tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305537072012-01-29T11:03:41.856ZImagine you are at the edge of the sea on a day when it is difficult to say where the land ends and the sea begins and where the sea ends and the sky begins. Sea kayaking lets you explore these and your own boundaries and broadens your horizons. Sea kayaking is the new mountaineering.Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.comBlogger14651100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-41957049507577203532012-01-29T10:59:00.001Z2012-01-29T11:03:41.882Z

It was low tide as David, Phil and I made our way down the beach at Maidens.  As we paddled towards Barwhin Point... ...the Troon Trent class lifeboat, RNLIB Jim Moffat, sped past... ...and disappeared over the horizon towards Ailsa Craig. Phil seemed unaware that he was being followed by Bob the Seal. Bob then turned his attention towards me. As he was swimming powerfully

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-20750627521825398932012-01-26T22:57:00.000Z2012-01-27T23:06:11.407Z

The following article first appeared in issue 29 of Ocean Paddler magazine, which was published in December 2011. Since it was published I have developed a possible third recurrence of skin cancer and it was surgically removed earlier this week. I now await the pathology report to see if any further surgery might be required. I have decided to publish the article in full here. By coincidence

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-50406569478258021932012-01-25T23:02:00.003Z2012-01-25T23:04:21.008Z

This is the view that the solitary camper at Bracken Bay had as we impinged on his solitude. One by one, we appeared over his horizon.  The latest addition to our little band is Andrew in his nice new Etain.  Jim came in next...  ...followed by Tony to join Phil and I on the beach. The camper had pitched his tent in the field, which is just to the right of this photo. He came over

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-27266522953021120312012-01-23T07:00:00.000Z2012-01-23T07:38:59.269Z

Andrew and Jim, the Lomo twins, weaved their way steadily through the boats on the hard standing on their way from the Dunure Inn... ...back to the harbour. It is a bit of a novelty for us to exit this harbour in January in a calm. In contrast, this what met us in January 2010. Maintaining one's equilibrium in such conditions is all part of the fun of sea kayaking. A stange buzzing

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-25666110588212323312012-01-22T09:42:00.002Z2012-01-22T09:42:27.540Z

 The chill SE wind meant we had to wear hats and pogies as we crossed the expanse of Culzean Bay.  Because it had been calm the previous day and because the light wind was blowing cross offshore the conditions as we approached...  ...Carnage Corner, south west of Dunure, were calm. These were rather different to the conditions we had encountered here on our last trip. This time, there

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-17780345325006270822012-01-21T15:36:00.000Z2012-01-21T15:36:46.567Z

 Last Saturday, Tony, Andrew, David, Jim, Phil and I set of from Maidens on the Ayrshire coast.  A light breeze soon filled the sails, it is just as well Andrew is a fast paddler.  It was not long until we rounded Barwhin Point. We came across Ensis (OB1004) fishing in shallow water about 300m from the Culzean shore. She is registered in Oban but her home port is Fort William.  The

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-47519910657899214932012-01-20T09:32:00.000Z2012-01-20T09:32:35.351Z

 A 30km day paddle from Portencross on the Ayrshire coast to Brodick in Arran with return by the ferry. Paddling from Garroch Head on Bute across the Sound of Bute to Sannox on Arran. Tides: On the ebb tide there is a tide race off the south end of Garroch Head. This can be rough if there is any south in the wind. The south going ebb starts about -0035 HW Greenock and the north going flood

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-12770810630162533862012-01-18T22:16:00.001Z2012-01-18T22:18:45.015Z

After crossing the Sound of Bute, it was a relief to land on the welcoming granite sand beach at Sannox on Arran. Photo by Ian from Mountain and Sea Scotland. This was my longest trip in a kayak for six months as I have suffered increasing instability in my left knee and pain in both knees. I am only able to go sea kayaking with the help of my understanding friends. Thank you all. Ian's

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-61462741878418782512012-01-18T20:41:00.004Z2012-01-18T20:41:56.038Z

 The crossing of the Sound of Bute from Garroch Head on Bute... ...to Sannox on Arran... ...is probably one of the most scenic in Scotland and at 10.6km requires just a little commitment. I (and very many others) also like the crossing of Loch Scavaig from Elgol to Loch na Cuilce on Skye but it lacks the commitment of an open crossing, as you can keep to the shore. So I would like

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-34329050494660865632012-01-17T07:00:00.000Z2012-01-18T20:42:43.052Z

From Little Cumbrae we set off across a glassy sea towards Bute. Our destination, Port Leithne is just below the second dip on the horizon (from the left). We were crossing one of the main shipping channels on the west of Scotland; the Firth of Clyde Channel. Fortunately this fishing boat was the only other vessel and it was just motoring in circles with its nets out. On other occasions we

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-35512157863786096132012-01-16T09:06:00.002Z2012-01-16T20:21:44.313Z

Our first destination was Gull Point on the Little Cumbrae though we did not planned to stop for a break until we reached the south point of Bute, which can be seen rising beyond the point.  Usually Gull Point resounds to the squabbling calls of the resident gulls but on this still morning...  ...our approach was heralded by fierce barking from the four terriers of Little Cumbrae! They

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-46876917531710738782012-01-15T09:58:00.000Z2012-01-15T21:00:52.469Z

 We set off on a limpid sea...  ...it was the first time there had been a calm spell in two months. Our destination was to be the magnificent island of Arran. Her rocky ridges soared into a clear blue sky. Only on the highest summits did scraps of snow remain after the recent, relentless and relatively warm SW gales.

