Kayaking around Puffin Island

With a mixed forecast of sunshine, showers, sleet and snow, we decided that we might just get away with a circumnavigation of Puffin Island today.

Setting off from Pen Mon, the skies were blue, the sea calm and there was just enough tidal movement to push us along. We'd not been going long before we came across our first seals of the day. At the far end of the Island were the usual group of inquisitive seals. Some were happy chilling on the rocks; others jumped into the water and popped up around us to see what was going on. Some were brave enough to nibble the toggles on the end of the kayaks!

On the northern coast, the cliffs were pack with birds - all lined up like bottles behind a bar. As we went past a good amount of them dived off one by one, like a sort of Mexican Wave which was amazing.

As we made the homeward leg, the mountains of Snowdon became quickly engulfed in clouds and a strong headwind picked up. A huge snow-filled squall was passing eastwards along the Menai Straits, but luckily it just missed us!

The wind got stronger though and I got a good soaking as waves crashed over the front of my boat! 

Shortly after, the sun was back out and our hardcore return crossing looked all very settled. Given this this good fortune, we took ourselves off for tea and scones!

Our first adventure in our new van - so far we're super pleased with it...