The time had come for John and Gary to pack there kayaks, on an attempt to paddle around Anglesey on our intermediate sea kayaking course and expedition and we had reasonable weather forecast!
Day One
After a drop off from Sonja (thanx) I was keen to get as far as we could along the west coast as this was one the best days forecast. Kayaks packed, we paddled out from Cemaes bay, on the last of the flood, using the back eddies to assist.
Rounding Carmell head with a reasonable swell running and just 40 minutes into the ebb and a gentle f3, with wind against tide ...north stack could be interesting!
Paddling along the edge of North Stack race and at full bore ...it was going like a train ... we snuck inside and paddled ...
into a few of the caves and arches, watching climbers on the first pitch of "Dream of white Horses"
South Stack lighthouse and the super folding of the rock formations.
Slack at Rhoscolyn head and loads of small sailing dinghies
after a strong front pushing through and a sudden increase in winds with amazing light we called it a day and paddled in looking for a camp, and about 45k completed. Day Two
The day started windier f4/5 and was due to drop to f3/4, my concern was if we waited to long we would have wind against tide, so we paddle out 45 minutes before slack water.
It was a super day, bright and a gentle breeze as we paddled towards Llanddwyn Island.
After a break we then crossed to Abermeanai Point, which was our camp for the night as a f6/7 was due we wanted a good spot and the tide wasn't due to turn for a few hours yet. About 20k today.
John looking after his back (?) with a serious air bed.
It wasn't long before rain and strong winds arrived, we spent the evening talking from one tent to the next ... and getting some calories in.Day Three
Up early to check out the Straits we soon decided to wait for an hour or so, for the winds to settle and by 6am all was looking better for a 7am departure. At Britania bridge and then a short paddle to Menai Bridge and as it was just after 10am and welsh breakfast at one of the local cafes just seemed right!
Some more supplies for John ... Gary was all ready well stocked on this one!
We paddled on to Penmon Point, with around 30-40minutes of pushing the tide before it was fully with us and then on to the East coast. This probably was the hardest 3 or so hours as a strong nw front hit us right on the nose, with lots of rain as we paddled across the bay towards Moelfre and then on to Dulas ... it was a real three seasons in one day!
We were rewarded with a super camp and a settled evening with some sun shine, to dry paddle kit out, and enjoy a can of Guiness, with 48k in the bag!
The light beginning to fade ...Day Four
Next morning was a leisurely start, as Point Lynas wasn't due to ebb for a few hours yet, John led us out to Ynis Dulas and we were greeted by some curious seals.
Next morning was a leisurely start, as Point Lynas wasn't due to ebb for a few hours yet, John led us out to Ynis Dulas and we were greeted by some curious seals.
19k latter we were back on the beach at Cemais Bay, in glorious sunshine ...and lots of people. Sonja was there to greet us and after a mug of tea, boats un packed and van loaded we drove off satisfied in a successful trip. Well done to both John and Gary, who completed the Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning Award (CNTP) while undertaking a classic sea kayaking expedition.www.coastalspirit.com
Sea kayaking courses and programmes, Anglesey - North Wales
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