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-36337741407908971032012-01-13T23:41:00.000Z2012-01-15T09:51:34.351Z

 After two months of incessant wind and rain, today promised to be fair. Ian, Mike , Phil and myself met at Portencross on the Firth of Clyde. We arrived at low water on a spring tide. This sea urchin found itself exposed...  ...as we made our way through the narrow channel... ...to the open sea beyond. It was good to have Mike back on the water with us again. Ian had driven down

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-11995214842265226132012-01-12T20:25:00.000Z2012-01-12T20:25:37.376Z

Ailsa Craig at sunset from the Ayrshire coast near Dunure. The 8th annual sea kayaking desktop wallpaper calendar is available from seakayakphoto.com. The above link will lead to high resolution photos in four different desktop sizes. This was the end of a glorious winter day when Tony, Phil and I set off from Seafield at Ayr and paddled past three castles of Carrick (Greenan, Dunure and

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-23042405291573412582012-01-11T07:00:00.000Z2012-01-11T07:00:07.415Z

STS Europa sails from Greenock south down the Firth of Clyde towards Arran before turning west into the Sound of Bute. The 8th annual sea kayaking desktop wallpaper calendar is available from seakayakphoto.com. The above link will lead to high resolution photos in four different desktop sizes. Phil, Tony and I chose to view the parade of sail (as the tall ships left Greenock en route for

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-54920755834127508472012-01-10T07:00:00.000Z2012-01-10T07:00:04.573Z

Balephuil Bay on the SW coat of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides. The 8th annual sea kayaking desktop wallpaper calendar is available from seakayakphoto.com. The above link will lead to high resolution photos in four different desktop sizes. David, Phil and I enjoyed unbroken sun on our visit to Tiree. We circumnavigated the island in an anticlockwise direction in F4 to F5 NE winds. Being on the

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-60934553404769417732012-01-09T09:21:00.000Z2012-01-09T09:21:07.012Z

Ben Cruachan from the Firth of Lorn. The 8th annual sea kayaking desktop wallpaper calendar is available from seakayakphoto.com. The above link will lead to high resolution photos in four different desktop sizes. Phil, Jennifer and I were crossing From Loch Buie on Mull (where we had camped) to Ellenabeich on Seil. We had set off in a force 4 north easterly, with the wind shrieking round the

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-65637348899501767122012-01-08T12:55:00.000Z2012-01-08T12:55:20.989Z

In the lee of Soay, St Kilda Archipelago. The 8th annual sea kayaking desktop wallpaper calendar is available from seakayakphoto.com. The above link will lead to high resolution photos in four different desktop sizes. After leaving Village Bay on Hirta, we explored Dun and the south and west coasts of Hirta. We then met with the MV Cuma and boarded her for lunch in the lee of Soay. Afterwards

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-25245248961582788892012-01-07T08:40:00.001Z2012-01-08T12:56:03.272Z

The Great Cave of Boreray, St Kilda Archipelago. The 8th annual sea kayaking desktop wallpaper calendar is available from seakayakphoto.com. The above link will lead to high resolution photos in four different desktop sizes. Liz Willis paddles out of the cave, as Simon Willis films from the bow of MV Cuma, during the filming for Sea kayak with Gordon Brown Volume 2. In the middle distance,

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-7212646259318854102012-01-06T07:00:00.000Z2012-01-06T07:00:01.362Z

Seilg Geodha, Dun, St Kilda Archipelago.The 8th annual sea kayaking desktop wallpaper calendar is available from seakayakphoto.com. The above link will lead to high resolution photos in four different desktop sizes. Seilg Geodha is a narrow fissure on the NE coast of Dun. It leads right through the island to a large cavern which exists onto the SW side of the island. This cave was used as

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-36769747519941885422012-01-05T07:00:00.000Z2012-01-05T08:39:56.597Z

Port Mona, Mull of Galloway, North Channel. The 8th annual sea kayaking desktop wallpaper calendar is available from seakayakphoto.com. The above link will lead to high resolution photos in four different desktop sizes. This was a wonderful day in early summer when Jennifer, Jim W, Phil and I paddled round the Mull of Galloway from East Tarbert to Port Logan. Port Mona is an isolated beach,

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-37382345445511631482012-01-04T07:00:00.000Z2012-01-04T10:17:50.309Z

Sundown behind Garroch Head, Bute, Firth of Clyde. The 8th annual sea kayaking desktop wallpaper calendar is available from seakayakphoto.com. The above link will lead to high resolution photos in four different desktop sizes. This photo was taken at Gull Point at the south end of Little Cumbrae. Jennifer, Phil, Tony and I met up with some members of the Castle Craig Club including

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-43497921120737649372012-01-03T12:20:00.000Z2012-01-03T12:20:25.210Z

March, Dippen Head, Arran Firth of Clyde. This was on the last day of a fantastic circumnavigation of Arran with David. We were able to use the sails for nearly half of the trip.The headland is composed of Tertiary olivine basalt cliffs. The 8th annual sea kayaking desktop wallpaper calendar is available from seakayakphoto.com. The above link will lead to high resolution photos in four

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-41135725582754670192012-01-02T10:01:00.000Z2012-01-02T10:01:40.657Z

February, Ailsa Craig, Firth of Clyde. The 8th annual sea kayaking desktop wallpaper calendar is available from seakayakphoto.com. The above link will lead to high resolution photos in four different desktop sizes.

