Wales Circumnavigation

Day 24 Llandulas to Connahs Quay

Our final push to the end…..! Chased in by an encouraging westerly allowed us to travel between 4-6knots with some exciting moments over shallow sandbanks! We arrived at Connah’s Quay at 3.45pm where we had left from 24 days ago, on the 25th April 2011. The circumnavigation of Wales including Anglesey was completed in 21 days, with 3 additional stormbound days.

We celebrated in style with a huge roast feast with bubbly and beers. Thanks to Justine for delivering the chucks to the oven and for providing the homemade Elderflower Champagne whilst Sonja and Oz did their final mission to Deeside to pick us up.

Big thankyou’s go to all the guys and gals who have helped, assisted and encouraged us along the way. Special thanks go to:

Sonja Ezergailis for her continuous support and encouragement; forecasts, resupplys and backup; and Ozzy for bringing a smile to our faces with a bounce in his step and a wag of his tail!

Look What We Found www.lookwhatwefound.co.uk

Pre cooked vacuum packed food which helped us meet our nutritional requirements!

Peak UK for their support www.peakuk.com

Mark Tozer and Barry Shaw for the loan of kayak trolleys.

Justine Curgenven for loaning us an entire set of laminated maps www.cackletv.com, and for providing Sonja with much needed dinner during her manic moments!

Ray Goodwin for his advice and information on the River Dee and Bristol Channel www.raygoodwin.com

UCLAN technology for their SPOT and GPS

Lucy for being fantastic and holding the fort at home

Darren Walker for the loan of masses of kit

Natur in Llanberis for their RAW energy bars www.ilovesheds.com

Email:naturbars@gmail.com

All those people who have helped, assisted and encouraged us along the way.

…….Over and out from Rapid Development Expedition Team (RDX) 2011

For information on the rapid development expeditions run by Coastal Spirit and for other sea kayaking courses visit our website at www.coastalspirit.com or contact us at info@coastalspirit.com

Circumnavigation of Wales

Day 23 Porthygwichiaid to Llandulas

Just when we thought yesterday couldn't get any better (after dolphins, tide races, skerries and good company) our amazing support team came into camp over the hill with a rucksack full of Easter eggs and yummy cake! Thanks Sonja and Ozzy. Today with Craigs company ( Thanks for coming along) We completed our final crossing from Point Lynas to Llandudno and after a short break more coffee and treats we headed along the coast to Llanddulas which will hopefully be our final bivvy...

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Wales Circumnavigation

Day 22 Aberffraw to Porthygwichiaid

Sue with this seasons newest fashion accessory...the floppy hat!

Justine and Barry

Porthygwichiaid

Going through Penryn Mawr

A sad farewell to Sue today who has been dealing with an old injury for a while and has decided to make a pragmatic decision to stop her trip here and go seek some much needed physio for her shoulder rotator cuff problem. A big well done on what you have achieved, something which many would never even think of considering!

A very sandy night with kit coated in sand which was a bit depressing first thing as our kit got repacked. A big 70k ticked off today and we had a magic moment leaving Cable Bay as dolphins appeared very close to where we were. Exciting day too as we went through Penryn Mawr, and over to The Skerries and also had a porpoise sighting. Thanks Justine and Barry for your company today and the Easter eggs!

Coastal Spirit Circumnavigation of Wales

Wales Circumnavigation

Day 21 Porth Oer to Aberffraw (Anglesey)

Hooray for joy, back on home ground for some of us having reached Anglesey today after another whopping 50 kms! Only approximately 180kms left to go before we are back at our start on Deeside.

Unfortunately had to move on just as we had set up our camp for the night, northwards to Cable Bay but saw some phosphorescence which made up partially for the long portage down the beach from Aberffraw and having to repack and unpack our boats during what should have been our slumber time!!! Ho hum....

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Wales Circumnavigation

Sea Kayaking North Wales and Anglesey

Day 20 Tywyn to Aberdaron, Aberdaron to Bardsey Island and Whistling Sands (Porth Oer)

Big day, 58km but a beautiful location to spend the night at Whistling Sands. A surprise BBQ brought in by Sonj and Oz went down a treat. Thanks Oz for not getting to the sos...sossages first!

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WALES Circumnavigation

Sea Kayaking North Wales and Anglesey

Day 19 New Quay to Tywyn

Good day with good distance, more sunshine and a top up of lunch supplies. Some were seen to have a much needed shave too!

