RYNC 11th: Paddlers Willie, Euan, Jamie, /, Adele, Geoff, Mike, Frankie. A good turnout on a lovely evening. A gentle paddle with canoes and sea kayaks, only spoilt by voracious midges as we put gear away.
Dumbarton-Craigendoran 18th: Paddlers: Euan, Geoff, Frankie. A glorious night. Entered Leven just after 7pmby steps on west side just beneath old bridge. Wonderful cruise down past castle (and climbers).Met by stiff SW breeze a good force 3, which rather slowed us down. Superb paddle in interesting and at times glorious scenery. Sunset just as we reached Ardmore. Incredibly photogenic but no camera! Landing at 10.30 still light.
Craigendoran-Rosneath Point-Ardencaple-Craigendoran 19th. Paddlers: Geoff, Euan. A second chance to make use of the glorious weather, take some of the photos missed the previous night and have a night paddle. Quite surprisingly choppy, with boats wallowing in cross wind at the Point.
As the swell and breeze built up, the original target of Kilkreggan for a drink was revised. A night paddle in rough seas did not seem too clever. So we turned midway across the bay past the point and headed back up the Gareloch. Just after the Point we were joined by a couple of seals, one of whom was extremely friendly, knocking the boat and playing around in front of us.
Heading back up the Loch reminded us yet again that Helensburgh is a fantastic place for kayaking.
A drink in the Ardencaple (recommended at high tide only otherwise it is a walk across a filthy, muddy beach) and night had come. Fortunately there was a brilliant moon, which looks like the sun on a December day in the photos.
A lovely paddle against a freshening wind brought us back into Craigendoran at 11.30. A superb night.