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-67950867736489988412012-01-01T10:53:00.002Z2012-01-01T10:53:13.728Z

I wish a Happy New Year to all visitors to seakayakphoto.com. As way of a celebration of the last year and in anticipation of sea kayaking adventures yet to come, here is the 8th annual sea kayaking desktop wallpaper calendar from seakayakphoto.com. The above link will lead to high resolution photos in four different desktop sizes. As usual, all the photos were taken in 2011, even though my

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-4829325532616710332011-12-25T10:52:00.000Z2011-12-25T10:52:06.885Z

I wish all a very Merry Christmas. I hope the man in the red suit was kind to you! Douglas :o)

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-62642341099375532602011-12-22T22:14:00.000Z2011-12-22T22:14:44.016Z

I have been testing the new P&H skeg slider (above). Some of the first generation of sliders (see photo below)  became increasingly difficult to operate, sometimes even after just a few days on the water. In both photos, the slider is on the left side of the kayak and the bow is on the left of the photo. The basic mechanism lifts the skeg up by pulling the blue dyneema cord (against an

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-65172047180554502972011-12-20T07:00:00.000Z2011-12-20T07:00:02.913Z

 As we turned back from Culzean...  ...towards Maidens,... ...an approaching front... ...darkened the sky and... ...the temperature dropped like a stone. We entered Maidenhead Bay to the north of Turnberry and landed on the sands at the head of the bay. Our finger tips were numb with the cold but minds were refreshed by a great paddle in such glorious surroundings.

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-76736255620583538382011-12-19T19:19:00.000Z2011-12-19T19:19:40.445Z

After a leisurely lunch at Turnberry beach, we paddled out past the treacherous reefs again. Beyond the reefs, the wind had dropped and we paddled below Turnberry lighthouse on relatively calm waters. The reefs of Turnberry Point and nearby Brest (or Bristo) Rocks were notorious as the graveyard of many ships making their way to and from the busy ports in the Firth of Clyde. The lighthouse

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-47565953144942216862011-12-19T08:54:00.001Z2011-12-19T08:58:45.092Z

Sunday dawned clear but with a 13 knot NW wind it was bitterly cold. We had intended launching at Seafield Ayr but the tide goes out a long way there and I have not been on the water  for 6 weeks because of continuing problems with my knees. So Tony and I continued south to Maidens for an easier launch. Unfortunately we missed Phil who was loading his kayak in the back garden and didn't hear

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-45407377834039400112011-12-16T23:45:00.001Z2011-12-19T23:11:10.121Z

This is probably my most used bit of kayaking kit. My Kokatat GORE-TEX® Expedition Dry Suit is now entering its third winter, I bought it in October 2009. I own two other dry suits, a non breathable Dam X 3000 Series Kayaking Dry Suit,  which is very robust (ideal for WW kayaking, you can climb over barbed wire fences  and wade through thorn bushes on the way to the river in it) but for sea

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-37207317415525366432011-12-14T07:00:00.000Z2011-12-14T07:00:11.302Z

 As we left the Heads of Ayr... ...the Sun began to set and as it got lower in the sky...  ...the wind gradually dropped away.  One by one, we paddled steadily to shore, each of us, lost in our own thoughts.  After we pulled the kayaks from the water... ...Ayr Bay was left empty and alone, to the darkness of the approaching night.

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-33089926422473175752011-12-13T07:00:00.000Z2011-12-13T07:00:07.024Z

The Heads of Ayr are a major landmark on the Ayrshire coast and... ...are a well preserved lower carboniferous volcanic vent. Bracken Bay is a wonderful place to stop... ...and catch the last of the sunshine on a winter day. The Cetus MV has really lovely lines. We sat on an old tree trunk with hot soup and a warming malt whisky. The talk was of past expeditions and of those yet

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-23917339375078399292011-12-12T14:54:00.000Z2011-12-12T14:54:15.102Z

When we left the pub at Dunure, the wind had moderated and was blowing at a pretty steady 10 knots, from the south. Emerging from the windshadow of the cliffs and the castle, we launched the sails for an enjoyable run up to Ayr. The great bulk of Ailsa Craig gradually...  ...slipped astern as we... ... paddled and sailed our way up the Ayrshire coast.  We were bound for the Heads

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-28427558292424152902011-12-10T23:03:00.001Z2011-12-11T20:00:22.082Z

At Carnage Corner the waves ramped up blocking our view of the way ahead. Even from the crests, I frequently lost sight of Jim in the troughs. As the wave length shortened, Jim and I saw an opportunity to catch the others and really started to paddle hard to catch the waves for some decent surfing. Then it happened. Just as he was applying a power stroke, two closely spaced waves lifted the

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-50842081506852377992011-12-10T22:11:00.001Z2011-12-11T09:45:24.624Z

As we approached the rocky coastline at the north end of Culzean Bay... ...Jim was really powering the Taran, catching every wave in order to nose ahead of the kayak sailors. However, as we passed the point, the wind increased and Jim inevitably fell behind the kayak sailors. One of the dangers in kayak sailing is that a mixed group can become very spread out. David, Phil and Tony

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-15585508797439264972011-12-06T22:35:00.001Z2011-12-07T21:45:56.436Z

In the shelter of Carrick Bay at the south end of Culzean all was calm but... ...beyond the reef a deliciously steady 14 knot cross off  wind was blowing. Jim was in his awesomely fast new Rockpool Taran but he was the only one without a sail. Who would have the advantage..? Tony and David were looking confident as the breeze picked up as we left the shore. David was trying out

