Dodging

North West Sea Kayakers has been a little dormant recently so it was pleasing to 20 paddlers meet at the Anglesey Outdoors Centre for a weekend of paddling fun. As soon as we started to congregate in the Paddlers Return Bar, the plotting and scheming began.

On Saturday I went with a small group to The Skerries the long way... from Porth Dafarch. An unexpected southerly breeze greeted us at the waters edge and provoked the race at Penrhyn Mawr into a mischievous state. It was a forbidding scene with dark grey skies and a choppy sea.

The wind had settled down by the time we had arrived at South Stack but by then we could see that we would need to wait for one of the Dublin ferries to pass. As we drifted on the tide past North Stack we saw another ferry approaching. Our patience was being tested as we were eager to head on. Having confirmed with port control at Holyhead harbour that there was no more traffic, we resumed our course.

An hour later we arrived at The Skerries. At high water the beach near the light house is submerged. We landed on the rocks and had our picnic lunch.

I called port control at Holyhead harbour before starting our return. We timed our passage so that the two ferries would pass in front of us before we reached the tide races at North Stack and South Stack.

We arrived back at Porth Dafarch in warm sunshine and celebrated a splendid day out with others from the meet on the balcony with beer and snacks. Other groups had also been to The Skerries from Church Bay, and another group had fun rockhopping and exploring between Rhoscolyn and Trearddur Bay.

After the evening meal and traditional slide show, it didn't take many beers before we were all fast asleep.

Before heading home on Sunday we spent the day rockhopping along the shore between Rhoscolyn and Rhosneigr. The sun was climbing high into a hazy blue sky and it was difficult to leave our sheltered, comfortable lunch spot at Cymyran.

To Knoydart for Easter

In an effort to make the best of a for day weekend we began our mad dash for the Scottish Highlands straight after work on Thursday night. The van, crammed with gear and with 4 kayaks on the roof was taking the strain well. We celebrated crossing the border by scoffing down a late supper of haggis and chips. Eventually we arrived at Arisaig after 2am on Good Friday morning. We wearily pitched our tents in the dark and promptly fell asleep to the peaceful sounds of the Scottish sea.

The view in the morning was breathtaking. What a sight to wake up to. Crystal blue skies, warm sunshine and a gentle breeze set the scene for breakfast time. However, the forecast was for strengthening winds from the south. Our plan was to make it into the sheltered waters of Loch Nevis as quickly as possible.

By late morning the skies had darkened and the wind had arrived. Before long it was cold and rainy and we were glad of our booking at the Knoydart Foundation Bunkhouse. It was the perfect place to settle down on an increasingly stormy afternoon. As we ventured along the track to the Old Forge Pub we gazed at the whirling columns of sea spray whipped up by the gale force gusts. We were glad to have landed as early as we had.

We spent Saturday exploring the shores of Loch Nevis and visited Tarbert where there is a portage track into neighboring Loch Morar. The bunkhouse run by the late legendary 'Frank', is closed for now but I was assured that there are plans to re-open it next year.

On the way back to Inverie we passed Tom McLean's Highland Outdoor Centre and his bizarre 'whale ship', collected mussels and paid a visit to the holy statue that overlooks the entrance to the Loch.

It rained all day.

Improving weather on Easter Sunday prompted us to head out of the loch and look for somewhere to camp for the final nigh of our trip. It was so pleasing to finally see blue skies and paddle in the sunshine again. However, it wasn't long before we were pelted with hail and blasted with squally gusts.

We were left with only a short paddle on the bank holiday. The overnight weather had left the air cold, crisp and clear. Blue skies had returned and the island of Rum had a shiny new white coat. Among the rocks and skerries we spotted an otter chewing a stump of kelp. This is the special scenery that we had come for.

Thanks to Andy, Andy, Andy and Ian from Manchester Canoe Club for their company. The fish and chips at Mallaig was the perfect way to end the trip.