Sunday 23 May 2010

The Farnes

Drove up to Northumbria with Dave on Friday night and met up with some Scarborough sea paddlers at Budle Campsite, Neil also came along as our guide and what a fantastic job he did. An amazing weekend, to be honest I haven't the words to describe it so will let the photos do the talking.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Coquet Island

Photobucket

Photobucket

Yorkshire Cod Arrive in Numbers

Paddled out from North Landing with good friend Dave earlier this week in search of the Spring run of cod in the clearing waters.  I'm glad to say we were not to be dissapointed.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Monday 17 May 2010

A Week Away-The lakes, Skye & Northumbria

Had arranged to meet friends Dave, Marion, Neil and Brian up on the Isle of Skye for several days tuition with Level 5 coach Gordon Brown of Skyak Adventures.

Seeing that it was a week long trip thought it prudent to take the family. We headed up to the Lakes for a brief stop-over and a little bit of open boating. We even managed to get Angela in the boat.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Sunday we then shot up to Skye. Not content with catching the ferry from Malaig I sent Angela over with the car and I planned the paddle across.

Photobucket

There was a force 4/5 wind pushing down the Sound so it was necessary to paddle up across Loch Nevis before taking the crossing, one of the hardest paddles I've done in a long while but very rewarding.

Photobucket

The following day was a chillout day and I did what any good sea kayaker would do on a day off the water - Visit the local distillery for free whisky.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Day 1 with Gordon Brown saw us on flat water progressing our techniques

Photobucket

Photobucket

Day 2 and the wind whipped up south westerly 5 to 6, perfect for rough water training. Into the van and down to the bottom tip of the island. Amazing stuff and it had us all well out of our comfort zone, paddling, turning and rolling in the dark water close to features had us all buzzing.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Day 3 was just a little more subdued and saw us playing in the tidal race of Kyle Rhea. So pleased as I made great progress on applying the cross bow rudder then into a reverse sweep - ok a little sad I know.

Photobucket

Gordon showing off...and rightly so

Photobucket

Photobucket

A wonderful week with good food, mighty fine whisky and great friends. Homewards we had a day in Northumbria and Holy Island, what a beautiful area.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Home and shattered but a brilliant week. Had a good look over at the Farne Islands, I'm sure it won't be long until we are all paddling around them.

Followers