Wintry Day at Puffin Island

Amongst all of the freezing temperatures, rain showers and strong winds of late, it is always possible to find a lull in the weather and a sheltered stretch of water.

Barry, Stephanie and I found the northern end of the Menai Straits just perfect for a mornings paddle in the shadow of Snowdonia's sugar-dusted hills.

We crossed Puffin sound to find that the grey seals were as playful and inquisitive as ever. All along the rocky shore line there were herring gulls and shags, whilst flocks of small wading birds darted amongst us only inches from the waves.

Anglesey Winter Sunshine

Last weekend's weather was exceptional. Between the squally showers, the low winter sunshine danced and dazzled on the water, effectively up-lighting the cliffs near Trearddur Bay.

The passing of each shower provided a rainbow with the colours amplified against a slate grey stormy sky.

We spent most of the day rock hopping along the shores between Porth Dafarch and Rhoscolyn Head. The residual swell presented a series of challenges in timing and I added a handful of new battle scars to my Delphin.

Landing shortly before sunset gave the perfect end to a wonderfully energising day on the water.

The following morning we headed to Moelfre for some shelter from the forecast westerly winds. Almost immediately we were treated to a jaw dropping display from a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins.  At one point they were all around us jumping several feet clear of the water doing back flips and somersaults.

For a while we hardly noticed the truly atmospheric surroundings with the backdrop of Snowdonia's mountain ridges coated with the first snows of winter.