Ireland Circumnavigation Complete!!

After a good nights sleep, early to bed and refueled, 5am felt OK. Our camp had been well sheltered. We were prompt at  packing and clearing up. The first part of our journey was S with a cross/tail wind. When we could see the Sound between Howth and Ireland's Eye (small island) we turned for a downwind run. 

It was F5 gusting up to F7, so it was a sporting ride. I was keen to make the most of it and at the same time not over do it as I would need plenty of energy!

The back of the headland was well protected and birds drifted about in rafts. We snacked and I for one didn't want to think about the next headland. Rounding it would put us into a headwind!  Heading west from Drumleck was physicall the toughest part of the whole trip for me. No shelter and the full force of a hungry wind. We landed briefly in a spit of land to snack. We had seen a couple of ferries leave, and I kept a good eye on both directions as I crossed Dublin bay. 

One last run kind of downwind and we were back at the start, 6 hours from waking. Dez and Sonja from deep blue sea kayaking, we're waiting on the harbour wall, flashing their headlights and honking their horn. 

Coffee and a Whiskey welcome, then back to their house for a fry up and showers. Our ferry  back to North Wales leaves on Monday, so a couple of pints of the dark stuff tonight ...

It's been a magic journey, which could be called the hospitality tour of Ireland. I'm sure I will be back ...

Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Day 42 Ireland Circumnavigation Sat 22nd June

Due to the previous days forecast of S F4 gusting F6 (making a headwind) we thought the day would be a rest day. I was the last one up at sometime after 8am and Justine was making a brew.

We chatted and decided to have breakfast first and then go and look at the conditions. We had a top breakfast and lovely homemade bread. And I indulged myself with 2 mugs of coffee!

It must have been 10 o clock when the three of us wandered down and as we walked across the dunes, we were surprised to see a flatter sea. There was more West in the wind and it all looked workable. We hurried back, and mentioned our change of plan. Bill used his car for 2 boats and Barry & Justine used a trolley  to transport the other. We paddled away just after 12.

We were keen to reduce the distance for Sunday, as 40 mph were forecast. We covered 18nm and were off the water at 1720. The first part of the paddle was a crosswind and as we paddled towards the skerries we had a super tailwind. From the other side it was a headwind!

The last two hours of the  day I found hard. I just couldn't get the right gear. Each time the boat came splashing down I lost speed and I worked hard to claw this back again. 

We regrouped, chatted over options and decided as we paddled into the next bay that if it was hard going we would look for the first camp. It was and we did!! Now just South of Portrane.

In bed just before 9, with a 5am up, to hopefully complete the loop. Forecast is W and then NW but gusting up to 40mph, so we will just have to see. We will at least have the whole day to work on the remaining 14nm.

 Saturday morning

Just 13nm to go to complete the loop


Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Day 41 Ireland Circumnavigation 21st June 2013

Susana and Willy fed us very well, right up to the point of leaving, a big thanks. We paddled away at 7.30 on a calm sea. 
By midday a slight breeze had picked up, but nothing significant. By the 2nd crossing it had swung round into our faces, although still light. We pulled into Cloggerhead Harbour and Justine checked her phone, as we due to meet up with Sue for showers and food. Sue had attended a sea kayaking course I had run back in March.  

Bettystown was our destination and pick up. We were now into a F4 headwind, with no shelter. It was creating a small mushy chop, along the long sand beach. 

A car drove down the beach, it was Sue. Pointing out where to go and greeting us. A friend of hers, Billy also turned up with his car to transport the kayaks. The plan was to transport the kayaks to Bill and his wife's house, 5 minutes away and we could put our tents up. Sue would then take us to her and her husbands house for showers and food. 
We had a super meal and it was great to catch up. Rob was also there who had attended a course over a year ago and it was good to see him. Eilean who had paddled around Ireland solo previously, also joined the meal. 

Rob kindly drove us back to Bettystown, where Bill and his wife greeted us and insisted we sleep inside! We went inside to a roaring fire and a glass of wine.

