I had the day off work so made my way down to Swansea.
The water from the pool session on Wednesday was frozen
in my hatches and the cover was coated in a thin layer of snow.
It was absolutely boltic!
I parked up near the Mumbles aiming to make my way
Westward with the ebb. Paid £4 parking loaded my kayak
and hopped over the sand dunes to be welcomed by a very
wind swept beach. I battled my way down to the shore
walking at an almost 45 degree angle. Not even half way there
I could see there was no chance I was getting in. I couldn't keep
the boat straight on land yet alone in the water.
Not to completely waste the journey I made my way around
the headland to Langland bay which seemed far more settled.
Plus I was able to use the same parking ticket, bargain!
Paddling just out from the bay the wind gust around the
headland making it almost impossible to paddle in the
direction I wanted to go. So I stayed in the shelter of the
bay and had a play about with the surf around the small
rocky island just off the beach.
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Saturday, 12 December 2009
Llantwit Major to Sully Island 12/12/09
Llantwit Major beach
Being frustrated with the weather lately I decided to take
advantage of the 'not so bad' conditions. Forecast was clear,
force 4/5 possible 7 later and an Easterly wind. I launched
from a deserted Llantwit Major beach at 7:30 am to make
the most of the East flowing flood.
Sun Rise just off Llantwi beach
Looking back toward Llantwit on my progress
I made a bee-line for the water intake tank just off Aberthaw.
Rhoose Point
As I approached Aberthaw the condition turned very rough.
I wondered if this was the case for the rest of the trip and
contemplated turning back. The front of my boat spent most
of the time burred in the waves whilst I had a face full of salt
water. Hence no pictures!
Looking back toward Aberthaw Power Station and Fontagary
Caravan Park up on the cliff
Looking on to my first stop, The Knap Barry
Porthkarry Viaduct
It was here I realised I had left my drink bottle and pack lunch
in the van!! Idiot!
Barry Pleasure Beach
When I stopped to take this photo I was between the
breakwater entrance, thats how much the wind was blowing
me back. (plus I was faffing with the camera!)
If anyone knows let me know.
I did intend to carry on as far as Penarth and Cardiff
Bay but with a lack of food or drink I felt it was wise to stop.
Even though I was going with the tide I was also paddling into
the wind and once I stopped that was it.
Labels:
Barry,
Knap,
Llantwit Major,
Rhoose,
Sully Island
Saturday, 5 December 2009
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