At just eight years old, Jessica Watson's Mother, Julie, read her a book called Lionheart, the story of 18 year old Jesse Martin's record breaking solo voyage around the world. It was enough to set this young girl on the type of adventure most of us don't have the courage to even contemplate. After years of planning, 16 year old Jessica departed Sydney Harbour in October 2009, with the aim of sailing solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world. And hopefully, smashing Jesse Martin's record.

More than 8000 miles into a journey that is estimated to be around 27,000 nautical miles, and after more than 60 days at sea alone, Jessica is confidently on track to round Cape Horn, the sailor's Everest.

With access to both Jessica Watson onboard her 34 foot yacht Ella's Pink Lady, as well her support team at home in Australia, Fiona Harper follows Jessica's progress.

This Personality Profile piece can run to around 1000 words. Images are available.

When Chariots of the Gods burst onto TV screens in the early '70s, I was but a naïve, goggle-eyed youngster all too ready to consume these wild theories. But quite apart from perpetrating outlandish notions of alien interference, the charlatanic von Daniken did introduce me to some of the little known mysteries of the ancient world.

The magnificent and mysterious realm of the Mayas of Central America, the perplexing and complex Nazca lines of Peru and the huge, stony-faced inhabitants of Easter Island intrigued me to the point of near-fanaticism. It was then that I resolved to visit each of these fascinating locations and discover for myself the wonders within.

Now, some thirty years later and with a modicum of wisdom in tow, I am beginning to cross these enigmatic sites off my very short list. Each visit duly dispels any rumours of extraterrestrial involvement, but rekindles anew my childlike enthrallment with the persistent mysteries.

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