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Wales Circumnavigation

North Wales and Anglesey Sea kayaking

Wales circumnavigation

Day 18 Pwllgwaelod to New Quay (and we don’t mean the one in Cornwall!)

42km today, lots of sunshine and dolphins!

www.coastalspirit.com

North Wales and Anglesey Sea Kayaking

Around Wales

Day 17-Porthgain to Pwllgwaelod

Sue’s back with us today after a break. 32km today with a bit of a headwind and a journey that seemed to go on forever. A few tired bodies and minds For some the toughest day of the journey so far. Good job could spend a bit of time in the pub then in the evening….!!

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Sea kayaking North Wales and Anglesey

Wales Circumnavigation

A selection of shots taken over the last few days......

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North Wales and Anglesey Sea Kayaking

Day 16-West Angle Bay-Porthgain

4am start, early enough to see the moon set and to allow us a smooth ride through a slightly bumpy Jack Sound and safe passage to a sunny beach on Ramsey Island. 3 hours later after sunning and refuelling we crossed to St David’s Head and into a thick mist on the north coast. A somewhat atmospheric journey at a slower pace brought us to Porthgain and welcome tea at The Shed. The Shed was revisited for a well deserved fishy meal a few hours later following our rendezvous with Sonja and Ozzy for resupply.

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Sea kayaking North Wales and Anglesey

Around Wales

Day 15 Barafundle (the land of sand and beauty) to West Angle Bay- The Range

Stunning coastline and amazing rock formations. Some interesting headlands, some more interesting than others (pushing the tide!!!!). We arrived on friendly West Angle beach with the opportunity to dry and air kit and an impromptu invitation to join Barbeque Bill’s 50^th Birthday- steaks, beers and chocolate bananas, who could refuse such an offer? Thank you West Angle because you are such a nice place with friendly people!

www.coastalspirit.com

North Wales and Anglesey Sea Kayaking

Wales Circumnavigation

Day 14 The Gower to Pembroke

62km, 10 hours paddling - a mix of conditions, though generally the weather performed as forecast and we enjoyed a 30km crossing from Worms Head to Caldey Island, and saw our first seal. We've arrived in Pembroke in style landing on Barrafundle beach which is a stunning spot. Looking forward to more of the Pembroke Coastline.

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Sea kayaking Anglesey and North Wales

Wales Circumnavigation

Day 13 Kenfig Bay - Porth Eynon

Our thirteenth day, and it lived up to being the 13th too!

We awoke to "it's a go" and soon the team were ready to launch through mixed 2m steep surf. Half an hour later the team had gathered recovering from the surfs thrashing, ready to progress across the swelling sea and after a while The Mumbles came into view. The promise of fish & chips and mugs of tea inspired the completion of the 18km crossing.

School boy error (too focused on fish & chips) meant one of the boats started a short journey on it's own, and another rescued by Anthony and Rachel (thankyou). Refuelled the team travelled along to Porth Eynon, seeing their first porpoise, and noticing the improved water clarity.

The Carreglwyd campsite has delivered showers, tumble driers and a near by pub! The team are looking forward to an early night in prep for a crossing from Worms Head to Caldey Island.

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North Wales and Anglesey Sea Kayaking

Wales Circumnavigation

Day 12 Kenfig Bay

After a wet and windy day the conditions seem to be improving - so fingers crossed, tonight will have a calming influence and we`ll be able to cross tomorrow.
The team visited Porthcawl in two stages to retain a presence in the camp - though how much watching and guarding was going on and how much snoozing is debateable! This was due to a towline going missing from the boats yesterday.
The team have benefitted from additional refuelling - egg + chips, toast + chips for the morning crew and choc eclairs amd custard slices for the afternoon.
Despite the idealic campsite and close facilities the team are hoping to move on tomorrow.

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Sea kayaking North Wales and Anglesey

Wales Circumnavigation

Day 11 Kenfig Bay

We woke to a sunny fresh breezey morning. The wind had dropped leaving behind a large swell, and as promised the wind picked up again during the day. After a leisurely 7km walk along the beach before lunch, we have enjoyed a relaxed day, eating, sleeping, refuelling.

It looks like we`ll be sitting out tomorrow, dodging the rain and walking into Porthcawl to resupply ready for our crossing to the Gower as soon as the weather allows.

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Sea Kayaking North Wales

Circumnavigation of Wales

Day 10. Kenfig Bay rtn walk to Porthcawl.