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-1374257903548185462011-12-05T22:20:00.001Z2011-12-07T21:58:23.349Z

I was really keen to try the Cetus MV as soon as possible and Saturday's forecast looked ideal. The Met Office Inshore Forecast for the Firth of Clyde was for Force 5 to 7 SSW easing to F4-5. XC weather was more moderate.  Whatever, conditions looked ideal for a downwind blast from Maidens to Ayr... ...so Jim, Phil David and I left shuttle cars at Seafield and were on the water at

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-23309662987875532662011-12-02T14:00:00.001Z2011-12-02T14:15:38.785Z

 Da Du Da Du  Da Du Da Du  Ta Du Boom  Ta Du Boom Yes it's a shiny new P&H Cetus MV. I am lucky enough to have this on long term loan from P&H, so hopefully I will be able to give some good feedback and reviews. I have previously had long term loans of P&H, Valley, Seakayaks UK, Rockpool and Point 65 sea kayaks, so I hope any future reports will continue to be as impartial as

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-45242369315418663252011-12-01T07:00:00.000Z2011-12-01T07:00:01.456Z

 After rounding the Heads of Ayr, the offshore wind drove us to the northeast towards...  ...the rising full moon... ...and the town of Ayr under a the dusky pink sky. Away to the northwest, Arran's ridges soared above the gathering sea fog and... ...by the time we made landfall, the gathering night had all but extinguished the last embers of the day.

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-6633799021521003862011-11-30T07:00:00.000Z2011-11-30T07:00:02.636Z

The SE wind gave us welcome assistance as we made our way north towards the Heads of Ayr.  As the sun began to sink slowly and steadily below a layer of low cloud...  ...we were bathed in the most beautiful warm light. For a moment time seemed to stand still and even the calls of the sea birds died away...  ...as if in anticipation of the sun leaving the day. After

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-79287826521887877012011-11-29T07:00:00.000Z2011-11-29T07:00:05.983Z

 As the sun began to set, an offshore breeze picked up and... ...pushed us on towards the Heads of Ayr. We revelled in the magic of the moment... ...as the sundowner gathered strength,...  ...the smells of the land filled our nostrils and... ...the Moon rose over the Heads of Ayr.

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-85989782558902681312011-11-28T07:00:00.000Z2011-11-28T07:00:05.671Z

 The wind dropped before we got to... ...the ancient castle of Dunure. If the weather had been bad we would have stopped at the pub but... ...it was such a nice day that we continued north to Drumbane and a little bay with a hidden secret.  A delightful burn tumbles out of a little glen high above the beach. Its waters flashed and sparkled as they rushed headlong... ...over the

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-59919562475564605932011-11-27T07:00:00.000Z2011-11-27T07:00:03.747Z

The coastline south of Dunure consists of a series of rocky dykes projecting from a raised beach above which an old cliff line has a series of dry sea caves at its base. Phil and I were enjoying running before the north wind and... the last of the ebb tide, which were speeding us past... ...the gull colony on the rocks north of Croy. We could have paddled on south all day but it was

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0South of Dunure55.38847206158908 -4.77321624755859455.379452561589076 -4.7929572475585935 55.39749156158908 -4.753475247558594tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-34669104780064824992011-11-26T07:00:00.000Z2011-11-26T07:00:02.518Z

 When we left Dunure harbour we still had an ebb tide and...  ...a fair wind to continue south a little longer.  A flash of paddles on the horizon announced the arrival of another party of kayakers. It was Julie with 2 friends. We had met her with her husband Tom in these waters just two days before. Everyone was making the most of the late and fleeting Scottish summer!

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-8047395061080449712011-11-25T07:00:00.000Z2011-11-25T07:00:03.735Z

The ruined walls of Dunure Castle announce our arrival... ...at the fishing village of Dunure. We kept the sails up... ...as we entered the shelter of... ...of the little harbour for a well deserved break and luncheon in the sun.

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-35213335983061086772011-11-24T18:51:00.001Z2011-11-24T22:08:45.504Z

From Bracken Bay we followed a line of cliffs towards the south and the fishing village of Dunure. Ailsa Craig slowly rose over the reefs ahead as we were carried south by fair wind and tide. The sea fog round the coast of Arran and Holy Island slowly lifted... ...revealing many of fishing boats on the horizon including FV Atlas and FV Deliverance. (Photo Philip Toman.)   I hope

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-33579553747613110522011-11-22T07:00:00.000Z2011-11-22T07:00:02.029Z

Once we had cleared the Heads of Ayr, we turned our bows east... ...towards Bracken Bay, which nestles below the cliffs.  At certain states of the tide there is soft sand to land on but even so the beach is well studded with rocks. We soon unpacked our first luncheon and made our way to the top of thje beach where an old tree trunk makes a perfect place to sit... ...and admire the

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-49507210735852495052011-11-21T08:42:00.001Z2011-11-21T13:36:07.373Z

Scottish summers are like swallows, you don't see one for ages then along come two sunny days at once. Even so, it was rather unexpected when summer finally arrived, in early November. A couple of days after our last enjoyable trip to the Ayrshire coast, Phil and I returned and launched at Seafield, Ayr. Although the coast round about was in full sun, thik banks of sea fog hid much of the land

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-82194692489843100092011-11-18T07:00:00.000Z2011-11-18T07:00:08.114Z

 As the sun began to sink to the SW, we paddled on towards Turnberry Point...  ...then entered Maidens Bay under the guiding light of Turnnberry lighthouse.  The sun was low in the SW sky as we pulled the kayaks from the water and... ...was already setting behind Ailsa Craig by the time we set off for home in the shuttle cars.

