Ashley & Clive's Canoe Saga 31/01/2007

Yesterday I'd just finished my Monday morning chores when Ashley phoned:- "Fine day & calm. Fancy a paddle round Eilean Righ - I'm not working today & have a pass until 15.15 (collect Jamie from school)?"

It did look a nice day & in my still rather bleary state I could'nt think of any reason why not - so we agreed to meet at 10.30

Soon after we were both afloat in the lagoon & heading out into the main Loch, admiring Jenny England's new boat 'Iona' (on David's mooring) as we passed. Ideal conditions enabled us to make good progress clockwise round the Island keeping close inshore to watch the wildlife & spot potential beachcomings (one enormous plastic container). The Island slip-way, our intended lunch spot, was reached at 11.45 so we decided to press on to Goat Island but then modified the passage plan yet again (the sun was out & the water almost mirror smooth) - to go just a little further to the wee sandy beach by Brenport & at the base of Creag a'Bhanan. We got ashore there without difficulty & enjoyed a leisurely lunch (still in sun), while plotting a future assault on the hill. My new phone includes a camera with time delay so Ashley had the challenge of setting this up while I finished my coffee (resulting picture attached).

Then it was back afloat & head for home, via the narrows between Righ & Goat (Ashley temporarily grounded on one of the rocks - fortunately his poly-something canoe is pretty forgiving!) The time was getting on & a F3 Southerly was bringing drizzle, so we opted for the direct passage back to the lagoon - actually quite quick with the wind behind us! And we were all packed up & home again by 14.30. It had been a super brief weather window!

Clive Brown 31/01/2007