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Fretting and stressing over, I mean careful pre-trip
preparation I meet up with 8 other experienced paddlers, was
running a bit behind schedule but made the briefing at 9:45.
I felt a bit prepared been working out last few days, not
down my local gym I’m talking about wrestling with an
ancient rotavator up on my plot. Hugh was certainly the man
with the (extremely detailed) laminated plan. Expertly
organised with back up plans (laminated of course) and
showing toilets, just in case the weather was too much for
Old Harry Rocks. All nine on the water by just after
10:00. I decided it would be a good idea to paddle through
the initial surf with my mouth wide open for a good taste of
the January seawater, Wakey, wakey ! There was a slight
breeze blowing over my left shoulder, I’d say f3 - 4 gusts.
Unfamiliar waters for me so the random lumps of water picked
up by tidal current and varying depth of sea bed kept it
interesting. We chatted and Old Harry got bigger. It was a
nice day, a bit cold but the sun was out. Three new faces
for me was nice to meet. Well I crossed paths with Mike once
when IOPCC and PHCC converged about a mile out to sea, and
had spotted Dan’s kayak (mmm nice boat!) driving through
Dorchester.
Six rugged, hardy kayaking rascals rounded the ragged Old
Harry Rocks. Three went ahead for lunch at nearby beach, Mr
Christmas had a touch of loose footrestitis. The beach had a
hut selling hot drinks, Ian and Barbara enjoyed mugs of hot
chocolate. I flasked my coffee and peeled out my mackerel
(in mustard sauce) and worked between a couple of crusty
rolls. Personally always seem to feel the nip when I stop,
just time to admire Clive’s gloves, think he is going to
start a trend!
The wind had stiffened a bit for the journey home and in
the distance I could see some occasional largish cresting
waves. The tide was starting to flow out of Poole Harbour.
Around this point I was finding myself pulling a little bit
in front, did keep regularly checking behind. Trouble is I
find myself going into a bit of a zone, there was wind tide
and boats coming out of Poole harbour nothing to phase any
of us I believe. Thinking now casserole I prepared before
should be turned on now hopefully, tops of my forearms are
starting to tighten a little, think that rotavating must be
catching up with me.
All landed smoothly, and enjoyed cold chat and Barbara’s
hot chocolate. Also I now know what
snafu means. Great trip Hugh. Cheers to all who came and
shared a smile on a winter’s day. Hope you enjoyed my
version of a trip report. |
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| Paul and Dan heading
out from Sandbanks |
Winter sunshine |
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New member
Mike Holgate |
Hugh |
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| Old Harry Rocks |
Jon |
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| A rare picture of
Barbara |
Barbara, Mike and
Hugh |
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| On the beach at Joe's
Cafe |
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