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-8761107109128158272011-11-17T06:36:00.001Z2011-11-17T19:38:18.354Z

 We paddled on down the wonderful coastline of Culzean.  As we approched the skerries at Barwhin Point, a heron watched our approach with a sharp yellow eye... ...it repeatedly flew off just as as we approached... ... and each time it would land about 100m ahead of us. Finally, at the end of the reefs, it decided that the next jump to Ailsa Craig was probably a bit too far. So it

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-9217330657778386012011-11-11T08:07:00.001Z2011-11-11T08:31:45.414Z

After lunch at Croy Tom and Julie returned north to Dunure leaving Tony, Phil and myself...  ...to cross the broad expanse of Culzean Bay.  as we approached the south side of the bay Turnberry lighthouse appeared on the horizon before...  ...we made landfall at Robert Adam's magnificent Culzean Castle. Next spring my daughter Sheena will be getting married to Adam (not Robert Adam!) in

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-54286025305455197082011-11-10T08:29:00.001Z2011-11-10T10:38:37.943Z

Over the last three months I have had increasing problems with my left knee, which has also now started to dislocate. Both knees are very painful so I have not been any long car or sea kayak journeys. Last weekend was so nice that Tony and I set off on a local paddle from Seafield in Ayr towards Maidens, further down the Firth of Clyde. We had taken sails but they remained unleashed. We

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-89314033934337950632011-11-06T21:26:00.001Z2011-11-06T21:26:46.544Z

A 15km half day paddle from Port Askaig, in the Sound of Islay, August 2010. This is a great place to paddle if you arrive back at Port Askaig in the morning and the ferry back to Kennacraig in Kintyre is not due till late afternoon. We took advantage of a south going tide that was due to turn north in plenty of time to return. Islay is always worth a visit, more great Islay information

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-46962954981625756292011-11-04T08:42:00.000Z2011-11-04T08:42:09.369Z

We were travelling north on the Sound of Islay at an ever increasing speed. We were not paddling particularly energetically but by the time we passed the Carraig Mhor light, we were fair belting along! These buoys were submerged by the strength of the current going our way... ...so it was not surprising we arrived back in Port Askaig in plenty of time for the ferry. We spent the spare

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-63784921682505472312011-11-03T07:00:00.000Z2011-11-03T07:00:02.578Z

As the power of the tide sped us north in the Sound of Islay, the low cliffs and shingle beaches gave way...  ...to the wooded shores of Dunlossit estate. We spotted a little building with no windows at Port an t-Seillich. We could not resist exploring. It turned out to be a disused hydro electric station. Its water supply is the... ...burn that flows out of the dammed waters of Loch

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-7633959881607228992011-11-02T07:00:00.000Z2011-11-02T07:00:02.112Z

 When we eventually emerged from An Cladach, the sun had broken through the clouds and...  ...we left the bothy in full sunshine. As we paddled up the coastline of Islay we noticed that the shingle shores were... ...passing by ever more quickly. The north going flood was already gaining strength.  Where the Sound of Islay began to narrow..  ...we joined a family of swans,

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-74992558563738391012011-11-01T07:00:00.000Z2011-11-01T07:00:08.873Z

The grass squelched under our feet as we made our way up to the bothy. We hung our soaking jackets under the eaves and set about lighting a fire to help dry out. I had brought some logs but we left those in the woodpile and lit a couple of peats, which had been cut from the hillside above the bothy. Brunch was to be interesting. We had wraps, dry cured bacon, tomatoes, Leerdammer cheese

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-37167786075975014872011-10-31T07:00:00.000Z2011-10-31T08:12:26.066Z

After our trip round the Oa peninsula, we camped overnight at Kintra campsite. During the night the wind increased and the tents were lashed by rain squalls. The forecast was for strong westerly winds, veering north west and for heavy rain becoming sunshine and showers. We rose early and broke camp before driving to Port Askaig, where we would get the late afternoon ferry back to the mainland.

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-42894809556469434692011-10-28T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-28T07:00:09.179+01:00

A two day, 43km, paddle from Claggain Bay to Kintra, round the Mull of Oa on Islay, the most southerly point in all of the Hebrides. Tidal streams 200m off the Oa peninsula at spring tides run at 4-5knots: NW going flood begins HW Dover (11:31 on the day) overfalls off Rubha nan Leacan, Sgeirean Buidhe, Mull of Oa. SE going ebb begins -0610 HW Dover overfalls off Mull of Oa, Sgeirean Buidhe

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-76001390351907865972011-10-26T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-26T07:00:11.313+01:00

 Beyond Soldier's Rock, the coastline of the Oa peninsula is riven by a series of basalt dykes in various states of erosion. Some like this one are still in place. Others like this one, through a stack off Rubha Mor, have eroded away leaving channels just wide enough for a kayak to sip through. When we rounded Rubha Mor we saw the great sweep of Traigh Mhor backed by the distant Paps of

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-36916016367650639662011-10-25T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-25T07:00:02.446+01:00

 Our voyage along the west coast of the Mull of Oa continued with undiminished interest. Just before we turned east along the north coast...  ...we came to the great sea stack...  ...called Soldier's Rock. In an alcove beyond the stack we came to... ...a huge cave with several windows in its roof. It even had a cave within a cave and...  ...a waterfall tumbling down through a

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-49925909339365341692011-10-24T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-24T10:37:09.574+01:00

From the beach at Lower Killeyan (where we had enjoyed first luncheon) we had paddled quite a long way along the Oa peninsula. It was now well past time for our second luncheon! So we landed in the delightful cove of Bun an Easan "foot of the waterfall". We climbed up the slope behind the beach and enjoyed a tasty meal of Stilton cheese, oatcakes and red grapes washed down with a little

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-72119925986230445232011-10-22T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-22T07:00:00.842+01:00

 The west coast of the Mull of Oa on Islay is rockhopping heaven. We paddled through geos and... ...under waterfalls that... ...tumbled straight into the sea from the hills above. But we were not alone... ...we were being watched from both the land...  ...and the air, by the resident feral goats and a sea eagle.

