On Sunday the 20th July, Sarah McIvoy led myself, Cathy,Miranda and June around Seil Island. We set off from the Sea Kayakers Cove harbour slip about 10, as Sarah wanted to make sure that there would be enough water for us to kayak under the Clachan ( Atlantic) Bridge.
After disentangling ourselves from the spaghetti seaweed in the harbour we headed in an anti-clockwise direction around the island entering the Cuan Sound.
I was a bit apprehensive of the Cuan Sound but with good advice from Sarah we all managed to avoid being caught up in the current and headed up in Seil Sound.
We passed lovely pastures and, as we kayaked nearer to the Clachan Bridge, large houses.
The weather was pleasant and we had little wind. There was much chatter and then the bridge came into view. The most impressive view is actually when you are driving over the bridge to the island, you feel like you are going straight up in the air with no view of oncoming traffic. Michael, the campsite owner, says the coaches have to disembark their passengers!
By this time we were feeling very hungry so after passing under the bridge and admiring the clear mirror calm water we started looking for a lunch spot.
We headed around the point at Rubha Garth Airde to a beach with a view of Insh Island. It was generally agreed that we would rather have ice cream at Easdale having kayaked over 30 km the previous day. The weather clouded over a little. Miranda brightened us all up with her amazing neon yellow cag.
Back in the boats we headed down the west side of the island, encountering yet another barrel jellyfish. They are such interesting creatures, the size of a small dog with blue tendril feet
swimming along well, like a barrel!
The weather started to deteriorate and by the time we reached Easedale, opposite Easdale Island there was a consensus to head for home. We arrived back at the slip having completed 19 km so we were all pleased with that. Many thanks to Sarah for leading us on such an enjoyable paddle and to June, Miranda and Cathy for great company. – Lins