Loch Long, Thursday 15th June 2011

13 met at Finnart for a paddle. The training group of 8 paddled to Mark for a nose around the bothy, then across to Portincaple and back past the oil terminal.

The 5 sea kayakers managed to get to Carrick Castle before returning via Portincaple in their alloted 2.5 hours.

For information: the oil tanker the Marida Mistletoe tied up at Finnart is registered in the Marshall Islands (if you wondered about that name and flag).

A lovely evening with a light southerly breeze that dropped as the evening progressed.

Thanks to Douglas for the photos.

 

Canoe Camp, Loch Lomond June 25th-26th

The end of training canoe camp will take place on Sat/Sun 25th/26th June. Meet at Ardlochlay (just south of Luss) at noon, paddle around to campsite on Inchtavannach. Evening paddle exploring the islands and wallaby hunting. Back at Ardlochlay by noon on the Sunday. Forecast is best of summer.

You should aim to be self sufficient for food and camping equipment. Let me know if there are any problems on this score and any canoeing gear needed.

All very welcome.

River Leven 8th June 2011

A flotilla of 19 made the trip. The water was high and the river fast. The barrier at the rowing club was raised and a number managed to squeeze round/over the floating barricade.

Weather was dry and pleasant if rather cold towards the end of the evening.

The speed of the river meant a fast trip but nowhere to stop. The one capsize (trees) was dealt with on the water. Thanks to Wendy Hamilton for the photos

 

 

Kidston: Thursday Evening 2nd June

There were 26 paddlers on this glorious Thursday evening, possibly the largest turnout the club has ever had. Two groups were formed, 9 sea kayakers led by Hugh did a 2.5 hour trip to Gourock, Greenock and the Sugar Boat covering well over 8 miles.

Off Green Island

 

 

The beginners paddled across the Gareloch to the caravan park, with a smaller group heading on to have a closer look at the Cal-Mac ships tied up at McGruers in Rhosneath.

Finally the hyper-local internet-TV station filmed a short piece about the club as part of their weekly Sports roundup programme. This is still to be shown but for those interested, the station can be found at http://helensburgh.urtv.co.uk

 

Sue and Allans Progress

To view where Sue and Allan have got to on their 8 week trip down the Adriatic you can view the “Spot” web page

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0KiRrZONtKPNvPXvaTSh7cHLOIN1pSNqU

Ionian Islands, Greece, October 2011

The club is planning an unguided but supported  trip to the Ionian Islands (west of Greece) in October this year. The planned route is within the protected waters of the region which is bounded by the mainland to the east, and includes the large, mountainous and green Ionian islands of Lefkada, Kephalonia and Ithaki. Sprinkled in between are dozens of smaller, uninhabited or seasonably inhabited islets which remain unaffected by commercial development. Amongst them are Meganisi, Kastos & Kalamos -all within a few kilometres of each other. They present the ideal island hopping circuit for  kayak tours, which begin and end in Vasiliki port, on the south coast of Lefkada Island. More details can be found at http://www.i-explorers.com

The region’s stable climate is also favourable for kayak touring. Almost year-round the central Ionian sea is characterised by calm seas, clear and still waters. Perfect for  sea kayaking.

Because of restricted flight options we are provisionally planning a 7 day/6 paddling day trip between October 6th and 13th. The cost is expected to be around £680 made up as follows:  Boats etc (240 euros =£210), Taxi to/from Prevaza Airport (£60), Air: Manchester-Prevaza (£240), Transport to /from Manchester (£50), Living Expenses in Greece (£120).

If you are at all interested please let Hugh or Geoff know by end of May as we need to book air flights.