Dolphins and changeable weather

After a busy June and July it was time to take a few days off and enjoy something of the summer our selves, so Sonja and my self took our selves off to West Wales, and specifically Aberporth, Cardigan Bay.  April 2011, I had guided a group, sea kayaking along his coastline, for the first time and was stunned by the scenery, beaches, quaint villages and wild life, in particularly the dolphins.  I had driven the road many a time, often on the way too paddle in Pembroke, the Llynn or Anglesey.  

We had come prepared with mountain bikes, body boards and sea kayaks, to make the most of the changeable weather and decided to stay in a bunkhouse for the main part of our stay.  Sonja had stayed there earlier in the year when she was cycling the coastline of Wales, and had been impressed with high level of quality and welcome.  It also has a drying room, which we though was likely to be used ... and for those who want greater luxury they have two further cottages available for rent, details on the bunkhouse is here: http://www.piggerypoke.co.uk/

We decided on a paddle from Aberporth to towards Newquay and then back, about 18k and stopped off at Cwmtydu for a cream tea, 4k short ... well we were on holiday after all ;)

There was a good swell running with some wind against tide despite gentle flow and winds F3/4 ...

Approaching Ynys -Lochtyn which apparently is a good point to spot dolphins, while the headland can also form a small race ... but not today ...

When the sun was out, it was stunning ...

Too much swell and surf for an easy landing at Llangrannnog, which looked an attractive little village, we paddled on to the small and busy village of Trasaith.  As we had booked a table at the Ship Inn and we were running late, I left Sonja, and I was going to get the van (another 2k) load my kit and then drive to Trasaith for our meal ...

But i got distracted along the way, by at least one if not three Dolphins ... magic and I missed a number of great shots as I fumbled for my camera ... I wasn't expecting to see them so close to the shore ...

A couple of these ...

Back at the Ship Inn, we had their famed sea platter for two, which lived up to our hopes and expectations.  And whats more as we were looking out into the bay two dolphins joined the view, with glass of wine in hand, what a magic end to a super day and a beautiful place!

roger chandler
www.coastalspirit.com

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