Nestled in the arms of Grace O’Malley

by jeff ~ April 30, 2011

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We had to make an unexpected rough water landing today. We left Inishturk at about 9.20am and started to cross to Clare Island. Clare Island was the hideaway of the Pirate Queen ‘Grace O’Malley’.


The winds were fresh when we left but half way over increased to about 30 knots with stronger squalls coming through regularly. Unable to make way into the wind and tide we dropped down below the west end of Clare and then found ourselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. 


Continual down drafts off the steep slopes of Knockmore mountain almost had us both over whilst we considered our options which were exasperated by the fact that I had strained a muscle in the shoulder during the crossing. We decided to make a difficult landing on the south western tip of the island, a decision not made lightly given the wind conditions, large swell and the weight of our kayaks; after swimming our boats ashore, we are now hanging clothes and gear out to dry on the rocks. Hopefully we will be able to relaunch from our position as long as the swell doesn’t increase too much and continue on later.
A message for Espe from Harry- he loves his new cowboy hat and sends you a kiss.


Love to friends and family


Jeff and Harry