Tuesday 3 April 2018

Day 8, 9 and 10

Day 8 31/03/2018
I woke up early in the morning with the tent shaking in the wind as predicted by the weather. Waves were crashing up the beach. Rain dropping down on the tent. Yes I think it’s going to be a day off today. After checking the rain forecast due to settle around 10 I decided to have a day in Barmouth. Enjoying a good cooked breakfast, wandering around town, donuts and eventually some reading and sleeping.

Day 9 01/04/2018
Today I wanted to get to Aberystwyth. Bit of a tickle on my chest but weather was good. I was up early and on the water by 8. Almost high water so I could pack my boat on the beach and just wait for the water to come up and take me off. South easterly winds meant slight headwinds and a little push offshore but everything was going fine.
With an offshore wind it meant the surf zones were not looking the most friendly. And I’m not the biggest fan of surf landing anyway especially with a fully loaded boat. Lunch and everything else had to happen on the sea with not much time to stop as I would have been losing ground due to winds pushing me in the wrong direction. So I just keep going. Winds due to pick up in the evening as well  so it was good to get where I was going.
Coming along the coast of Aberdovey, this was my plan B if I was too tired to get to Aberystwyth. Looked like a beautiful seaside town. I had read about the Sand Bar so I was being a bit cautions. Trying to stay close to shore, but not too close, then not to close to the sand Bar. I could see it too my right. Towering waves, but an exciting play on a day trip. I hadn’t estimated how much water would be coming out of the River Dovey; the estuary was much wider than I had thought.. and oh yes there I was getting pushed out to sea quite rapidly over the sand bar and through the choppy waves. A quick second to come up with a plan.. well just go with it.. it’s not going to push you to Ireland. So I went with the flow and eventually got back on track parallel with the shore. I guess I couldn’t have landed in Aberdovey harbor if I had wanted too.
I stopped in Borth on the beach for a quick bite and as soon as I got out of my boat a man was approaching me on the beach. He has seen me leave form Barmouth and it had taken him almost just as long by car with a few dog walks in between I would imagine, but it was nice of him to say hello. Maybe a kayak recruit.
Leaving Borth the scenery finally became a bit more exciting with different rock formations shooting out of the sea. Certainly full of geology and wildlife. No seals or dolphins came to say hi, but a few birds. Finally ending in Aberystwyth with the view of the old college building and remains of Aberystwyth Castle.

Day 10 02/04/2018
This morning I had woken up after having not the best night sleep. Cold and my chest had gotten worse with lots of green stuff coming up from my lungs. Mmm.. not pretty. It’s pouring down with a rain. And I check the weather forecast. The following week did not look good. Lots of rain and southerly wind. So I decided to end my trip prematurely and head back to Holyhead to pick up my car. I packed up all my things and left them hidden in between some boats at the university sailing club. What a luxury they have a boathouse right on the water. Then bus and train back to Holyhead.
After checking in with everyone at the sailing club I jump in my car and head back down to Aberystwyth to find my kayak safe.

The coastline of the Llyn Peninsula was beautiful. I really enjoyed all the kayaking and I met many friendly people along the beaches. Cheapest place for a drink was Aberystwyth and most expensive was Aberdaron. Best camp spot was Porth Dinllaen. And certainly a good warm up for the season.

Now to continue my little adventure by car and catch up with old friends in St Dogmaels.