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-26614112555366419242011-10-21T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-21T07:00:01.735+01:00

We set of from Lower Killeyan Bay and were soon weaving through a series of offshore stacks and... ...channels through the skerries. To the north of the bay, the tidal eddy was running against us even more strongly than it had before. We took a last look back at the Mull of Oa from Sgeirean Buidhe Ghil before we took a... ...well earned rest in the shelter round the headland. From

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-69070044683707491962011-10-20T12:25:00.000+01:002011-10-20T12:25:30.054+01:00

The west coast of the Mull of Oa is characterised by many offshore skerries and stacks. The Mull forms the SE boundary of Loch Indaal. Despite the flood tide, a strong counter eddy was flowing south, out of Loch Indaal, and joining the west going Mull of Oa tide race. At several pinch points we found ourselves paddling "uphill"!  We took a break at the lovely Lower Killeyan beach. Visitors

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-5628134902500116532011-10-19T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-20T11:43:27.588+01:00

We now approached the great rock blade of Sgeirean Buidhe, which lies in the centre of the SW coast of the Oa peninsula. On another trip earlier that year, we had encountered a major tide race off these rocks but on this day, Tony and I zipped past the headland on relatively smooth water before... ...breaking out into the eddy behind the point. Ahead lay the Mull of Oa itself. It was

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-85040757069280005952011-10-18T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-18T07:00:04.584+01:00

 We set off down the SE coast of the Mull of Oa, threading small stacks crowned by cormorants. The coast is composed of increasingly bold cliffs. As we approached  Rubha nan Leacan at 09:40 (which was 40 minutes before HW Dover) the west going flood tide had already started. HW Dover is supposed to be slack water but, like many of the inshore tidal streams round Islay, it starts about 45

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-81197638738478203242011-10-17T15:40:00.002+01:002011-10-17T17:50:00.025+01:00

 The forecast for the Firth of Clyde was for sun and wind so a little trip to Ayr seemed in order.  We set off from Seafield at Ayr just as the SW wind was picking up.  By the time we got to the Heads of Ayr  we were getting tired but kept going...  ...for another 2km...  ...until we turned and...  ...started the down wind blast..  ...back to Bracken Bay for a break. This

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-26802540120533613052011-10-16T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-16T07:00:01.929+01:00

 The dawn came gently on Islay's Mull of Oa. Banks of mist hung over the windless sea  Although the mist slowly burned off with the sun... ...the humidity was high and my camera kept misting up. Another  problem with the lack of wind was a ferocious midge attack. This made loading the kayaks a rapid affair before... ...we tackled the surf and studs to escape their myriad of fangs.

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-49514543503409143712011-10-15T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-15T13:10:25.979+01:00

We really had found a piece of Paradise on the Oa peninsula of Islay. The bay was ringed by jagged stacks and the beach was backed by sheltering cliffs. The turquoise sea was crystal clear and...  ...the sands were washed by the gentle beat of the Atlantic surf.  We gathered driftwood from the high tide mark and as... ...night fell, we warmed ourselves by the fire. Oa, what a

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-59838275228285725032011-10-14T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-15T12:57:01.179+01:00

 From Laphroaig we had intended paddling across Caolas an Eilein to the island of Texa. However, the north wind was by now rather strong and we didn't particularly fancy getting blown past the Mull of Kintyre towards Ireland! So we hugged the coast round to Port Ellen, where the MV Isle of Arran was lying at her berth. The wind was whistling out of Kilnaughton Bay. We used the lee of a

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-62858397525141170362011-10-13T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-13T20:39:05.420+01:00

From the Ardmore Islands, we paddled below the wooded shores of Islay's Kildalton estate. The great house is now a ruin but in the early 20th century it belonged to a wealthy, eccentric, travelling gentleman called Talbot Clifton. Clifton liked to travel the World and shoot things, pretty much anything was fair game; tigers, lions, elephants, and closer to home, grouse, snipe, stags, IRA

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-3021046070937463802011-10-12T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-12T07:00:08.752+01:00

 From Claggain Bay on the SE coast of Islay, the brisk northerly wind blew us... ...out past Trudernish Point. The combination of strong offshore wind and bright sunshine gave fantastic paddling conditions. Downwind, there was nothing but open sea, which stretched away for nearly 50km to the distant Mull of Kintyre. When we rounded Ardmore Point under scudding clouds, the sight of the

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-3543894895227055532011-10-11T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-11T13:55:42.880+01:00

Recently Joe and several other regular visitors to seakayakphoto.com  have asked if I will be speaking at the Perth Canoe Show this year. I will be talking at 2:30pm on the Sunday 23rd October. This year I plan to borrow a high definition projector that shows an image size of 1920x1028, with a contrast ratio of 50,000:1. This should show photos to much better advantage than the hall's standard

