Peak Biking and Kayak: August 2012

Wierd weather

Wednesday 1st to Saturday 4th August 2012

Storm Bound

Wednesday was a little wet and very windy, so when Thursday was dry, sunny and with much less wind we jumped at the chance for a quick paddle.

Leaving the beach, having not really decided where to go.

Thats it! No more pictures! From here on the wind whipped up, the sea was just wierd, with swell randomly appearing. We headed across to Porth Melgan, as we drew close to the rocky point at Penlledwen it was clear that we wouldn't be able to land. I actually had trouble turning around and had to paddle around in a big arc to do it without falling over.

The swell was from the West and quite big, the wind was South Westerly, and meant we had to paddle out toward Gwahn in the distance to make any head-way.

We turned back toward the beach at Carreg-garfeiliog, and finally made it safely but worn out!

Got to be the shortist most knackering sea paddle we've ever done!

Friday:

We took the kids to Folly Farm on Friday as the weather was promising to be wet and windy again.

Connor was desperate to come and ride on the Tractors one more time before he gets too old and too big!

2010

2009

2007

We've been here a few times since he was little and he always just wants to ride on these all day _ growing up can be a real pain sometimes!

Arriving back at Pencarnan the sea was amazing! Massive rollers were coming right across the bay, visibly starting as far out as St Davids Head!

We were on Spring tides aswell, so me and the kids went down to the beach and kept out eye on the kayaks etc at the top of the beach, it washed right up to them a few times, but didn't look big enough to move any of them.

Saturday:

We awoke to a still very breezy day, and with the promise of rain we went to Solva, had a late lunch in the pub, and then headed back to the caravan later.

The wind had dropped and now the sea was looking a bit more inviting.

Never seen it before, but the camping field was almost empty, lots of campers having packed up and left yesterday!

An afternoon in my favorite playground

Tuesday 31st July 2012

Overcast and cloudy, but nice and flat.

Heading out of Porthselau beach, I was looking to head down to Ramsey using the last hour and a bit of the ebb flow. I didn't plan to go North first, and then let the flow carry me down past Gwahan.
Instead I just headed around to Point St John, and ferried across the flow to make the North-East tip of Ramsey (just).

Leaving Porthselau beach, the wind had calmed for now, but had left miserable skies.

The edge of Carreg Garfeiliog. R

Looking toward Ramsey Sound.

After ferrying across the Northern end of the Sound (and just making it Trwyn Ogof Hen) I sat for a rest. Looking back at Carn Llidi & Point St John.

I allow myself to be carried gently down toward the Bitches.

Last time I was here, there was a hauled out seal partway in. today there were no seals around, but passge today was blocked by the water being too low.

I'm always happy to see Tim from Venture Jet showing his passengers the amazing Ramsey Island and beyond

Looking further South to Ynys Eilun. I have just passed through the tunnel chute from above to below the Bitches reef.

Paddling back up against the ebb flow, and then into the Harbour on Ramsey for a breather. I sat experimenting with the settings on the camera. I hate this waterproof camera - its so limiting.

In the distance, through the gap is the Lifeboat house at St Justinians.

I paddled back North a little, and had an explore in the inlets and caves on this East side of Ramsey.

Anyone know the story here? Lots of bits of large military looking vehicles, my guess is that they were on the island during the war, and rather than take them off again, someone pushed them over the edge.

Almost slack water, sitting just above the Bitches before paddling across to the mainland.

Over at Carn ar Wig and again looking South.

No sign of the weather clearing up today. I fancied paddling back over to Ramsey and letting the Flood carry me North for a while. I changed my mind and rock-hopped my way up to St Justinians.

Not seen these before!

Ogof GONAD?

Arriving back at Porthselau.

Almost deserted, just a few people in rain coats. Oh and of course the wife and both our kids damming the stream up!

Glad to be back out in the playground.

In search of shelter

Monday 30th July 2012

Cwm-yr-Eglwys

Having gone to bed last night with the winds picking up and veerying Westerly, we made plans to head up to Dinas head. Here we could paddle at Cwm-yr-Eglwys, sheltered from the wind.

Connor gets to paddle his new boat in the place it was made for - the sea.

He might be able to paddle, but those slippery spray decks are still immpossible for little arms.

Launching Grandad (my Dad) first for safety.

Then me! I get to paddle today.

When I finally catch them, Connor is well at ease and his forward stroke spot on.

Today I had stuffed the storage hatch on his boat with my spare kit, this really helped keep him straight with the following wind having very little effect.

The helmet was mainly to keep the sun off Connor's head as I forgot a sun hat! Probably safer though as I had plans to land on a beach and have lunch, not a first aid practice session.

Dad landed first, Connor followed in, and was a little apprehensive sliding over the rocks. I'm not sure what it is he's worried about, its either danger, or he doesn't want to scrape the kayak!

Massive pebbles here! They were also slippery, managing to get away from the waters edge without breaking our necks, we settled down for some lunch.

Apple core wolf?

Connor had a little explore, the pebbles went from masive to tiny - all of them the same shape and type -amazing.

Leaving the beach we followed a line of lobster-pot marker-buoys.

I always find this a great way of getting connor to cover distance and in control. A game of who can bash the most buoys with thier paddle.

I really hope there will be many more similar pictures to this - the begining of a lifetime of adventures for us all?

The adventurers return.

Having an official photographer on the beach today was great.

Me and Dad decided to head off for a little explore around Dinas.

It wasn't long before the swell, clapotis and the strong Westery made the whole thing very uncomfortable.

We turned back and headed back rock-hopping our way to the beach.

Small entrance - massive cave.

Lots of fun to be had around the rocks at Cwm-yr-Eglwys, I think we will return here more often, as Connor gets more in-tune with the kayaking there is so much to offer here for beginners through to experts and all of us inbetween.

A couple of short paddles, both with great company.

Everyone in boats except me!

Sunday 29th July 2012

Playing in the surf

After arriving yesterday, and spending the afternoon body-boarding, it was time to get Connor out in his kayak. He had plans to kayak every day this year - so did I!