Playing around the bitches

Sat 7th August 2010

Using the tides again

After not really getting going on the paddling this week, I finally felt like a reasonable trip. The sea state wasn't good enough for a trip around Ramsey, but in the sound it would be nice and sheltered.
Heading out toward Gwahan, the Southerly ebb tide was flowing well, we ferry gluide over with ease.
There was still some swell but nothing to bother us.
As we reached the vicinity of Gwahan, the wind was gusting quite strong.

This seal in the cave Ogf Hen was really inquisitive...
getting very close until a big bull appeared and told us it was ime to leave.
They did both follow us right he way down to Ramsey harbour where we had a rest.
We then had some fun passing through the tunnel cave up and down with and aginst the still ebbing tide, and then occasionally going around and back up ovber the bitches.
Dad surfing in the flow just out of the cave
Passing back up over the bitches
Heading through one more time to pass down to the South of the island, maybe pass through the gap and have a look at the big cathederal caves?
Looking thriugh the gap at Twyll y Dillyn, there was no way we were going through today! Look at the difference in sea state around the West side of the island!
Gower Ranger passed through, still going against the tide, but not for long, it was going to be 'slack' in the next 10mins or so.
We sat out the last of the ebb, and then set off North back up toward the bitches, the wind was now against us but paddling gradually became easier as the flood tide started.
At one point the water was really being whipped up by the wind.
Then in seemingly no time at all we were at the Bitches where Dad rested in the harbour, and I had a little play in the surf as the flow builds.
Leaving the bitches we choose to let the tide carry us North, and find the conditions change from flat to small standing waves. I try to pin point Horse rock to our right as we pass, but it wasn't really showing at this time.
As we paddle towards St Johns point, the veiw of where we'd been looked great.
The slog, I always find passing around St johns point and heading in to Porthsele beach a bit tiring, it seems to go on forever
Another good adventurous paddle using the tides, making the paddling even more pleasureable.

1 comment:

Richard said...

Your Dad seems to be coping really well with his boat and getting some good trips in.