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-52198712336173552352011-10-10T09:34:00.002+01:002011-10-10T09:34:51.320+01:00

Yet another weekend has passed without being able to go sea kayaking. I had hoped that my worsening knee problems would still allow me to continue sea kayaking but, worryingly, this is not proving to be the case. My "good" knee suffered a minor dislocation on Friday, fortunately it went back itself, just by hyper-extending my knee, but it gave me a real shock; a reminder of my accident on

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-43990303916483153122011-10-09T21:57:00.000+01:002011-10-17T17:40:56.577+01:00

I have been lucky enough to secure a long term loan of a P&H Delphin in order to carry out a long term test and review. The Delphin is P&H's "play the sea" kayak. I have four other sea kayaks in my garage, so I don't really need the Delphin, but straight away I liked the long cockpit. I have increasing difficulty getting in and out of the Nordkapp LV because of my bad knees. The Delphin's

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-78900022755431986842011-10-08T18:19:00.000+01:002011-10-08T18:19:55.275+01:00

I have updated the Flat Earth Kayak Sail Fitting Instructions page to include the Rockpool Alaw Bach.

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-14271357311437345722011-10-07T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-09T15:43:22.727+01:00

A 37km, day trip round the west and north coasts of the Rinns of Islay. Launch at Portnahaven NR167521 small shop, hotel/pub, limited car parking nearby, toilets/water at top of hill. Recover kayaks at Crois Mor NR297703 in Loch Gruinart or a few hundred metres to the NE at low tide. Tides:  Portnahaven: Constant -0110 Oban (+0550 Dover) Tidal streams off Portnahaven run at 8 knots springs.

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-60430813506424922792011-10-06T08:44:00.000+01:002011-10-06T08:44:20.508+01:00

Under lowering clouds  we set off from Ton Mhor along the north shore of the Rinns of Islay towards the gap between Ardnave Point and Nave Island. The gap is infested with reefs but as it was high water, most were submerged. Despite this, the water inside the reefs was still pretty sheltered from the swell.  Looking back, Ton Mhor was now getting plastered with rain which was quickly heading

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-78867599442478421912011-10-05T17:06:00.001+01:002011-10-06T08:46:27.094+01:00

An exciting package arrived at Seakayakphoto Towers yesterday. Its elongated shape and Australian postmark had me salivating in anticipation. Four prototype sails for future models of Flat Earth Kayak Sails have been sent for final testing to Florida, Queensland, England and Scotland, and am I lucky to get my hands on the Scottish one? Kathy in Florida and GnarlyDog in Queensland are getting

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-42530436868170566682011-10-05T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-05T07:00:07.244+01:00

I am afraid I have not a single photo of our paddle under the cliffs between Cape Fear and of Ton Mhor at the north end of the wild Rinns of Islay. After closing with the rocks we got out of the worst of the counter tide race but the clapotits proved to be somewhat of a challenge to tiring paddlers. It was like hanging onto a bucking bronco! We felt some relief when we eventually turned the

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-50209742858470556392011-10-04T07:00:00.000+01:002011-10-04T23:04:31.128+01:00

From Lossit Bay to Machir Bay the rocky ramparts of of the Rinns stretches for 8km almost unbroken. Kilchiaran Bay is the only breach in this coast's impenetrable armour but it was full of surf so we pressed on to Machir Bay. When I say "we pressed on", I am perhaps implying we had somewhat more choice in the matter than actually existed, given the reality of the building north going tide and

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-27268633765216301322011-10-03T09:04:00.001+01:002011-10-03T09:04:56.195+01:00

Leaving the shelter of Portnahaven at slack water, we entered the channel between Islay and the offshore islands of Orsay and Eilean Mhic Coinnich. Despite being "slack", the north going tide was already ripping through the channel at 3 knots. The islands and the Stevenson lighthouse on Orsay were soon left astern and we were now committed, there could be no turning back. We were

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-33528554898714813152011-10-02T12:36:00.001+01:002011-10-03T09:05:57.151+01:00

Tony and I had been trying to complete kayaking round Islay for several years and despite frequent visits, we had been unable to paddle the west coast of the Rinns of Islay. This was to be my third visit of the year and only a few weeks before, had already turned back from the Rhinns after meeting huge swell in otherwise benign conditions. Prior to this trip, a succession of days with SE winds

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-38497849568674884692011-10-01T22:41:00.002+01:002011-10-09T15:38:46.214+01:00

Partly due to my deteriorating knees and partly due to the recent weather, I have been doing less sea kayaking recently and as a result my recent trips have been short half day trips, usually from Ayr. I find it difficult sitting in a kayak for a long time and do not like long car jointures. To provide some variety for the blog, I am going to dip into the back catalogue and where better to start

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-48049741778517020562011-09-30T16:31:00.001+01:002011-10-09T15:45:13.525+01:00

A 22km half day trip from the public slipway at Largs Marina round Little Cumbrae, September 2011. Rounding Farland Head, Great Cumbrae after a windy crossing of the Tan from Little Cumbrae. Luncheon with the Little Cumbrae terriers. Glorious sun, wind and waves at Gull Point.