    Our new camp tonight, thanks Bill for the pitch and to Sue for sorting.

    At Clogherhead harbour working out arrangements for tonight 

     Rest before our last crossing 

Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Day 40 Circumnavigation of Ireland

It took just over 3 hours to cross the bay, on a silky sea, with no wind. Shearwaters were out in big numbers, zooming about and rafted in big groups bobbing about. We could even see the Isle of Man this morning. 

We pulled up on to the beach and Justine called Susanna on her mobile. Her and Willy were on the way.

They both had sorted out a place for us to leave our sea kayaks, on the harbour front. And then we whisked off too their house for welcome showers and coffee. Currently sat in a sunny lounge, enjoying a rest. Mmmmmm, lunch is on the way...

Crossing to Annalong with the Morne Mountains in the background



Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Day 39 Ireland Circumnavigation

The Ards pinisular has been attractive. Low lying, but with many bays and attractive looking villages. This morning was also our 2nd otter sighting, just 100 mt from sea front houses. He lay on his back basking in the morning sunshine. 

We meet Will, a local paddler who was out to join us for the day. And he stayed with us until Kearney. We pretty much kept to the coast all day mainly due to the tide being against us and by the afternoon, we had a gentle headwind. Saw lots of Shelducks and Eiderducks with young. We struck lucky at St Johns Point, when Barry spotted a wall, close to the lighthouse + a natural slipway. Easy access to land and good camping space. We even met the lighthouse keeper who had been here for 33 years and he shared some of the history. 

We passed the most Easterly point today, Burr Point.

Tomorrow we cross Dundrum Bay to Annalong, where we meet Suzanna, a friend of Justine & Barry's, who we plan to stay with.

Sonja

www.coastalspirit.com

Day 38 Ireland Circumnavigation

The tide was against us for the best part of the morning, so it was a relaxed start and then keeping close to the shore. We worked our way round to Ballygally for lunch and as it happened a well stocked shop was selling ice creams ...fantastic!
The day had started warm, but a cool breeze had arrived and I'd got a little to cool padding in shorts and a thermal t shirt!
We headed out onto the flow, the wind had picked up to a f3.... yep a head wind! Light but in my face! We passed Larne and a big ferry went out of the bay ahead of us. 
We headed on and soon we were crossing Belfast Lough. After 3 big ferries, a container ship and a yacht we were across. The yacht and one ferry is all we had to wait for .. We headed on towards Copeland Island and loads of sea birds greeted us. Barry went ashore and quickly came back. The gulls had taken to the air and their fluffy chicks were running around. We headed on to the bay. On arrival we were greated by private island signs, no camping .. We were disappointed, but I guess being so close to Belfast, to protect the Island rules are needed. 
We headed across Copeland Sound and found a super small area of grass just above the beach and behind some houses. We are now just North of Donaghadee.

Looking forward to bed now ..

 Crossing Belfast Lough

This mornings camp

Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Day 37 Ireland Circumnavigation

Fried eggs by Andy and rounds of toast from Justine set me up for a good breakfast! And then I was off with John to the Post Office to collect my tent pole that Sonja had posted. My boat and kit was loaded so John then dropped me off at the small ferry terminal. He then went back to collect the other 4 and two boats. We said our goodbyes and wished Jane and Andy all the best with their open crossing to Jura which they begin on Tuesday. Big thanks to John for his kindness and hospitality.

We paddled out of the harbour and headed out to the West side of Rathlin Island. There was light drizzle, no wind but cold. The North side of Rathlin was stunning, bay after bay with stacks of seabirds. We landed on the North East corner, had lunch and could hear the race running. I had a super lunch of potato cakes, hummus, cheese and peanuts. The sun began to show itself.

We paddled out into the faster water and Justine clocked over 7kn on her GPS. Happy days. We spent the next hour or so picking out the faster water which generally meant staying a way out. We landed at 17.00 after 7 hours inclusive of breaks and 31 nm. No rush in the morning as it's clear that using the tide is a great advantage!!!

