Evening paddle from Hawes Pier, Queensferry to Barnbougle Castle 11 August 2020.
Participants:
Richard B, Alan B, Jane S, Philip B, James M, Frances W, Michael W
Briefing:
Introductions – all competent paddlers with trip well within capabilities
Weather, tide summary: Easterly breeze 7-8mph; generalised thunderstorm for whole of UK, but nothing in local forecast, turn back if conditions change. Going against tide on way out, reducing tide on return. High tide around 8:45pm
Abilities – shared by email beforehand, all capable of rescues, one returning after period out with shoulder injury
Route: Long Craig Pier, island off Hound Point, Barnbougle Castle or other half-time turning point. No planned stops. Turn back if weather deteriorates. Easy shore access.
Safety kit: 2 radios; multiple tow lines and pumps
Single group of 7.
Trip started to plan at 6:30pm, reached Barnbougle Castle 7:15pm just as thunder heard in distance. Turned around and came ashore at 8:00pm. Some splitting of group on return due to keenness to get ashore before potential storm. Calm conditions. Storm finally came to Queensferry around 10:00pm
Michael Wilkinson