Rain squalls over Ailsa Craig.

As Phil and I approached Drumbain Point there was no sign of Ailsa Craig. It was completely...

...obscured by a heavy rain squall. At first we thought it was going to catch us out too but...

 ......the squall gradually cleared and we continued south under lightening skies.

Ailsa Craig normally dominates the views of the mouth of the Firth of Clyde and it was good to have it back again. I hope to paddle there again soon but as it is 16km from the nearest part of the mainland it is an exposed paddle. You need to be quite fit in case unexpected squalls blow in so Phil and I pressed on into the southerly wind. Each stroke was another step on the road to recovery of paddling fitness.

Freedom and marbled skies over the Firth of Clyde.

 It was a bitterly cold day and we crunched our way through ice at the top of the beach.

 The sun rose as we passed the mouth of the River Doon.

 There was just a hint of an easterly breeze as we made our way...

 ...past the Heads of Ayr...

...which lie about 5km south west of Seafield.

It was a spring low tide and we got some extra exercise. It was a long walk up the beach at Bracken Bay to the old tree trunk, which is our favoured seat for first luncheon. This beach catches surf from the south west and it can be difficult landing here when the tide is higher. Unfortunately I was not looking where I was going and slipped on one of the slimy green rocks. My inattention led to a further painful dislocation of my knee, ouch!

 Setting off south again, the dull grey clouds slowly transformed into...

..the most amazing marbled sky. As the wind caught our sails, we experienced an incredible feeling of freedom. It took the ache away from my knee!