Anglesey
Having not managed to get out anywhere with the kayak since the promising New Year's Day paddle, I thought I was well due some action.
After loading up the car with the boat and kit, I set the alarm for 330am, must be mad.
When I arrived the tide was at it's lowest and I knew I'd have a long carry at the beggining or the end of the day, I drove the kayak down to the waters edge on the car roof.
The old Rhoscolyn lifeboat station, closed in 1929
I exited the bay-mouth and had a look around the West corner, the overfalls had really got going here on the now flooding tide, I figured I'd better go East today!
My reward for going East was an amazing little jagged coastline of caves, inlets and little beaches.
Looking back where I'd come from, Rhoscolyn Beacon stands out very well.
Looking forward to my ultimate destination, Rhosneigr.
RAF Valley is tucked behind the sand dunes on my left, there's no flying with today being Saturday, but normally they fly BAE Hawk training aircraft, and Rescue 122-123. I thought I saw the SEA KING leave early this morning when I was still driving.
The Lleyn Peninsula rising out of the sea, and going right up toward Snowdonia.
Sorry about the up-nostril shot!
I wonder if there is any beer left in this barrel, its wedged solid at low tide.
I tried to find this inlet on my return journey to sea how it had changed with a high tide.
HAS Hardened Aircraft shelter at Western end of RAF Valley airfield.
Aproaching Rhosniegr I could sea a few people with their kids on the beach, a good sign, I'd be able to haul out and have lunch in the sun
Actually it was freezing, plenty of families kept arriving on the sand and then quickly disapearing as they realised how could it really was!
Eventually I had to leave (I had to get warm) my plan was to go out over these islets, and then go directly West to Rhoscolyn on the last of the flood tide.
Only when I set off, there was no flow left, I had to paddle all the way. It was a gorgeous day, I could have sat basking in the sun forever.
I was correct, the SAR helicopter was out, it landed not far from the HAS.
Finally, the cloud lifted from Snowdonia, and I think i managed to pick out Mount Snowdon amongst this lot
I'd love to have seen this rock fall into this position, I bet it went with a bang.
Arriving back at Borthwen I wished I could stay for another day, I was feeling rather fatigued though, so maybe another day. Some of you may note that my spare paddle is now on the fore-deck. I did this so that if I have to self rescue alone, then I won't snag any of my dry gear on the paddle shaft as I climb in.
I do think however the deck is looking untidy and cluttered!
Spot the sea kayakers! There were at least two or three other groups out today, it is Anglesey after all.
Very happy I made the last minute decision to go, will have to do this more often
8.35 miles. 7.25 Nautical miles
