VOA标准英语2008年-Young Australian Kayakers Conquer the Tasman Se

By Phil Mercer
Sydney
14 January 2008

Two men have become the first kayakers to paddle between Australia and New Zealand. James Castrission and Justin Jones battled rough weather and heavy seas for 62 days to complete the journey. From Sydney, Phil Mercer reports.

James Castrission and Justin Jones enjoyed a heroes' welcome at the end of their long voyage.

They have become the first kayakers to conquer the Tasman Sea.

Sixty-two days after setting off from the Australian east coast, they paddled to shore near the town of Taranaki in New Zealand.

Three-thousand well-wishers awaited them. A fleet of indigenous¹ Maori canoes escorted them into shore, while on land a band played "Waltzing Matilda", a popular Australian folk song.

James Castrission says the welcome was overwhelming.

"Absolutely mind blowing," he said. "From when we saw Taranaki 140-kilometres out to sea all the way in we've just been buzzing. We've hardly slept and we're just so, so excited to be here."

When they left Australia in the middle of November, the young kayakers said their trip would be a test of character.

It certainly turned out that way. Large waves, strong headwinds and powerful currents conspired² against them.

Gray skies made matters worse, with heavy clouds cutting the power of the kayak's solar-powered batteries. Choppy seas also soaked the kayak's cabin.

The two men, both in their 20's, suffered prolonged bouts³ of fatigue⁴ and plenty of cuts and bruises⁵, and their boat had mechanical problems. The men developed skin infections that the salt water made worse.

The pair went for days at a stretch without sleep and said they had been "bounced around" as if they had been in a washing machine.

After completing customs formalities, Castrission and Jones received a check up at a hospital amid concerns that their leg muscles may have wasted during the long journey.

Last year another Australian kayaker disappeared after attempting the same record-breaking voyage.

Andrew McAuley, who was 39, apparently⁶ drowned in rough seas. His body has never been found.

1 indigenous   

adj.土产的，土生土长的，本地的

参考例句：

• Each country has its own indigenous cultural tradition.每个国家都有自己本土的文化传统。
• Indians were the indigenous inhabitants of America.印第安人是美洲的土著居民。

2 conspired   

密谋( conspire的过去式和过去分词 )； 搞阴谋； （事件等）巧合； 共同导致

参考例句：

• They conspired to bring about the meeting of the two people. 他们共同促成了两人的会面。
• Bad weather and car trouble conspired to ruin our vacation. 恶劣的气候连同汽车故障断送了我们的假日。

3 bouts   

n.拳击（或摔跤）比赛( bout的名词复数 )；一段（工作）；（尤指坏事的）一通；（疾病的）发作

参考例句：

• For much of his life he suffered from recurrent bouts of depression. 他的大半辈子反复发作抑郁症。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• It was one of fistiana's most famous championship bouts. 这是拳击界最有名的冠军赛之一。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》

4 fatigue   

n.疲劳，劳累

参考例句：

• The old lady can't bear the fatigue of a long journey.这位老妇人不能忍受长途旅行的疲劳。
• I have got over my weakness and fatigue.我已从虚弱和疲劳中恢复过来了。

5 bruises   

n.瘀伤，伤痕，擦伤( bruise的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• He was covered with bruises after falling off his bicycle. 他从自行车上摔了下来，摔得浑身伤痕。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The pear had bruises of dark spots. 这个梨子有碰伤的黑斑。 来自《简明英汉词典》

6 apparently   

adv.显然地；表面上，似乎

参考例句：

• An apparently blind alley leads suddenly into an open space.山穷水尽，豁然开朗。
• He was apparently much surprised at the news.他对那个消息显然感到十分惊异。