Welcome to my Sea Kayaking (b)log
A week on from moving into my new house, I finally managed to get out on the water. It was most odd kitting up in my driveway, before walking with my trolley a few meters to the slipway to get access to the loch. I guess I am so used to packing the car and loading boats, travelling miles etc. Cant say I'll miss that.
Once on the water I headed across the loch to the opposite side to where I now live. By doing this, I made sure I had no chance of entering the restricted area of HMNB Clyde, aka Faslane. Heading up the far side of Gare Loch was pleasant in the sun, despite the burning cold temperatures. I met lots of ducks and other birds I didn't recognise ("Scottish Shy duck"). I did however spot lots of Oyster Catchers, Herons and Curlew. I guess I will learn these new fowl over time.
The snow covered mountains of the Cobbler and Beinn Ime looked fantastic above Garelochhead.
A quick trip around the three masted yacht Albatross and it was time to head back into the blinding sun. I couldn't see a thing, even with the peak of my helmet pulled right down. A few times, whilst passing Faslane, I thought I was about to get a visit from the MOD, but no; I am sure they were keeping a close eye on me though.
Once I had paddled back down the loch, and checking the chart (Navionics) on my phone to ensure I was well past the restricted area, I started to make the crossing back to the slipway. Unfortunately for me, the wind had significantly picked up from the north and was blowing hard straight down the loch. Consequently, the waves were fairly large (head height at times) and were now hitting me side on. I practiced my support stroke at least a couple of times. If only there was no restricted are around Faslane, I could have travelled straight down the loch with the wind, what a super downwind surf that would have been!
Back at the slipway, it was just a case of recovering my trolley I'd left on the slipway and short walk back up the hill to the house for some nice hot soup.
Fab paddle!
GPS track
