Comments on: The Las Balsas expedition: A crewman reminisces

By: Wal Eyre.

Wal Eyre. — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 06:07:34 +0000

I can recall one of the la balsa rafts being temperally mored in the Hunter river at the old
timber wharfe Newcstle Harbour in the early ’70′s appearently after being towed in from sea as maybe was considered a navigational hazzard at that time. I can remember clamb-ring down to go aboard, and try to imagine conditions endured by these intrepid crewmen on such an epic voyage.
The raft was eventually manouvered by tow into the Carrington Bason, Newcastle, where I
managed to take some photos of her before it was eventually torched at her final mooring,
such an inglorious demise for a special craft were my sentiments at that time.

By: barry

barry — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 05:45:59 +0000

Hi Michael,
We’ve contacted the people at the museum and they have received your email and are keen to contact you. They will be in touch soon.

By: Michael Fitzgibbons

Michael Fitzgibbons — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 01:47:09 +0000

A big hello to all in Ballina. I am trying to contact the people at the museum. I sent a.email to them a week ago explaining my wish to.send some of my things from our voyage. One item is my daily logbook. t might be of interest as it contains a chart of our progress, songs we sang and food receipes (food was very important-when you .ydo not have access to it as on land). I also have an idea I would like to discuss. I would be grateful to have the email address of a contact at the museum. michaelfitzgibbons@comcast.net

By: barry

barry — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 01:57:44 +0000

Hi Sharni,
There was a film made of the Las Balsas expedition, and it makes for great viewing. If ever you visit the Naval and Maritime Museum in Ballina, inquire about it — they might have a DVD copy of it.

By: Sharni

Sharni — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:46:25 +0000

Hello Gabriel
I remember your fantastic La Balsa adventure. Forever an explorer, the last I heard from you was when you were going to head to the Amazon River on another fantastic adventure. Someone needs to make a doco or movie about the La Balsa and your exciting accomplishment!
Best wishes for many more exciting adventures!
Sharni Lloyd

By: Bernie P

Bernie P — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:46:16 +0000

I looked up this site after accidently coming accross the book La Balsa by Vital Alsa, written about the first trip in 1970. A great read and I admit not remembering anything about the remarkable voyage from the time. One of the greatest voyages of recent history. This site has kindled my interest further and I will be visiting the Ballina Museum in the future.

By: c. linklater

c. linklater — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:22:39 +0000

A few years ago I was blown away to find that magnificent raft so close to where I live on the north coast. As I am a teacher who was studying explorers with my class, I organised an outing for my class 6 to see the raft. I did the same with another group of children and this Friday I am about to take my newest Class 6 group to see it. We are so lucky to have this rare resource so close and available to us.

By: Geoff

Geoff — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 07:39:16 +0000

I came across the Guayaquil after leaving Mooloolaba on my yacht for the Sydney to Hobart race. The raft was sitting low with schools of Queen fish swimming around, we boarded and took in the incredible feeling, just a touch of your experience. It must have been scary at times. The only memento we acquired was the Headless Eagle which guided us down to Hobart in a very rough Syd to Hobart race where half the yachts pulled out.
I found this site in researching the Labalsas because I am about to put the Eagle on Ebay as it has been used as a hat rack. I didn’t realise how forgotten your amazing trip had become and as the others have felt, how could such an amazing expedition dwindle away.

Thanks for a great memory, Geoff

By: PATRICIA ROCCA

PATRICIA ROCCA — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 08:16:19 +0000

well, how pleased i am to see this website….can you please keep me informed of any happening…

you do have to go all the way down to River Road to find the Museum…it is on the far left hand side of the township…

By: Chris Leyland

Chris Leyland — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:26:49 +0000

I remember when the museum was setup and I had the opportunity to experience this unique craft – and the tales of it’s voyage, with my young children, many years ago.

I often pass through Ballina on regular trips to QLD. Nearly every time I do, I think of this little vessel … and wonder if it still remains.

It is a discrace that it is all but forgotten, but it does sound like it may have a second chance somewhere down the track. I hope it does.

So many of “mans” adventures are forgotton or dismissed, yet the local footy results are talked about for years ! It is a pity that there is not a website with details of the trip as there is much to learn and consider from this adventure.

The fact that I recently did a QLD trip, inspired me to dig further into the La Balsa adventure again – and even learned further ( possibly forgotten) details of this remarkable feat.

For those who have not seen it, do a stop, revive, survive detour, when passing through Ballina next time. The Bypass is nearly finished, so it may not be so easy in the future. Can someone post details of exactly where it is? All I remember is that it is on the Ballina side of the river.