Sunday 20 December 2009

Wasted Jouney

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.

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


The Knap


It was here I realised I had left my drink bottle and pack lunch
in the van!! Idiot!


Marker off Friars Point, Barry


Barry Pleasure Beach


Barry pilot boat entering Barry Docks
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!)


Breakwater light


Flat Holm not looking to far away, maybe next time!

I'm guessing this is some sort of statical recording buoy?
If anyone knows let me know.


Sully Island, shall I carry on or land???
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.



Pub at last! Come on Missus pick me up I'm freezing!

Sully Island

I had a fairly calm trip. I hugged the bays most the way which
seemed to shelter me from the wind but as soon as I went
around any headland I took a battering.
Total trip approximately 12 nautical miles or 22 kilometers.

Saturday 5 December 2009

Photo's


Aberthaw at sundown

Ogmore by Sea



Llantwit Major Beach 05/12/09