Day 35 Ireland Sat 15th June

It was a wet and cold start, one that I felt was the coldest so far. We covered 8nm to Ballycastle where John known as the Rathlin postman met us at the Quay and very kindly shuttled us back to his house. After hot showers and lunch we all felt so much better. Clothes are now being washed and we have a Chicken casserole for dinner, then shopping and an 8 day food re-stock.

Squalls chased us for the two hour paddle, with good caves, arches and waterfalls appearing. At Carrick-A-Rede we went under the rope bridge with some exciting and spicy waves pushing through.

I need a replacement tent pole (mine snapped earlier on but Ive done a temporary repair job on it but am concerned it won't last the journey) which Sonja has sent out which should arrive by 1pm on Monday, so weather dependent we will push on then. We have approximately 160nm to complete the loop.

Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Day 25 Ireland Circumnavigation 5th June

A few ablutions this morning with me washing my shorts and socks  as we waited for the tide before we broke camp. Jane and Andy of K2GB ended up stopping at Inishturk and Mary Jo saw them. They ended up camping in her garden, what a super lady! Our tide begins at about 11am so fried eggs for breakfast!!

We had a relaxed paddle to Achill with the tide and only had to get out once to look for the deeper channel. The flood tide flows into the Sound from both directions and just south of the bridge dries out. We managed to paddle up against the flow under the bridge and found a slipway. Into the supermarket over the road for a restock, rubbish binned, phones charged at the hotel and the a super Alice's burger with chips and salad when Andy and Jane arrived to join us for food.
We then paddled off together with the ebb helping us along to a rocky landing but a super grassy camp.

Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Seals, flow & sea kayaking - discover - Improve

With Laura and James on the 2nd day of our Discover sea kayaking course, a super calm forecast and with both picking up the skills well ... we had some decisions and it was for some work on current and when I mentioned birds and seals, there eyes lit up ... we were now moving up into our 2nd level course Improve which is also know as an intro - mediate course.

I also tried James in another kayak, which was bigger and more roomy for his legs, which worked well.  the crossing to Puffin Island was really smooth and the birds were just soaking up the sunshine ...

and then we came to a few stars of the day ... the seals ... we just sat out and slowly, the came closer and then even ....

... closer ... super moments, which I never tire off

 I think she like the sparkle of the Cetus ....

Laura and a close encounter ....

We then paddled slowly round to the beach on the island and saw some Eider ducks and the tide now had a good flow with it ...

We then headed back across the sound, enjoying the excitement of the flow and bouncy of the waves and a short video clip of James leading with Laura, just below: 

We then did some eddy turns and turns in the flow closer to the main land, before landing for a break and a welcomed cuppa!!  We were soon back on and moving up against the flow and eddy hoping our way back up to the start.  Kayaks back on the trailer and an ice cream in Beaumaris, wrapped up a super day.

A big well done to both Laura and James for their effort and for being up for it, on a day which I'm sure they will remember for some time to come ...

roger chandler
sea kayak wales
&
sea kayak courses, north wales