Isles Of Scilly - Expedition report
The Team - Yvonne, Charlie, Lisa, David, Jackie, Maddy, John, Mitch Jeff and Simon
Our IOS expedition booked up very early this year and we had been looking forward all summer to get out there with the group. We all met at Maenporth beach for a familiarisation day in the local area. It was the start of Falmouth week so there was lots of boats to avoid while crossing the Fal to St Mawes for strawberries and clotted cream.
Lisa and Charlie leaving the beach at St Agnes
` I say, anybody for a cup of tea?` St Martins
Jackie and Jeff paddling back to shelter after a blast in the full force of the Atlantic
The weather was set to play a major part in the week. On the first night we had a forecast of force 9 winds. However the night was breathless and strangely quiet. The low pressure had passed directly over us. The Scillonian was cancelled for the next day only to be rescheduled in the morning. None of the forecasts could seem to get it right. With 3.5 m seas off the backs of the islands we cautiously explored the inner parts of the islands for the first half of the week.
Bryher from Tresco
The paddling was amazing with crystal clear waters and and perfect beaches. What really made the trip was the people who booked onto the expedition. The group really bonded and worked really well as a team both on and off the water.
Thanks to all of the group for making it such a memorable week for both of us.
3 Comments:
Isles of Scilly or Scilly Isles BUT NOT The Scillies as a local emphatically told me while having yet another welcome lunchtime drink in a pub!
I so enjoyed my sea-kayaking trip with a group of 7 other fee-paying kayakers and 2 well worn expedition leaders that I want to say a BIG thanks to all those who kept me company with fun, laughter and useful tips on how to stay up-right!!
I had always wanted to visit the IoS but whenever I looked into it, it just seemed way too expensive and out of my league until along came Sea Kayaking Cornwall, with Jeff and Simon, who were putting together a 7 day expedition to the Isles! Expedition that was an education in itself! Everyone was so self-contained I thought it would be a more communal effort with everyone pitching in at meals times. What I didn't realise was that happened later in the pub!!
Although the weather was arse about face starting very stormy and getting progressively calmer I'm still glad I went. Even if by the 3rd day I decided that the weather was just going to be too much for me and I opted for "terra firma" and a walk around St.Mary's, accompanied by my new friend Maddy. Interestingly after Simon's valiant attempt at trying to teach me the roll it was Maddy's wise words of wisdom on dry land, that day, that actually went along way to help me achieve my one goal of the week! That Bloody roll!!
The Ilses are nicknamed The Fortune Isles and I can now see why, when Maddy & I returned from our hike around the island she just had to take a photo of a news flash up near the Harbour, that stated "due to unforecasted, unseen, GOOD weather that the Scillion Ferry would now run", (it had been cancelled earlier in the day)! Brilliant!
Weather forecasters just can't be trusted to get it right!!
To the following I have to say you guys both individually and as a group just made the whole week go way too fast and would love to paddle with you all again.
MITCH: I've never a met a more complete solo unit. You could have been just as happy on your own as you were with us. You just got on with anything and everything in that unassuming manner. On the water you'd just paddle up to me give me a few words of sound advice and then paddle off again. Quite capable of operating by yourself you were also so willing to be part of the Team. A genuine 1 in a million type of guy.
MADDY: You are my role model if I can achieve anything like what you've managed looking as good as you do and loving life to it's full at ....? yrs old; Im setting new horizons!
CHARLIE & LISA: You guys are just sole mates and just go to prove when a couple find each other how much you can share together. Like Mitch you 2 just seemed to be a complete working unit.
DAVID & JACKIE: How do you live with a walking encyclopaedia? David you are so knowledgable it's scary. Jackie thanks for keeping me company at the back of the group,you didn't need to, but it was much appreciated.
JOHN: My everlasting memory is of you spanking the bloody water with that low brace of yours!! Just trying to keep up with you was awesome, you old bugger you!!
Now for the 2 professionals; Jeff & Simon; you 2 are Chalk & Cheese but what a great working combination, compliment each other beautifully: Super Tag-team.
SIMON: Dedicated and very conscientious to making sure everyone was happy and achieving their own individual goals for the week. Then to cap it all you go and introduce that HARRY game, which will now be sweeping the country at parties. I've not laughed so much; EVER!!
JEFF: Sorry but I still can't get that wailing "Simon, Simon" late at night when your tent ended up in a heap! Who was the Daddy figure? You know how I feel about you, friend, you are just something very special.
"A jolly nice chap" as my dad would say.
THANKS TO YOU ALL FOR A VERY SPECIAL TIME.
PS: the pictures speak for themselves!!
www.picasaweb.google.com/maddytrips
Just such great memories!!
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