Water is steadily drying, but regardless of the water situation, there is no real sign of wind on the horizon, which is a real change compared to the conditions I experienced last year, when we had a front (strong wind event) pass through every 2 or 3 days. This year, the jet stream is keeping the low pressure systems well below Australia and we are experiencing record High pressures with sun and light winds. Take a look at this site for a better explanation of current conditions www.weatherzone.com.au/synoptic.jsp Finding the right weather has always been a big part of the equation and for sure we have missed some great winds by a very small time margin. On the flip side we have also sat for months in deserts around the world in windless conditions. some of the comments refer to bad luck, but I don’t see it like this at all. To me, it is all part of the challenge and the harder the record is, the greater value I attach to it and the harder I try to break it.

I have had many questions asking for more detailed explanation of how the vehicle actually works, so for the technical amongst you, I will do my best to put up a better description, here, shortly.

The Greenbird is currently sitting on blocks, to keep the mechanics dry, in about 2 inches of water.

Greenbird on the lake

Greenbird reflected in the lake.

Greenbird on the rippling water

Greenbird under an orange sky.

I awoke to find the area that had been wet yesterday was now dry, but the larger body of the lake that was dry, was now wet as lots of water has obviously blown up from the south end of the lake. With such a large area (10 miles by 6 miles) it is impossible to survey the entire area and know how much of the surface is covered, and of that area, how deep the water is.

The Greenbird uses wide slick tyres to try to achieve maximum grip, and although a little surface moisture does not matter too much, surface water will be very bad, loosing traction and would cause aquaplaning if hit at speed. We can use ‘wet’ tyres with tread, but this will not yield the maximum speed.

Only time will tell how quickly the water evaporates, but right now it does not look great to be dry within this 3 week window. The standby period can be extended, but as spring develops, the probability of big winds after the 10th September decreases.

However, we will do our very best to find a useable, dry patch, when the wind looks good.