5am start to damp grey morning. The extensive fog wasn't planned and the distance to the sea wasn't either! After trolleying and carrying by 6.15 we were ready to launch into the misty atmospheric conditions, with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The surf provided the early morning obligatory wakeup splash. Heading out on a bearing into the gloom, the plan was to go for an hour and see how things were going. Decision made to return to our campspot and within an hour boats were back up the beach, and tents up with the team resting.

By 12, blue skies and blowing F4-5, the team were ready to hit town. This turned out to be a 8km round trip, but worth it for the chip butties, toasties, ice creams and chance to pick up fresh bread and refill water.

Team now enjoying a windy sunny evening, with a lie in planned for the morning!

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Sea Kayaking North Wales

Wales Circumnavigation

Day 9 Llantilltud Fawr - Kenfig Bay

Last nights secluded beach turned out to be party central of Llantilltud Fawr. After setting up a mix of tents and bivvys the incoming tide approached further than anticipated. Thankfully careful watching allowed time for a quick shift onto the bouldery slope or a rocky shelf and soon the team were sleeping despite the band playing in the background.

Mugs of tea and additional calorific intake for some set us up for a magic paddle along the coastline and crossing to Porthcawl, with the team getting used to paddling loaded boats in more interesting water. Good surf landings from all at Kenfig Bay in time to enjoy the lazy Sunday afternoon on the sand dunes. A restful and relaxing time.

This sets us up for an early crossing to The Mumbles and on into the Gower ahead of the approaching low pressure system.

We have now covered a third of our distance.

Looking out to the Mumbles and Worms Head

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Wales Circumnavigation

Day 8 Clevedon - Llanilltud Fawr

Awesome but long day on the sea. 9hrs of paddling gave us 52km. Leaving Clevedon on good winds and glassy seas, we were soon past Flat Holme and Sully Island became the ideal lunch spot. With a few hours of tide left we journeyed on. Lack of suitable camping spots extended our day. A tired but content team are tucked up on the beach pleased with their paddle from one country to another, leaving the English coast for our Welsh journey.

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Circumnavigation of Wales

At sharpness waiting for the tide and the sea lock gates to open on the next phase of our journey.

North Wales Sea Kayaking with coastalspirit.com

Wales Circumnavigation

Day 7-Shepherd Patch-Clevedon

Loaded with 7days supplies we waved Sonja, Ozzy and the support van off for our final 8 k canal paddle. Arriving at Sharpness early we checked in with the docks and then relaxed lazing in the sun. At 11.30 as requested we waited expectantly at the lock to be greated with some confusion- the lock wasn't going to be opening! Dissapointed we paddled off looking for alternatives. As we mustered enthusiasm two British Waterways men appeared offering help. Michael Nash team leader, and Des Reece transported our boats on a pickup. Thankyou so much. Our boats were delivered to a slipway, and after a short muddy slide we were in the Severn making the most of the remaining ebb tide. Once on the Severn the pace picked up reaching 19.2km/hr under the bridges which seemed to come and go at a great rate - with some interesting water. Lunch on Denny island, light winds, and fast currents delivered to a classic active british beach scene at Clevedon. Our muddiest landing yet, although worth it for the beautiful sunset, dinner on the slipway, beers in the friendly local and a welcome night on the beach.

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Coastal Spirit Wales Circumnavigation April 2011

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Sea kayaking North Wales

Coastal Spirit Rapid Development Expedition-Wales Circumnavigation

Day 6 Severn Stoke- Shepherds Patch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire.

Big day today 52km, wind and sunburn. However pain alleviated by a food top up in Gloucester, a cappuccino and some real vegetables!

Life is very... I mean very tough just now..............

North Wales sea kayaking

Sea kayaking around Wales-Circumnavigation

Day 5-Wolverley-Severn Stoke

38km today 5 locks, 2 portaged and 3 kayaked through, a slightly spooky experience and now onto the River Severn (hooray!).

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Coastal Spirit RDX Wales Circumnavigation

Day 4-Brewood-Wolverley

38km and 24 locks, backs are sore but spirits high, as the last locks steadily get closer with each day!

Wales Circumnavigation

Day 3-Goldstone Common-Brewood

Ozzy looking out " for them boats that his two legged pawed friends paddle"!

A good day made all the more joyful when Di found a very desirable campsite at the end of the day with flat grass, a picnic bench, a toilet and a hot water tap! Big thanks to www.countrywidecruisers.com at Brewood for letting us pitch up by their waterside location! Another 28km in the bag, and we now have some green slime to inject into our trolley wheels!