Macclesfield Canal - 28th March 2010

Clarke Lane <-> Bridge 11
Canal open again after the works near Clarence Mill, so I could go from my usual launch spot at Clarke Lane. Slightly longer paddle to build up time on water in preparation for the Ravenglass Seaquest. 1.11.50 on the way out, 1.14.30 on the way back. (13.34 miles)

Macclesfield Canal - 20th March 2010

Training paddle Hurst Lane <-> Bridge 11, A6
61.30 out, about 64.00 on the return.
Measured distance on Google maps gives 5.61 miles. (11.22 round trip).

Borth Wen to Treardur Bay - 14th March 2010

Second day of the NWSK SoSM.

Initially paddled out of the bay by myself and rounded Rhoscolyn beacon. Appreciable ebb tide and the NW wind made it a bit lively on the outer end of the islands. Paddled back into the bay to see what everyone else was doing and teamed up with Graeme, Chris and Andy to paddle to Treardur.

Fairly hard work going N against the tide and wind (F4?). Confused water/small race at Rhoscolyn Head/Maen-y-Fran.

Landed in small surf at Treardur for lunch. Return paddle much more pleasant as wind seemed to have dropped slightly and we had bright sunshine.

Explored the islands of Rhoscolyn Beacon - a few seals, lots of Oystercatchers.

Lunch at Treardur
Warm sun!

Borth Wen to Porth Trecastell - 13th March 2010

First day of "start of season meet" of the North West Sea Kayakers, staying at Outdoor Alternative in Rhoscolyn.

Paddled from Borth Wen rock hopping to Rhosneigr and on to Porth Trecastell. Stopped for lunch, then paddled back taking a direct route across the bay.

14 paddlers on the way out, 17 on the way back. Fairly benign conditions on the way out, but the wind increased and was about F3 against us on the return.

Macclesfield Canal - 6th March 2010

Training paddle Hurst Lane <-> Bridge 11 (Bulls Head Pub) A6.
On the water for about 2:20, but spent at least 5 minutes untangling a fishing line from a tree for a young angler. Darn sight warmer today!

Macclesfield Canal - 27th February 2010

Canal works meant that I had to search out a launch spot - reverted to the Hurst Lane put in as my normal spot at Clarke Lane was fenced off.

Hurst Lane <-> A6 Bridge in just over a couple of hours. Very cold on the hands and I was struggling to paddle the last couple of miles as my left hand had lost a lot of feeling! Chilblains in the car as I warmed them up...