Sonja

www.coastalspirit.com

Day 36 Ireland Circumnavigation Sunday 16th June 2013

A bacon butty is a good way to start my day and John had a pot of coffee going..happy days!
It is nice to slow down, the first time since my allergic reaction earlier in the week. I still woke at 6am but snoozed until 8am!
John kindly dropped us into town to shop while Andy started on a major repair to the Aleut. John took our food back in his car and some lunch for Andy.
A good lunch of fish and chips, and ice cream and a walk to look for a pub. A Guinness later we walked back to Johns, it felt good to stretch my legs.  A group prepared Shepherds Pie is for dinner before an early night for me.
John having been a postman has offered to go in early to collect my tent pole. This will be a great help as we can then make the most of the day. At the moment the plan is to out to Rathlin Island and ideally go around the outside on our way to Fairhead and our paddle South.

Sonja

www.coastalspirit.com

Day 35 Ireland Sat 15th June

It was a wet and cold start, one that I felt was the coldest so far. We covered 8nm to Ballycastle where John known as the Rathlin postman met us at the Quay and very kindly shuttled us back to his house. After hot showers and lunch we all felt so much better. Clothes are now being washed and we have a Chicken casserole for dinner, then shopping and an 8 day food re-stock.

Squalls chased us for the two hour paddle, with good caves, arches and waterfalls appearing. At Carrick-A-Rede we went under the rope bridge with some exciting and spicy waves pushing through.

I need a replacement tent pole (mine snapped earlier on but Ive done a temporary repair job on it but am concerned it won't last the journey) which Sonja has sent out which should arrive by 1pm on Monday, so weather dependent we will push on then. We have approximately 160nm to complete the loop.

Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Day 34 Ireland 14th June 2013

We had a nice relaxed start after our later night and headed along the coast rock hopping and paddling down channels. We stopped at the headland to explore and discuss options and after speaking to Adrian last night we headed for Portrush, keeping well out to avoid the firing range!! We could use the wind to begin with but the last hour was into a F4 headwind. Squally showers pushed through and the colours and the light were fantastic. We worked our way along the coast to the Giants Causeway. The first bay was disappointing but as we rounded the corner, the cliffs with Basalt columns rose out of the ground and were stunning. Another squall hit us, darker and stronger and heads down we paddled on looking for a small Bothy. It was locked! Justine texted and phoned a couple of people...no result! We put our tents up, cooked food and then....someone came walking down the hill with a key! He had seen the location of the SPOT and wondered if we needed anything...like a Bothy!

To Ballycastle tomorrow and a day or so of rest. Jane and Andy will then leave us at some point as they paddle on towards Scotland. (We saw Jura today!)

Susan and Aiden on Gola, with Jane and Andy Morton, Justine and Barry.

Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Day 33 Ireland Circumnavigation

Up at 05.30 and it was our best pack out this trip in one hour and fifteen minutes (not that Im counting or anything!!!) We headed out to Fanad Head with a light NW wind on our side. It took us 4 hours to reach Malin Head. We could clearly see white caps so we aimed above the headland. It lived up to it's reputation with steep 3 metre waves. It was fun and exciting. We landed a mile or so after and had lunch. For the rest of the day we had a following wind with a smaller sea state. 32nm and camped at Ballymagaraghy. Winds are going South and stronger so hopefully we will be protected and if we choose to stay we are in walking distance to a few shops. We shall see what the morning brings!!

 Noel in the driving seat who very kindly drove the 5 of us 7 miles so that we could eat out, cheers Noel

Tuesday night on Gola

Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Day 32 Ireland

Toast just tastes so good! We had a leisurely start after our later night. 24nm and camped West of Melmore Head. We had 2 hours into a headwind this morning and then the wind eased. We landed on Inishbofin for lunch and even found a table to use! The island though was very quiet and it had an uneasy feeling about it. We've tended to have current against us and by late afternoon I was feeling sluggish. Andy used their 1:50000 to locate a narrow channel which had good level grass close to the beach. We've just repacked the boats for a 0530 start to attempt to get around Malin Head just after midday ahead of the bad weather.