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-2064218864757042602011-09-29T23:36:00.002+01:002011-09-30T16:23:35.212+01:00

We set off from Little Cumbrae castle into 14 knots of wind from the south which was blowing against the south going tide. We knew it would be lively at Gull Point at the south end of the Little Cumbrae and we were not disappointed. This photo was taken just south of the lighthouse where the water had flattened off enough to allow me to get the camera out.  Once round the lighthouse, we were

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-17248743301778141422011-09-28T23:03:00.000+01:002011-09-30T16:35:12.177+01:00

There was a decent weather forecast and Tony and I felt like a short local paddle. So we nipped down to Largs on the Clyde coast and enjoyed... ...a lively paddle as the south going ebb met the south wind off Farland Point on the Great Cumbrae Island. Our destination was the Little Cumbrae Island which lay on the far side of the Tan with the mountains of Arran rising beyond. After a

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-71555534901415765302011-09-27T21:58:00.000+01:002011-09-27T21:58:12.815+01:00

When I first tried the P&H Delphin I was impressed by all the usual things: its comfortable ergonomics, its stability in rough water, its manoeuvrability, its surfing, its rolling, its behaviour in winds... but I really couldn't wait to put a sail on it. Those hard chines at the bow are just asking for a sail to provide the drive to push through the waves in front! I mounted the pulley for

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-85075467705962147442011-09-26T22:09:00.000+01:002011-09-26T22:09:41.387+01:00

 There was a 12 knot headwind blowing directly from our destination the Heads of Ayr. I decided to try and tack upwind to see if it would be quicker than just putting my head down and paddling straight for the Heads of Ayr. At first I tacked upwind while both paddling and sailing. I covered 1600m over the ground but only 600m upwind in 15.28mins. The over ground speed was 6.3km/hr but the

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-88673127074118490692011-09-25T22:57:00.002+01:002011-09-25T22:57:39.107+01:00

A 64km two day trip from north of Arisaig exploring Loch nan Ceall, the Sound of Arisaig and Loch Moidart, August 2011.  The Cuillin of Skye from the Arisaig Skerries at the mouth of Loch nan Ceall. Loch Ailort in the Sound of Arisaig. Castle Tiorum in Loch Moidart. Thank goodness for sea kayaking! The ejaculating spoots of Arisaig. Sea kayaking the Arisaig skerries The plight of

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-36771154797033073592011-09-23T14:48:00.001+01:002011-09-23T17:20:57.397+01:00

We journeyed west along the north coast of the Sound of Arisaig towards... ...Eilean a' Ghaill, from which we had set off on our crossing of the Sound, just the previous day. However, as is often the case on trips with such intense experiences as this one, it felt more like a week ago! We had intended camping at Port nam Murrach further up the coast but when we got there my heart sank when I

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-87185960250670708852011-09-22T22:28:00.000+01:002011-09-22T22:28:10.434+01:00

We left Loch Ailort and entered Loch nan Uamh. At first the head of the loch was obstructed by the dark ridges of the north Ardnish coast... ...but soon we could see the ridge above the loch head illuminated in a shaft of sun. The Prince's Cairn lies just behind Eilean Gobhlach (the dark rocky islet about 1/3 of the way from the left side of the photo). It was here that Bonny Prince Charlie

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-84974618799198603722011-09-22T07:00:00.000+01:002011-09-22T07:00:04.821+01:00

Photo Donald Wilcox Donald and I had been crossing the mouth of Loch Ailort with the intention of taking a luncheon on one of the beaches on the Ardnish peninsula. However, my knee was now causing so much pain that I was desperate to get out the kayak and stretch my legs, never mind check the dressing on my recently lacerated toe. I spotted this lovely strand of sand on the delightful little

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-62266681873540710952011-09-21T07:00:00.000+01:002011-09-21T07:00:06.419+01:00

From Glenuig, Donald in his boat and myself in my kayak made our way across the mouth of Loch Ailort.  The scene was dominated by Rois_Bheinn (878m)... ...which rose above the eponymous estate house of Roshven. This is available as a holiday let and the Dining room sits 20. I am not sure if hirers are advised to bring their own cook as at Eilean Shona House, which we had passed earlier in

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-89726853700369396752011-09-20T20:15:00.001+01:002011-09-20T20:15:28.490+01:00

Heading north past the Smirisary coast, Donald was well ahead as he tracked a shoal of fish with his fish finder. I kept close inshore and as we turned into  the Sound of Arisaig I caught him up. His main engine had stopped while idling during his fishing and would not restart. I checked he could get his auxilliary going and left him to cleaning his spark plug. We arranged to meet at

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-29273001206609204012011-09-20T07:00:00.000+01:002011-09-20T07:00:07.537+01:00

From the west coast of Moidart, we enjoyed a stunning view over the sea to Eigg and Rum. Donald kept well out from the numerous skerries while he fished. It was now  definitely time for lunch as some time had elapsed since third breakfast, so we took a break  on the sands of Port Achadh an Aonaich (port of the upland moor field). While Donald came in from his fishing, I chatted to a nice

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-31941950513920460802011-09-19T14:03:00.000+01:002011-09-19T17:38:28.364+01:00

 The south coast of Eilean Shona proved to be a wild place with wooded islets and... ...rocks plunging straight into the waters of Loch Moidart. The transition of colours from the forest above to the sea below was very pleasing. I slipped through rocky channels, where an otter was my only companion, while Donald kept well out into the deeper water of the South Channel. At last I

Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-64081392948441781652011-09-18T07:00:00.000+01:002011-09-18T07:00:04.142+01:00

Our journey by motor boat and kayak continued. The south channel of Loch Moidart is guarded by... ...the grey walls of Castle Tioram (pron. cheerum), which sits on a tidal island on the south shore. It was the ancestral home of  Clan Ranald from the 14th century. The family owned the castle until the early 20th century, though it has been a ruin since  the early 18th century. The castle

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