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.

Two outings in one day

Friday 6th August 2010

Short boats again today
                                                   Part I

Today wa overcast and windy (again) and there was still a fair swell at sea, so I took the microbat out for a play around. Porthsele beach had too many surfers for safe surfing so i went around the corner to see how far i could get.

With the tide being high and aproaching a week of high springs, this little bit of coast looks completely different to normal

I reach Carreg Garfeilog and find some flood tide still racing by, and the strong swell really evident as I sat being tossed around in the 2.3metre boat.

Back at Porthsele, the surf had picked up, the beach still too crowded to be safe though

Must be 3 to 4 ft here?

Tim of Venture jet arrived back with a boat full of passengers - I bet they had a wet ride!

Part II

Connor at Porth Clais

With the sun coming out I took Connor down to Porth clais to coincide with high tide, and let him loose on some nice flat water.

He was really impressed with the landrover in the water, we had to watch it before we could launch

I towed Connor up to the harbour mouth and then let him paddle back un-aided.

Using the small paddle from his old sit on top, he was away no problems

Thrashing up and down with ease he seemed to pick it up naturally.

Grandad pedalled around on the bike to meet us, and took us some piccies

A very encouraging start to Connors kayaking adventures!

No paddle again today

Thursday 5th August 2010

Connors 1st mountain

Waking up this morning my shoulders, neck and up into my head really hurt. It felt like I'd been on a 15mile paddle, I think its from the intense job we'd been on for 2 weeks before the hols.
We drove around to Whitesands with Connor, Adele and Dad to climb Carn Llidi

Leaving a windy but warm Whitesands beach car park, it doesn't take long to feel as though we've gained some height

Connor was keen to get moving up his '1st' mountain

Having fun with Grandad on the way up

Nearly at the top, we reach the ruined RAF St David's Head it was a Chain Home Extra Low (CHEL) radar station in WWII.

After the scramble to the summit we had made it

Three generations of Amstrongs

Connor did the whole thing at his usuall speedy pace

we stopped at Porth Melgan on the way back, and this beauty was hovering just above us for quite a time. I wonder if he caught whatever he was watching?

This caterpillar was wondering down the path back to Whitesands, we had a look at him, and took his picture, and then placed him to the side of the track where the worlds most short sighted hiker promptly stood on it!

Last minute decision

Wednesday 4th August

Quicky to Porth Melgan

With the weather - particulary the wind being a bit dicey up until now, we made a last minute decision to paddle across to Porth Melgan.

Leaving Porthsele at just after 1500hrs, there where little breakers on the beach.

Heading over towards Whitesands, we soon discovered there was a fairly big swell.

We couldn't get in any caves today, the tide was high and the  swell prevented getting in close. It was hit & miss as to wether we should have a go at landing in Porth Melgan as the surf here was amazing. I took the decision to have a go, practice and all that!

Shortly after landing, this young lad had us quite concerned! His choice of exits from the beach was a little dangerous, maybe i'd get to try the vhf radio??

The sun had come out now, but the wind was still blowing making it feel cool.

It was about now, that I realised I hadn't brought a flask with me to Pembrokshire - I'd have to buy another now

Just before leaving a few sets of big breakers came in...

and then Dad launched no worries through tiny little surf!

Paddling back across to Porthsele, it seemed as through things were getting better for some longer adventures - the only trouble now was we were heading for a week of big spring tides.

Just a 2 mile splash really - but good to be on the water.

After some food, it was time to go to the open mike night, some great talent, and I had been reheresing to play guitar in the morning, but changed my mind when I heard how good the others were! Maybe next time?