Starting Them Young

The sea has been like a pond in the evenings lately so I figured I could get away with squeezing my 4 year old son Zakk on my lap and take him out on the water.

All kitted out and ready to go.

There was plenty of room for Zakk to squeeze in between my knees.

We got out from the shore looking down the Bristol Channel with the sun settling down in the West when Zakk said "this is brilliant".

I couldn't pack up without giving Connor a go, but this wasn't going to be as simple.  We were packed into the cockpit so tight I don't think we would have got out if we had gone over, which made me a little nervous. 

Connor loved it as well and it was a task getting either of them out.  Zakk had to have another go just so he could have one over on his big brother.  

They want their own boats now.  It would be great if one day they can look back on these pictures and say 'that's where it all started'.

Skiving Off At Tusker

 I should have been in work today, but issues with tools have meant I don't actually have much on until next week.  The heat wave continues to hold so I figured I could take at least one full day off this week and enjoy the weather while it lasts.  Low water was at 1345 so a trip down my local stretch to the tidal island of Tusker Rock sounded like the perfect trip.

Getting down to the water at Llantwit Major was made easy with my new trolley from Escape Watersports.

I was making good progress toward Nash Point making 5 knots without much effort.  Forecast was for a NE 3-4, 5 around headlands, slight sea, and sun, sun, sun.      

I headed out to pass East Nash cardinal buoy.

I flew past at speed over 6 knots.  When I looked down to check my GPS I noticed the Mid Nash cardinal marker waypoint from a trip a couple of weekends ago.  I couldn't make it out on the horizon it was too far offshore.  I carried on a short while before deciding to head out to find it.

At 6 knots I made the 3 nautical mile distance in half hour.  Paddling along the line of the sand bar so near low water was the most unnerving thing ever.  The water swirled in big pools of confused water ready to break as the sands revealed themselves.  From here I made for Tusker Rock closer to shore.

Crossing over the path of the sand bar again the waves created a good following sea to push me on to my target and into tranquil flat waters around Tusker Rock.  I landed on my usual spot leaving my boat just on the waters edge knowing it would be high and dry in half hour.

This is one of my favourite places to paddle and I can't help but explore the wreck and rock pools while I'm here.  Maybe it is because it was the destination for my very first trip in a kayak back in 2009, post here.  Back then I was armed with just a buoyancy aid, paddle and spray deck.  Now the list of equipment is endless.    

The purple corals were really vivid in the sun.

A Tusker crab.

Propeller off the SS Steepholm dredger.

The rock pools were alive with small fish, crabs and hermit crabs.  This one was eating a dead jelly fish.

Perfect spot for lunch, just me on my own little island while people line the beaches of Ogmore in the distance.

Low water and I was on my way, this time I was going to hug the coast.

 It was nice to paddle past Southerndown without the danger of getting side swiped by the surf.

Enjoying the sun :-)

I normally take in a landing on Nash sandbank on the return leg but an hour after low water on a small tidal height and all that remains is waves breaking on the surface.  Passing the buoy again I wasn't taking photos this time as big waves broke while I travelled at almost 8 knots.  A good strong headwind gust around the point also.

 The second Nash light.

There were various flybys from the 75th anniversary of the Air Force being at St Athan on the approach to Llantwit Major.

When I got home Zakk kindly helped me with my kit carrying it to the house.

A fantastic day on the water, really glad I took the day off.  What's the point in working for yourself if you can't take a day off now and then.  16.74 nautical miles/31 kilometres, moving average 4.8 knots

Puffins, Lions & Wallabies

The jet stream has finally shifted and summer has arrived in the UK.  With low winds for the next few days a crossing to Lundy was on the cards but was postponed for another day.  Grassholm was the next plan but the late tides meant a possible return crossing in the dark.  I met up with Marcus late Friday evening at Newgale camp site in Pembrokeshire and discussed a plan C over a few pints at the nearest pub.  We were both keen on watching the final British & Irish Lions rugby test against the Australian Wallabies.  The game wouldn't be finished until 1pm but was perfect for a trip around Skomer and Skockholm at 2pm.  Now we just had to find a pub showing the match...  

After a very expensive full Welsh breakfast we headed into Solva, which seemed like the best bet for catching the match.  It seemed a shame spending half a day in the pub when the conditions were so perfect but the match was well worth staying in for.  The atmosphere in The Harbour Inn was fantastic and with a win of 41-16 to the Lions our day was off to a great start.  It was then a mad rush to drive down to Martins Haven to meet up with Jules.

A little late but we were finally ready to launch.  For the first time in two years I hadn't donned my cag, this was going to be a fantastic paddle.  I had been to Skomer three times before, the first was my very first paddle in Pembrokeshire waters.  Previous posts here.

Jules in the red Delphin and Marcus in the White Tiderace by Little Sound Skomer
Crossing the short distance of Jack Sound we were quickly transported into the wildlife haven of Skomer Island.  Puffins, Razorbills and Guillemots all flocked around in huge numbers.    

 Marcus heading toward the cliffs of Skomer

 Jules crossing Jack Sound

Puffins bobbed about on the water and flapped away when we got to close.  Some comically dove beneath the water, popping up and diving again when they realised we were still there.  Others just glided around us checking out the new visitors.

Jules face was a picture, I think he was really enjoying himself.

We crossed over the entrance to North Haven where oddly there wasn't a single seal in sight.

More puffins...

We headed along the north section of Skomer toward Garland Stone.  The tide here seemed to be flowing against us, we were late however and time was pressing on to get down to Skokholm.

Every nook and cranny of the cliffs was covered with nesting Guillemots.

Spot the Guillemots.

It was a little choppy as tide flowed around the south west corner of Skomer.

From here we made the crossing down on to Skokholm Island.

Leaving Skomer, Mew Stone in the back.

The waters smoothed out in the open waters.

Skokholm light house built in 1916.  Before the light could be erected a jetty had to be constructed.  Building materials were hauled along the mile long rail track to the lighthouse by a donkey.  The donkey quickly learned to hide on working days hiding motionless against the grey rocks while keepers walked for miles seeking him out.

Skokholm meaning Wooded Island in Norse is somewhat a more secretive island to it's neighbouring Skomer Island.  Previously you have not been allowed to land on Skokholm but in recent years there has been some renovation work taking place for day visits in the near future.

The jagged Old Red Sandstone rocks beneath the lighthouse were beautiful.

In the shelter of Crab Bay we were tempted to come ashore despite restrictions.  Around the corner in Hog Bay however two rib boats were going ashore.  I have since learned that there are wardens on the island renovating paths and buildings for future visits so I may be tempted to ask next time.

Puffins in Crab Bay

We paddle to the eastern extremities of Skokholm before making our second crossing back to the mainland to Albion Sands.

As we neared Gateholm Island on the shores the tide picked up.  A fishing vessel circled us for a bit then came to ask if we were ok because they had to rescue a kayaker stuck in the currents yesterday.  Must say that is a Bang Tidy name for a boat.

High tide and a large surf prevented us landing at Albion Sands so we followed the shore back up toward Jack Sound, just about slowing down after full flow.

Nerves were high and I got my tow rope out of the day hatch just in-case we had a swimmer.  Thankfully there wasn't much to worry about.

So we turned around for a bit of a play in the fast flowing waters.

It was a short paddle back to Martins Haven.  We all decided to head home that evening but not before one more pint at Marloes.  A cracking couple of days with great company, really enjoyed myself.

11.50 nautical miles, 4 hours, top speed 9.1 knots!