ROCKHAGGIS

To the north end of the Isle of kerrera was the route for the day, a round trip of 6.9 miles, give or take a boat length or two. A smooth run. Feel that I have probably got the seat adjusted as well as Im going to get it.

Crossed the sound to the Kerrara side and headed along the shore to the north, eventualy passing the marina on my left and Oban bay to my right. Carried on rounding the north point just near Dunollie castle and continued around till I was on the west side and there turned into a bay that hosts BarBQ Beach, as I have named it.

A popular place where the islanders let their hair down in the summer months and rock to a Bar-B. As you can see took a few snaps, had a sandwich and hot mug of coffee, a short rest then headed back.

This time I crossed the channel at the barbers pole, north end of Kerrera to the Oban shore side. I followed it through Oban bay and back to my start point. Averaging 4 miles an hour, with an ocassional burst up to 6 mph, the trip slipped by quickly. Today I also carried much of the payload I expect to when setting of on the trip.

Link: http://www.rockhaggis.com/rockhaggis/blogs/blog4.php

Wrote this up in the Photo Blog .... :)

Day2 Sea Trials

Tomorrow is indeed another day.

After an restless nights sleep, with many wakened moments I was not looking forward to today's work-up. I felt that the venture was beyond me. That I had too many handicaps, that it was an unrealistic goal. Yesterday left me with chest pain ... right where you don't want chest pain ... it could have been indigestion and it could have been caused by the wet suit, which being slightly small for my bulk, pulls heavily down on my shoulders. This in turn might have caused the wire binding in my chest to move and cause the pain. But it could simply have been the old pump groaning at the days exertions. either way it was the catalyst for my negative thoughts. Its so easy to feel vulnerable when health matters are involved. Anyway I was in two minds about the whole plan!

Then my daughter, Tamara rang and pointed a few realities out ... like ....it dosnt matter if I don't make it all the way round the Last Colony.... its not the destination that's important, its the journey and by attempting something like this I am doing more for my well being, even if I only ever make a few miles from the start, than ever I would do retreating back of to a world governed by conformity and minimal risk.

So I made a few adjustments to the kayak - took the adjustable knee braces out - I found them far too restrictive for my liking - I can still get good purchase but now I can if I choose move and stretch my legs - something Im sure will be wanted on a long stint. Then down to my launch base - the Kerrera ferry slip (see above)- and what a lovely flat calm day it was - immediately I found that I was much more comfortable in the Kayak, though I think I need to move the seat forward a notch or two to get the exact position right .... Paddled up and down the sound for an hour or two - didn't want to get out, so that's a turn about. Good weather always make the sea less daunting! So all in all a good day. Got a nice work out, know what needs adjusting, only wore the wet suit waist high so as yet I feel no chest pains .... all is good ! Tomorrow weather permitting, I hope to make a day of it, lunch and some pictures from the west side of Kerrera maybe .

Weather is the key to this project!

Well that day has arrived ..... get the kayak in the water and do whatever adjusting is necessary.... easy!

I'm sitting here a little deflated and filled with self doubt. Have I bitten off more than I can chew? After all its been a long time since I last spent time paddling a canoe and then I was a lot fitter and lighter and care free! There were some positives to come out from todays adventure....

I went through the intended daily process of getting to the launch spot, setting up and launching with out any problems save forgetting a self sealing plastic bag for my mobi. I managed not to  roll, though there were one or two moments I so easily could have, because I was really struggling at first to maintain balance. This was in part due to the positioning of the knee braces and foot plates being wrong, giving me  very little purchase and also the wind was up a bit, making the water quite choppy.

I found that there was a big difference between my recall and the reality of my proficiency .... Although I could remember the moves and theory .. clearly putting them into practice is going to take time and more confidence .... I am encouraged that by the end of my hour or so in the water I had stabilised a bit, giving me the feeling that if I keep at it , every day the weather permits, it shouldn't take to long to find my webbed feet. But non the less I am a bit anxious ... probably naturally so ...

I was quite disconcerted that I felt such a novice. Reality check needed.... just take it easy... don't push beyond my limits and accept that we might need to modify plans accordingly ... I am not in a race!!!! I definitely need to step up my fitness training .... I found that just after this short time my arms were tired and my back was complaining.

Its easy to focus on the negative, but I must not ignore it either ... the enormity of the venture is beginning to sink home ..... At this stage I don't have the confidence based on current experience and ability to set off tomorrow, but then I'm not going to .... I have nearly 2 months in which to raise my game ... will it be enough? I hope so... I intend to give it my best shot...... Tomorrow is another day ........

Took me a wee while to find this.
Most every site I went to were trying to sell you what I would term a replacement or spare paddle. An emergency solution by definition tends to suggest one that is temporary and adequate only to ensure continuance of an operation until a more permanent replacement can be found.
Its a solution that is generally adopted because of financial constraints…. so the idea of buying an emergency paddle at the same price as a regular one is non nonsensical …….. anyway.. final got this for £20. It IS an emergency paddle, one that willsurfice to get me to shore should the unlikely but possible event of me loosing or breaking my regular one.
Packs down wonderfully small and although light still feels strong and rigid. Will probably only ever get used as a tennis racket or midge basher - but heho - its there and will do should the need arise ……. and they wanted £150 + …. On ya bike!!!!