Sea Kayak Stillness

Patience and planning were required today. Low clouds and constant drizzly rain looked to be set in from the moment we awoke. However, the forecast suggested that things would be getting better later. We just had to keep the faith. So while the rain poured down and the wind blew, I sorted out kayaking kit and made plans for a later afternoon/evening adventure. We left the Cottage around 4pm with some drizzle still in the air. Within a few hours, we'd be rewarded with scenes like this:

Over on Anglesey, the rain had stopped and the clouds lifted a little as we unloaded all the gear, near Pen Mon.

The tide was so low when we set off, that the rusting wreck of a ship was uncovered. We went over to investigate. It must have been stuck on a sandbank years ago.

While we were investigating the wreck, a seal came up to see who we were.

It stayed with us for about the next 4 or 5km, swimming alongside us.

Every now and then, it would flick its tail and dive deep with a splash.

We crossed the small strait and went up to the far end of Puffin Island. We had planned to do the full circumnavigation, but the slight north wind was making things a bit choppy on the far side, so instead returned in the more pleaseant shelter of the south.

As we cross the strait back to the mainland, as predicted, the wind vanished and the bank of clouds started to move away, letting the low evening sun blaze through.

As well as seals, there were some weird blue jellyfish about.

By the time we reached the mainland, the sun was fully out.

Having gone prepared with fine foods, we pulled up onto the beach, stretched out on a sunny rock and tucked into a hearty dinner while marvelling at the surroundings.

Fed, rested and with the shade encroaching, we re loaded the boats and continued off down the coast.

This was to be the best section of the expedition as the sun was now fully out, the skies blue and the wind completely gone. The water was milky calm as we slowly paddled with the tide, back into the Menai Straits.

As the tide was pulling us along, we had no need to paddle, so instead joined up and enjoyed the views. The sun was nearly setting as we reached the car. Before heading back to land, the day was topped off by the sight of a porpoise passing slowly and elegantly by us. Fantastic.