Great Orme and Little Orme - 17th February 2013

We launched from the west beach at Llandudno, and with it being near to low tide it meant quite a long carry down to the water's edge. However the sun was shining and the weather looked good for another day's paddle.

Vicky and Brian ready to set off

Jim and Trevor carry a boat to the water

We paddled around the Great Orme, rock-hopping and exploring the caves. There were a lot of Guillemots on the cliffs packed on the ledges like mini penguins getting ready to roost.

Lunch stop

Lunch was taken on the S end of the east shore beach and when we set off again we bumped into John and Pascale out for a paddle.

Rounding the Great Orme

The tide was a bit high to explore the caves on the Little Orme, and we headed back straight across the bay back to Great Orme with the wind on our backs and on round to the west beach.

 Paddlers - Jim, Vicky, Trevor, Kate, Brian. About 22kms paddled, approx 4 hours paddling.

Cemlyn Bay to Bull Bay and back - 16th February 2013

With a S to SE wind forecast, we headed for the shelter of the north coast of Anglesey with a plan to launch from Cemlyn Bay and head E with the flood tide to end up at Bull Bay. The tide would turn at 2:30pm giving us the opportunity to retrace our route back to the cars.

Trevor with rainbow touching Middle Mouse

Starting off around 11am, initially the weather was a bit dull with drizzle, but the sun forced its way through to give pleasant paddling conditions.

Kate exploring a large cave

We made our way slowly down the coast, rock-hopping and exploring the caves and inlets as we went.

Elevenses at the Brickworks

Kate Duffus

Brian looks out from another cave

We resisted the temptations of the Bull Bay Hotel and had lunch on the slipway waiting for the tide to turn. On the return leg we were joined by Vicky, a friend of Brian's from Liverpool CC.

Lunch at Bull Bay

We paddled 25kms, off the water about 4:15. Paddled with Kate, Jim, Kirk, Brian, Trevor and Vicky.

Macclesfield Canal - 10th February 2013

Another go at the Macclesfield Canoe Club's "Hare and Hounds" handicap race.
4 mile course, completed in a time of 43:00. Paddled the Epic.
Add another mile for the paddle to and from the start from Clarke Lane.
Weather was pretty miserable with a cold wind, rain and sleet, so paddling in pogies and hat. Not conducive to a fast time, but at least I got out!

Bollington Pool Sessions - 11th,25th January, 1st February 2013

Three 30 minutes pool sessions performing usual rolling practice. Right handed roll always seems instinctive, whereas left hand side less natural and stylish. Hand rolling not really coming off, not too bothered, concentrating more on the left side roll.