Day 24 Ireland (4th June)

We woke to a beautiful sunrise and the chatter of terns and skylarks. We paddled out with a gentle breeze on our backs and a significant swell running. We headed out to Inishbofin and landed on Inishturk Island for lunch. As we were having lunch a lady called Mary Jo offered us mugs of tea and brought out some chocolate biscuits.......magic!!! She's also given us 9 eggs, what a star!
Once in camp we took a short walk to a pub, the first time since we've been wild camping! It was a good evening and as seems the norm here we were made very welcome.
We are now at the entrance to Achill Sound on the Corraun Peninsula, 30nm and a later start tomorrow to catch the tide.

Our provider of chocolate biscuits, tea and eggs, thanks Mary Jo!!

Sonja

www.coastalspirit.com 

Day 18 Ireland Wednesday 29th May 2013

Today we were up and out checking out the conditions with Noels van and based on what we saw decided we would have a rest day! The swell is due to drop by one metre, it will be another day after a big Spring tide and with hopefully lighter winds!

So were being tourists and going to cook a roast chicken dinner!

Dingle is a super town! A couple of great galleries with brilliant art and the people are lovely too. Weve had top fish and chips (first time Ive ever had battered Monkfish!), and Sea salt and brown bread ice cream!! Were having a good day!!!

Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Day 15 Ireland Circumnavigation

On the water at 6.30 to start our 12 nm crossing to the Skelligs. The approach was stunning with alpine mountain tops poking out of the sea and 30,000 pairs of Gannets. A hundred or so soared above us...magic. Justine managed thirty minutes on the island in between the tourist boats arriving and saw the bee hive huts and thousands of Puffins only a metre away!

(We then had a 20nm crossing to the north east tip of Great Blasket.) One of the tourist boats mentioned a gale warning..time for us to go. the wind was mainly on our backs F3/4 and then James who had chosen to join us pointed at the sea and on cue 15 Risso's Dolphins surged forwards..fantastic.what a day!

Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Coastal Spirit Rapid Development Expedition Skye Wed 17th April

Today saw us relocate to escape the wind and rain following a hearty breakfast of fried eggs and potato scones! Our weather window for this morning had been looking increasingly small and sketchy, however with it lashing it down and getting increasingly windy as forecast we went for a small jolly on the water for a bit of a play!! The last 800m of our amble into the elements were the toughest yet...!


Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Surf's Up ...

With a forecast of 4-5ft surf, a 15 sec interval between waves, a light off shore wind and sunshine.  It just had to be done and Broad Beach, Rhosneigr, Anglesey was the destination.  It it been about 5 weeks since our last magic day out sea kayak surfing and I was keen to work some moves and explore others.  It had just had 4 super clients over from Dublin for the last 3 days, so this weather window was perfect for my play time.  Whats more both Justine and Barry where on for a surf.  

Justine headed off with her surf kayak to look for steeper waves, where most of the other short and long board suffers, SUP boards, surf ski and surf kayaker's were.  I was pleased that I could avoid all of that and for a good hour Barry and myself had open water.

The morning was spectacular, with warm sunshine (while paddling and active), stunning views and quality waves.

This is Barry below aiming for the 'green room' and these are the photos which follow the original facebook shot ... I'll let the photos tell the tale ...

I had decided to leave the 'green room' for another day ...and maybe another life!  It was the third day that I was back paddling the Tiderace Xtra and I was keen to refresh my skills.  I like to think about what i want to achieve, from a personal session.  Today I was working with changing direction while on the run, through using inside edge, high angle stern rudder and looking where I wanted to go (with my shoulders) ...

After a super 2/3 hours sea kayak surfing, all that was needed now was a big mug of hot chocolate ... perfect!

Roger

roger chandler
www.coastalspirit.com

Thanks to Barry for the photos of me.