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The forecast for Sunday was for wall to wall sunshine,
and it was as good as its word. Four of us launched at
Sandbanks at 10.45, having first notified the Coastguard of
our journey plan. Warm, calm and not too crowded. Maybe not
very challenging, but enjoyable just the same. The only
potentially tricky bit is crossing the shipping channels
that go in and out of the harbour. (Gin palaces there are
aplenty around here.)
The water was smooth and calm, the only ripples were from
the occasional gust of wind or the wake from various boats.
At a leisurely pace we crossed Studland Bay and stopped on a
small and very narrow beach to have a coffee and some of
Barbara’s delicious chocolate brownies. We moved on around
Old Harry avoiding the small surf break and paddled down
through or round the chalk arches and the pinnacles. The
chalk looked stunningly white with the odd pieces of black
stone mixed in. We reached Ballard Point and then paddled
down for lunch break at the Northern end of Swanage Bay.
This was pleasant and unhurried.
The return journey was made in the same balmy weather
conditions, even meeting some other paddlers heading in the
opposite direction, who stopped to pass the time of day. We
headed towards the National Trust café at Studland only to
find that it was closed for refurbishment. There was just a
kiosk open with long queues. So we were forced to eat up
Barbara's brownies and share the remains of our lunches
between us. Then we travelled back across the bay to
Sandbanks avoiding the returning gin palaces. |
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| Clive heading for a comfort
break! |
Line astern on way to Old Harrys'
rocks |
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| Clive at Old Harry's rocks |
Barbara in front of the camera
for a change. |
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| Old Harry's rocks |
A glassy calm sea |
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| Clive and Ian heading back |
A flyby by Whisky Bravo |
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| Impressive rock
formation at Old Harry's. |
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