600 mile round-trip

Out West with the boys

Sunday 25th March 2012

Having seen on facebook that Stuart & Taran were heading to Pembrokeshire this weekend, I was gutted to be so far away with such promising weather.
I made a last minute decision to drive down late on Saturday evening and meet up with them at Porthclais, where they had camped for the night they'd paddled down from Fishgaurd.
I left for the petrol station at 1930hrs and got going properly at 2000hrs. The first matrix sign on the motorway said roadworks on the M42, one on there said the M50 was closed from the M5, and another said the M49 was closed further on, not many options for going West, and I didnt fancy the cross country route.
After a little frantic route guessing and looking at the map on the phone, I made it to Porthclais feel ing surprisingly 'awake' at 0100ish, then I put the clocks forward! I set the alarm for 0650 and got in the sleeping bag - laying awake for another half hour or so before waking up just before the clock at 0645.
What a cracking morning, I set about putting on my paddling trousers and spotted Taran& Stuart heading over to the car - apparently they were going to give me a rather rude 'shakey- wakey' and capture it on film!

Perfect setting for a camp, although it looks very calm here, there was a strong wind, and a decent a decent swell. We made the decision to travel up to Dinas Head and find sheltered water.

Taran applies some err, 'lippy' before heading off from Pwllgwaelod beach.

The three of us.

 Photo with thanks to Mike

Having already 'bumped into Mike Mayberry and some trainees in a cafe at Fishgaurd, we met again on the beach.

What an amazing day! Leaving the beach for the journey ahead.

Taran - Constantly practicing skills! It'll all pay off one day!

There are a lot of caves and plenty of rock-hopping oppertunities around here, I've never made it this far up the coast before, but will definately return in the summer.

I'm not entirely sure what Taran is describing here! Maybe there plotting how to get rid of the Englishman who keeps following them! Lol!

Stuart was the first into this cave, I bet its massive at low water. At near enough High water it was big and wide.

Looking out, I never remeber to take my headtorch along when paddling - I going to make a mental note to get one packed away with my gear for the summer.

Needle Rock around the head, and the point where we decided to head straight across the 2 mile mouth of Newport bay.

It was a bit of a slog across with a quartering wind and some chop as we passed Newport itself.

We were now in search of the 'Witches Cauldron' a collapsed cave with a sea cave for an entrance revealing a beach at the back.

After a brief rest, and some chocoalte we were off on our search, heading North East along the coast.

A non-accesable cave, not the one we were on the lookout for though

The water is still very cold to touch, and there was a cool wind. Otherwise it could have been a summers day.

Just behind Taran is Dinas Head where we came from, and in the far distance - Strumble head, otherwise, not much between us and Ireland.

We didn't find the cave, we were getting firther and further along the coast, and although I felt reasonably fit, Stuart and Taran had done 35 miles fully laden yesterday!

Then whilst resting, a seal popped up for a look, then another, and then probably around 20 or so, all inquisitive.

I didn't manage a nice clear shot of one, but this was typical for the next 20mins or so.

Usual thing though...each time I saw one close up, I raised the camera and there would be a big splash as the seal disapeared.......

.....and heres the proof! I'm messing with the camera whilst the seal watches me!

Photo with thanks to Stuart

Another one dives away just behind Stuart.

Heading back, just prior to the return 2mile crossing. This time though, we got a nice assisted ride across with the ebbing flow.

Mindfull of the possibility of overfalls off Dinas Head, we broke out of the flow, and stayed under the massive cliffs.

There was a little rough water around the point, but nothing to write home about.

A couple of sit-on-tops followed us around here, everyone out enjoying the un-seasonable weather.

Toward the end of our journey, I had to take off the bandana, and don the wide brimmed hat - I must get myself some new shades for this summer!

Its just possible to make out the Irish Ferries boat heading out of Fishgaurd in the mist in the distance.

Looking in toward Pwllgwaelod, this place is idyllic, will definately come up for a day with Connor in the summer.

The obligatory kayak on the beach shot.

What a cracking day out.

Taran had to bare his chest (lol) toward the end of the journey due to a little chaffing problem, or maybe just for the pose!

Thankyou for letting me tag along guys - really enjoyed it.

Just the 289 mile return journey to do :(