Rhoscolyn to Trearddur Bay and back - 29th September 2013

Return trip from Rhoscolyn to Trearddur Bay. Paddling with Alan, Alan and Roger from the Macc canoe club.

With strong E winds (4-5, occasionally 6) we headed for the west side of  Anglesey. The original plan was to paddle from Rhosneigr to Trearddur or maybe Porth Dafarch, but in the end we opted for a there and back route from Rhoscolyn to save doing a shuttle.

Technically we were doing it the wrong way round with the tide against us in both directions, but with neap tides and the fact we had the option to hug the shore, it didn't make much difference.

On the outward leg we did a lot of rock hopping and exploring the caves, though the not insignificant swell made this very entertaining, one particular gap caught Roger by surprise as a large set of waves made a channel full of white water. Alan Tonge thought better of it and paddled around that one!

We had lunch at Trearddur and as we were launching to return there was a moment of excitement as the inshore lifeboat made a speedy launch to answer a mayday from a fishing vessel. In the end it was a false activation from their automatic alarm on their radio.

On the way back we swung out into the wind to visit Rhoscolyn Beacon.

About 13km paddled, launched at 11am, off the water around 3:20pm.

Getting ready with Roger

Approaching Rhoscolyn Head

Roger

Alan and Alan

Alan A explores a deep gully

Lively rock hopping

Lunch in the sun at Trearddur

Alan T heading for Rhoscolyn Beacon

Followed by Alan A and Roger

Alan T at the Beacon

Alan A at the Beacon

Macclesfield Canal - 25th September 2013

Clarke Lane <> Bridge 18.
Out in 38:57 (funny... it felt faster?...), back in 40:22.
Return leg mainly in the dark... can I keep this up over the winter?

Hilbre Island Race - 22nd September 2013

Bright sunshine and ideal conditions made a pleasant surprise compared to last year's race that had to be moved to Liverpool docks. A new race base at the Dee Sailing Club made for a longer race and great facilities including changing rooms, showers, toilets and a bar!

About 50 boats lined up for the Le Mans start and soon after the starting hooter Ian Tordoff, Chris McSweeny and James Mayers were setting the pace heading down the estuary en route to the Hilbre Islands. A light headwind and small waves built up as we approached the NW side of the main island to create some choppy conditions and a few larger waves pushed us back south to start the return leg. The following wind and waves sometimes quickened my speed and sometimes slowed me as they pushed me offline.

I finished in tenth, in a time of 1:34:54, some 21 minutes behind the winner and 12 minutes behind the boat in third place. Well off the prizes this year, though I wasn't expecting to do well with the much stronger field and having done a lot less training this year.

Nice to have a chat with a few friends at the barbecue on the lawn of the sailing club after the race.

Thanks to Liverpool Canoe Club for organising the event.

Macclesfield Canal - 15th September 2013

Clarke Lane <> Higher Poynton Marina.
Out in 53:47, couple of boat delays, blustery wind on my back.
Back in 58:21, headwind, boat delay plus I had to retrieve a ball for a dog owner - the dog couldn't be bothered getting it!
Saw a kingfisher at bridge 18 which was nice - along with the now common half dozen or so herons.

Macclesfield Canal - 8th September 2013

Clarke Lane <> Higher Poynton Marina.
Out in 52:23, back in 56:19...
Bit of a following wind on the way out, a couple of boat delays on the way back.

Macclesfield Canal - 4th September 2013

Clarke Lane <> Bridge 18
Out in 39:17, back in 39:14.

Macclesfield Canal - 1st September 2013

Clarke Lane <> Higher Poynton Marina.
Out in 53:50, back in 56:17.
First decent paddle in quite a while, so not too bad.
Saw 6 herons, nice to see so many, must mean the canal isn't too dirty!