Land’s End and trip postponement …
Day 5, 31km, Praa Sands to Sennen
After our day off at Praa Sands it was time to say goodbye
to Julie who was off to join Gordon, and time for Debs and myself to continue around to the north
coast. Gordon gave us a lift down from the campsite to the beach where we
packed after a breakfast of egg and bacon butties – a bit of a theme here! Surf
launch in full waterproofs and then dry tops off it was time to head back to
Penzance Bay and a two hour crossing. Eventually Penzance disappeared from view,
then lunch and ice cream at Lamorna Bay... We planned to round Land’s End at slack
(-1.5hr HW Dover), but first made a quick stop at Porthgwarra, the last beach
and possible get out hoping to phone a shore contact. No joy, we had no mobile
reception and the phone box was out of order. At Land’s End our timing was
impeccable, there was only the mildest bumpy water and we had the tide gently
with us throughout. Land’s End itself was a stunning place, about 6km of rugged
rocky headlands, slots and caves. The rather Stalinist looking lighthouse at
Longships (I think it’s the helipad that gives it this look) is visible for
much of the trip, beckoning out towards the Scilly Isles (another day!). We
arrived at Sennen and pitched tents, knowing the forecast was for at least two
days of F10 winds.
Days 6-7 After a wet and windy night with a stream apparently
through my tent (but under my sleeping mat) we headed off in the rain to find a
dry cafe and breakfast. Returning to the beach we found Debs’ tent flying towards
the waves! Luckily it hadn’t reached the sea and everything was rescued! But it
seemed like time to retreat to a house… Luckily Debs has friends in
Porthgwarra, a short taxi ride away, and we left our boats in the yard of some
friendly if somewhat bemused holiday makers in Sennen. (Many thanks!). But with
large swell and winds meaning that it looked as though we’d have to sit out 4
days before a short window of better weather and then further storms we decided
to curtail the trip and go back to work early and then return to finish later
in the summer with some better weather!
To be continued …!
Foot note - The above Blog about an expedition along the Cornish coastline, is independent from Coastal Spirit and aims to highlight what others are doing out there. Through coaching, support and encouragement from Coastal Spirit. Thanks, Roger
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