Not such a swell time

The thing about paddling on the sea is - it is never quite what you were expecting. The plan (yes we still have them) was to paddle Cemlyn to Holyhead, taking advantage of the calm conditions, but we had heard that there was a kayaker missing after the bad weather on Sunday.

Phoned the coastguard to offer our services, expecting to be told that the last thing they needed was some bungling amateurs, but they were very grateful, so Rich and I set off part way down the Malltraeth estuary intending to go up the coast as far as Rhosneigr.

Conditions were calm, warm and sunny, but we knew there was still some swell out there somewhere, as you could see the white flashes on 'Lumley Bank' (see far left of picture)

and spray leaping over the end of Llanddwyn.

Despite the potential seriousness of the task, the paddling was idyllic apart from the strain on your neck of looking back into all the small bays and inlets that you pass.

The swell was beginning to make its presence known as we rounded the headland and headed for Pen Y Parc, and added piquancy to our beach landing in front of the inshore lifeboat (on its way South).

Fortified by pasties and tea we launched into the now dumping surf - slightly early (after a big set) in my case ..... must have looked exciting from the beach, but I only got wet.

Quick blast across to Llanddwyn (still enough swell to hide other vessels - that is why you can't see any)

then round the corner to the peace and quiet of Pilot's cove....

and time to phone for a pick up from Traeth Niwbwrch. About 15k paddled, but no sign of Elizabeth Ashbee or her kayak.

Not so dire straits

Catherine has been wanting to paddle the bit of the Menai Strait from Beaumaris to Menai Bridge for a long time - so, as she was about to go into YG for total knee replacement, we thought Sunday was the ideal opportunity.

Weather was pretty dull at first, but began to brighten as we passed Bangor Pier.

and was very warm and sunny by the time we got to Porth Daniel.

Butties and tea (I know, this is a regular theme), and then a relaxed paddle through the swellies (it is all in the timing) and up the strait to Moel Y Don.

Couple of interesting moments with various powered craft who did not seem to have much of a grasp of the IRPCS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea).

About 12k paddled.

Later, time to sit round the recycled hot water cylinder.

Rich pickings

Only Rich was available for a paddle last Saturday, and he opted for Trearddur Bay to Rhoscolyn - a pleasant evening bimble down the coast with following wind and mostly favourable tide (even though its general trend was in the opposite direction, on flood).

Surprisingly lumpy in some spots (hence no photos en route), but fun nonetheless - though we chickened out of some of the rock hopping (no helmets being our excuse).

Fine and calm at Rhoscolyn: