. The sea was very calm , light wind from the side and I was thinking about nothing while I”m crossing Bakkafjordur. After an hour I heard somthing , I thought it came from a fishing boat, but 100 m in front of me 2 Whales, big ones not jumping. I can see only their back , I started paddling towards them holding my camera in my mouth and try taking pictures every few strokes, after 10 min without any good pictures I decided to rest , took out Mars bar ( Yes I am eating alot of chocolate) and just enjoed the two giant whales 20 - 100 m around me. I sat for half an hour while the whales were going up for air and down again.I started padding again with the whales escorting me for 5 hours !( They were more than 2 whales I am sure ) I could not ask for more , I could write on it more and more. It was my best day till now . Forgot to mention the sun was out most of the day , just amazing. Bye Rotem

27\6 - Vopnafjordur

Had a great Day ! Looking for internet .

26\6 - Around the corner

Around the corner , starting the east coast tomorrow.

25\6 - Seal Launch

I made a seal launch , I could not find a place to land , it is rocks for miles and about 1 meter waves. It went well eventually. Hope tomorrow will be flat .crossed the last fjord in the north , 26 NM with North wind 3 - 4 BFT , Landed in Heaven, made a shower in the local river , sun is out.

24\6 - Raufarhofn

23\6 - Leirhofen

Leirhofen , north to Husavik seen thousands of puffins in a beautiful rocky place , have a good weekend.

22\6 Day rest !!

Took a day rest for my body & soul , Leave Husavik tommorow.

21\6 - First Whale !!!

I had the most difficult day since I started. Now I am in the warm library of Husavik.( Big town on the north).But an hour ago… I started paddling today at 8:00 AM with a calm head wind and after 10 NM heavy fog . I started crossing Skajalfandi a 19 NM crossing, My progress was not impressive and after two hours the wind started picking up and I could not see 100 meter ahead , very fast it became force 5 and 1.5 meter wave against my direction. I decided to change my plans ( Not without arguing with myself) , quick look on the map and took a course to Husavik. Now the wind and the waves are on my side ( not a great help to my speed.) At this moment I was already very tiered and a bit worried but 10 NM still in front of me.Far from me I saw something that I thought could be a whale , but I said to myself it is only my imagination. 15 min later 20 m beside me ( well maybe 40 m) an orca jump together with my heart. I was scared !!! My first whale !!! I am tiered and happy , I have to finish they are closing the library , Bye, Rotem

20\6 - Rotem SMS

Took the time this morning at Siglufjrdur with a cup of coffie, grosery . some frindly icelandic came to me and talk with me. it was nice to talk after 10 days without using my voice.

19\6 Rotem SMS

In Siglufjord relative big town. Went to a hot tab and looked for a place to eat. Nothing at 9 PM. A lady heard I am looking and invited me for a Pizza. She was amazed of my journy , She didn’t want money.Her name is Sibba. I don’t paddle fast just a lot. Had 2 big crossing 22 NM & 19 NM Went well but it is borring. Weather is great last 3 days.

Rotem’s progress

18\6 Rotem SMS

Skagata ,Had good day perfect weather , enjoyed the day alot although view wasn’t good . see a lot of seals but no whale.

17\6 Rotem SMS

Had a good sunny day. Crossing tommorow to Skagata 22 NM , Leaving the West fjord.

16\6 - Rotem SMS

The sun is out and so is my spirit , had a freezing bath in the local river . have a nice weekend.

15/6 Rotem SMS

Didn’t paddle , Strong winds

14/06 Rotem SMS

Holavik turn east towards the north coast

Update from Rotem - Isafjourdur

I Hosted by Halldor , Helga & kayakers from Isafjourdur kayak club . Had a great time in the swimming pool learning Grinlandic rolls. Thank you Halldor

Artical on Rotem in Icelandic newspaper

Rotem first day on the water

Tuesday, June 13 2006

Hi, I paddle today to Bolungarvik and picked up by Halldor a sea kayaker from Isafjordur. Had already a hot shower, mmm… It was a short paddling day: 16nm in 3.5 hours with strong wind behind me. Had some very nice surf. The west fjord is very nice, in the south of it millions of birds on high cliff, coloneis of seals and lutra. When i reached more north, the black mountains were doted with white snow and here the snow is very low. Very very beautiful. The weather is changing fast, it can be sunny, rainy and windy at the same half day. The cell phone does not work at most of my camp places, so I use a lot the sattelite phone. Thank you so much to all terra santa member for this helpful gift. I covered till now 135nm, a long way a head of me. bye, Rotem