Sunday 31st March.
The day was cold grey and extremely windy. A no paddling
decision was made early in the day. Sally and Michael went
off bird watching. Richard had a migraine and spent most of
the day asleep and everyone else walked around the Island at
various times and in different directions. It was very rough
and windy but it was dry and the sun came out in the
afternoon. Down to the pub again for supper.
Monday 1st April.
More of the same. Cold grey and very windy. John, Barbara
and Ian opted for a trip to Tresco Abbey Gardens. Michael
and Sally went walking and bird watching, Tony went off
walking round the island again. Bards picked Richards brains
on navigation and then at about 1300 when the wind eased
ever so slightly Richard, Bards and Jane went paddling. Not
very far – just up the coast of St Marys towards Bar Point
but it was heroic given the conditions. What was more heroic
was that on their return to Porth Mellon, Bards and Jane
practiced rolling. Apparently the water is a bit warmer than
on the mainland! Back up the hill to the campsite. An extra
hour of daylight as it was now summertime then down to the
pub again in the evening for supper. Back up the hill to the
campsite.
Tuesday 2nd April
More of the same, but just not quite as windy. Sally and
Michael decided not to paddle but the rest of us were on the
water by 1200. We picked our way up the St Marys Coast
against the wind. Richard decided that it was possible to
make the crossing to Tresco so keeping close together we
went across surfing onto the beach just south of Crab’s
ledge. We went into the dunes to find some shelter from the
bitterly cold wind while we had some lunch. Not everyone was
confident that we would make it back A group from Sea
Kayaking Cornwall had had to leave their boats on Tresco the
day before as they couldn’t paddle back into the wind. Back
to the beach. No improvement . It was going to be Force 6 on
the nose. We buddied up and made 2 short hops to the shelter
of two skerries and then set out aiming for the isolated
danger mark just off Helengy Point. It took about 30 minutes
of hard paddling before we could break off the wind and head
to the shelter of Toll’s Porth. On the way back Richard had
Bards trying a landing onto a rocky shore which was quite
entertaining. Bards and Jane then had some more rolling
practice. Richard had a go in Bards boat and discovered how
tippy and difficult it is. Back to Porth Mellon – up to the
campsite. We went to the pub at Old Town – a longer walk but
good food and drink.
Wednesday 3rd April
Our last day paddling. More of the same. Cold Easterly
wind, dry and bright. Everyone went paddling and we were on
the water at 1000. Once again up the coast of St Marys but
not so far this time as we were going across to Samson. The
wind was not so strong and the sea state was slight so
everyone had a great time. The colours of the sea and
beaches were superb. Very Caribbean. On Samson we walked up
North Hill and had a spectacular view over the Islands. Back
afloat we headed across Tresco Flats and paddled up to
Hangmans Island next to Bryher before landing on the beach
there for lunch. It was quite sheltered and for once we were
out of the wind enjoying the sunshine. After lunch we went
up towards Shipman Head. The sea state picked up quite
dramatically as we began to emerge form the shelter of New
Grimsby so we turned tail and went across to look at
Cromwell’s Castle. Unfortunately the upper part was closed
as the railings had just been painted ready for the summer.
Only Jane got paint on her hands!
We enjoyed a calm, pleasant paddle down through Tresco
Flats across Appletree Bay before once more emerging out
into the wind. We had a brief rest and refuel stop on
yesterday’s lunch beach before heading back. The wind was
not was strong as yesterday so it was a bit easier getting
across to Helengy Point. No messing about today as it was
already 1800.
Dinner was at
Spero’s, the beach side restaurant at Porth Mellon whose
yard we had kept the trailer in for the week.
Thursday 4th April
Everything was packed up and ready for Ted to take down
to the Scillonian at 1000. We then went down to Porth Mellon
and sorted the boats out and loaded them securely onto the
trailer ready for the crossing. It was very windy and rough.
Everyone elected to take Stugeron except Bards and Michael.
The Scillonian (aka Vomit Comet) lived up to its name. It
was heading into the waves and it bucked and bounded its way
across to Penzance. I for one was very glad when I spotted
Longships and knew that soon we would be in some shelter and
the movement would calm down. Without drugs I am sure I
would have been sick. Michael was very sick along with many
others.
On arriving at Penzance, Karen, Richard’s wife met us and
took Richard and Ian up to get the vans while the rest of us
collected up the bags and retrieved the trailer. We were all
on our way from Trefenton by 2000.
Considering the appallingly cold conditions, we did a lot
of paddling. Camping in the cold wasn’t a problem. The Isles
of Scilly are a wonderful sea kayaking destination with
endless possibilities given good weather. Even in poor
weather it is usually possible to find somewhere sheltered
to paddle. If not – the walking is very good.
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