Supposed to be going home!

Saturday 13th August 2011

A bit more time on the water.

None of us look forward to the final day of our holidays do we?
Having not had the weather in our favour for lots of sea trips, I packed the car and trailer, but left out all the kayak gear. Adele took the kids to the beach for a last dig. I decided to go across to Porth Melgan.

Leaving Porthsele beach for the last time, the surf was pretty small.

However, after paddling for 5 mins. or so, I soon began to worry as the swell was massive, and every now and then a white-topped wave broke close by.

I made it over to Porth Melgan OK, and had a few moments watching the surf on the beach, it was being blown directly onto the beach and a times was big 4 ft rollers.

I landed, and took some time to contemplate things. Awaiting back at home would be some bills to pay, and although theres some work waiting, there are lots of little jobs, but theres been no big jobs lately.

I need to think hard about where we go with the business, might need to get a job - who knows right now.

Back in the kayak, I sit and wait out some big sets that are rolling in, and after getting a good soaking leaving the shore its back across to Porthsele to load up for the 300mile journey ahead.

I always find it really difficult to walk away from the beach, I get a real strong emotional pull to just stand and stare out to sea. Today was no exception, and as I did finally turn away, behind me was a couple from a caravan close by having exactly the same problem. An amazing place.

One things for certain, we will be back here next year whatever happens, hopefully before.

Still windy! Only a day left.

Friday 12th August 2011

Porth Gain

Looking out of the caravan window it looked like rain was likely, and the white capped water in the sound didn't look too inviting.
We decided to paddle out of Porthgain, and use the heads as shelter. I fancied a trip down to the Blue Lagoon - it wasn't to be!
You'll note from the distinct lack of pictures that the weather and the sea wern't all that good.

Leaving Porthgain, it looked promising - apart from the murky skies.

We were going to turn South and head down to the Blue Lagoon, but there was a massive swell at sea, and it was breaking over the head at Penclegyr. We turned North instead, and being close in to the cliffs suffered with clipotis and the effects of a gusting SW wind following us.

Tucking in to Trwyn Elen out of the wind, we disturbed a large bull seal who came very close to us, I don't think he was upset, just very inquisitive, we left him to it!

Dads head below the horizon......

Dads head above the horizon!

Thought I'd try a new hair colour, might need to grow it first though.

We only went as far as Aber Draw, and then afte a brief rest we battled back against the wind.

Arriving at Porthgain harbour we had a play in all the little caves and inlets, we even got some burst of sun coming through!

Dad puuting in a text book paddle stroke. We were feeling a little battered by the weather, so we packed up and headed into the Sloop for a couple.

Contemplating a couple of weeks in and around the wonderfull Pembrokeshire coastline.

A bit of a dismall end to a funny old couple of weeks where there was more sufing than sea trips.

Time to squeeze the kit back into the car.

More wind, but a harbour, some jumping, and a capsize!

Thursday 11th August 2011

Connor gets wet!

With it being windy again, and sea trips being off the cards, we decided to take Connor down to Solva harbour at high water.

Launching from the main carpark slip - Connor was off before we had got in.

With the wind blowing us out of the harbour we had an awkward paddle. I had Connor practicing his forward and reverse strokes, and aiming for bouys to try and get him going straight.

I still have to keep reminding him that S.O.T & lazy paddlers lay back when kayaking, but he's doing good.

He's still nervous of rocks under his boat, so I managed to convince him we should land on a small pebble beach for a snack. I did this to show him how we can use an inlet to shelter out of the wind.

On the way back up the harbour there were loads of people jumping from the walls at the boat club. I decided to have a go and after a capsize, swam to the steps and had a jump.

Connor said he wanted a go, I was dubious but we climbed the steps and stood on the edge. He said 'I don't want to jump'!

I said we'd do it together so I held his hand 123.. jump, and in we went! Can't believe he did that. You can just pick his grey and black shoe out in the picture (his behind me and to the left).

Swimming back for another go. He swam really well also. With the assistance of his BA he seemed to manage the breast stroke easily. Then the mood was tinged by the boat club official moaning at me for using their stairs to get mine & Connors boat out, we jumped again and cleared off.

In another out of character moment, Connor stated he wanted to do his first capsize drill!

Seeming as though he was already wet, I agreed, in this photo we are going over again exactly whats going to happen.

I had him hang onto his deck release strap in readyness and then lean over. He stopped and said he didn't want to  do it! So I held his boat coaming, and let him lean out to show him the limits of his kayak.

Then I talked him into it, he said he'd do it, so when he leaned over this time....I might have just helped him over a bit! ; )

After a bit of a struggle that seemed to take for ever he came up a little upset, and pretty annoyed with me.

The look in this picture is a mix of er.. feeling proud, elation, and anger!

We paddled back to the car park, and got out and dried, good times.

Proud Dad!