Coastal Gathering (KeithM)
We assembled at Resipole campsite on Loch Sunart in fine and sunny conditions. We were Ann & KeithM, Ellen & JeffB, Jan & DaveP, DaveS, AndyW and WalterG, with RobinC joining us next morning in time to get on the water. We went to a hotel to look at maps and share ideas for where to go, but only because it had a big table to spread out the maps. We felt we should indulge in local customs and drank something called "heavy" - similar to beer we thought.
Next morning, still in perfect conditions, we set off west down Loch Sunart with no ultimate destination in mind but a few options, depending on weather, as always. It got a bit squally and choppy near Risga and we regathered in its lee, which turned into a lunch-stop. Jeff and Walter found some fine lengths of rope on the beach, which were later put to good use by Wally in preventing his canoe "going floatabout". Stable doors spring to mind... Wind was up to about a F6 so, setting very little or no sail at all, we ran down into Loch Teacuis to a wild campsite already known to some of us, where we landed through small surf and spent 2 nights, due to persistent strong and cold northerly winds. On the layover day some went walking, while some of us went for a great day sail round Oronsay and into the inner part of Loch Teacuis.
With a more promising i.e. less windy, forecast next day we went for an early start to maximise the chance of better, lighter winds in the early part of the day. We launched at 7am. There was still a cold northerly, about F3-4. Once out of the islands, conditions were found to be manageable and after a regroup near a headland we reefed down for the 5 mile broad reach to Tobermory, where we landed to warm up, shop for supplies and in one case take a shower.
Just after low water we relaunched and headed SE along the Sound of Mull, against the tide but with the breeze. Wind over tide produced bumpy surfing conditions out in the main channel so some of us preferred the smoother water closer to shore. Heavy showers didn't help the experience and after about 5 miles of swift progress we landed at Salen with the suggestion of a possible warming café visit. It was no longer there and as some of the team were not keen on continuing on the water that day we scratched around for somewhere to camp in the still showery late afternoon. A bit of a recce came up trumps and we settled in on a nearby rocky headland with enough patches of green to be comfy. The trek to the pub was only a few hundred yards but eventful due to the terrain.
Following discussions of what/where next and possibly splitting into two parties we all ended up starting our return. The wind was light and most considerately had turned favourable once more so we reached along the Mull shoreline, sometimes having to paddle in the calms and landed for a while to lunch in the showers. Crossing back to Auliston Point was another steady broad reach turning to a run into the delightful anchorage between Oronsay and the mainland, where we camped at a superb spot that some of us had spied a few days before. It rained heavily while we got the tents up and then stopped, leaving a pleasant evening, if a little midgy at times.
Next day we sailed back into Loch Sunart to Resipole in mostly sunny reaching conditions and celebrated with a meal out at the pub. For a few clips of the trip have a look starting here.
Bala Safety Check (RodL)
Things looked good on the Saturday morning when 13 boats were lined up at 11.00 am and ready for action. A nice gentle SW breeze and no rain. The plan was to check the boats for safety features before setting off for the cafe at the NE end of the lake. A capsize drill was planned for 4.00 pm when we would have returned and most would be around the campsite again. The idea was to highlight safety just before members might be thinking of going on holiday to the coast and taking their boats with them. Inshore canoeing on the sea can be an accident waiting to happen if a lot of the features listed are not in place and up to the job. Needless to say, I've thought of more since the list was written, such as a self-bailer.
|