Thursday night and close to our camp

Sonja

www.coastalspirit.com

Day 30 Ireland Circumnavigation

Sunday evening I had a seafood chowder and smoked Haddock with Champ (mash with spring onions) and dessert was a couple of pints of Guinness. On the walk back to the tent my throat felt uncomfortable, my nose started running but at the same time was blocked. Once back at the boats I popped a Piriton tablet which eased the symptoms. This morning we walked into the village and the Irish Language College was super at helping me out. One of the staff gave me a lift to the Health Centre 7 miles away. The Doc gave me some non drowsy meds and some Steroids and said I was lucky as it looked like I'd had an acute reaction to Shellfish. I got a cab back, picked up some lunch and had a restful day. The rain arrived and its looking like an unsettled week.

Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Day 29 Ireland 9th June 2013

Arrived at Glencolumbkille in the county of Donegal. A new county and 24nm. No wind until the last hour and yep it was a headwind! Super little grassy camp above a small sandy bay. Loads of Storm Petrels as we crossed the bay to Caraghan Head. Stunning cliffs greeted us and a small beach for lunch. A swim was in order, the second of our trip! Its also the third day where Ive worn just a thermal top, shorts and Crocs. Last forecast we got showed that the next couple of days are due to get windy, with the wind on our backs!

Enjoying a meal cooked by someone else...!


Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Day 28 Ireland

Up early, 1ft of surf and no winds but loads of midges!! We crossed Killala bay and saw 20-30 Dolphins. They could have been hunting as they were slapping the surface of the water with their tails and swimming in tight circles. Magic....
We paddled on to the town of Easky for water and specific items of food and entered a new county, Sligo. We then headed across Sligo Bay towards Inishmurray, 25nm. What a fab island, loads of sea birds, flat grass and an OK landing. Going to take a wander soon as there are houses on the island. Tomorrow is another good weather day and then the winds pick up!!!

Inishmurray, our landing beach.


Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Day 27 Ireland 7th June 2013

A farmer cam down early evening to warn us about the cows and showed us a smaller area but workable, to the East side of the beach.
After a relaxed start I was blown away by the beauty of the coastline. Huge cliffs, arches and rock structures and the sun shining on the rock really made it stand out. The wind picked up at Downpatrick Head. Camped at Lackan Bay in the dunes, and our first surf landing. 24nm completed. Hope that the surf has settled down by the morning.

Boats on the beach at Lackan Bay

Sonja

www.coastalspirit.com

Day 10 Ireland and a little respite

Up at 7am, an hour later than normal (!), did some stretches and a little sorting, then....into the salt water spa pool for a 15 minute swim and to experience the various jet showers on my shoulders!! Managed to get a massage in from the spa too!

Barry is not too hot so Justine and I have been helping Jim Kennedy from Atlantic Sea Kayaking info@atlanticseakayaking.com with a group of magazine editiors from Vogue and Hello!!! Its a variable life!! Jim has also called in another favour so weve been offered some further fab accommodation in the West Cork Hotel..........could get used to this! Thanks Jim!

Just to prove Im eating properly.....!




Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Bespoke sea kayaking- North Wales, Anglesey

Sue was with Neil for his first couple of days sea kayaking, and what a day... super sunny, low winds, caves, arches ... every thing that you want from sea kayaking. Treadour Bay at its best, with ice creams to finish : -)

Day 2 - due to Neil picking it up really well, was focused on current, so from Moel y Don to Menai Bridge, with eddy turns and ferry glides and another super day.

11 Herons, just down from Moly y don, it was like some artist had just placed statues there ...they didn't look to happy about the weather!

A break just before entering more current, and work with eddy turns, ferry glides and positioning

Britania Bridge the entrance to the Swellies and more tidal flow ...

We finished off the day with some fun, balance, capsize and deep water rescues.

This was a Bespoke 2 day course, which was created around what Sue and Neil wanted/needed to assist them on the journey towards independence and having their own adventures ... i love my job ...most of the time!

roger chandler

l5 coach - sea

www.coastalspirit.com