With a C grading due to the length of the open water crossing, the weather gods smiled on the eight paddlers leaving from Milsey Bay around 0915. A slight and glassy swell welcomed the group as we headed for a virtually invisible Isle of May, having taken a bearing from the beach. Aside from a solitary fishing boat and a single dolphin, intent on feeding rather than playing, we met no traffic as we paddled into the hazy distance. After an hour’s progress we paused to reconvene, recharge (courtesy of Mr Jelly Baby) and establish new paddling partnerships – numbers meant that an informal buddy system was operating – and this process was repeated a further hour later. Fulmars, puffins and gannets appeared in increasing numbers as we paddled on.
After three hours steady paddling we reached the western side of the Isle, exploring a natural arch on our way to the northern end of the island where most of the seals can be found either in or out of the water. We made our way round the east side in slightly more bouncy water to the harbour at Kettle Ness, where we hauled out for lunch. Restored, we explored: expertly guided by a virtual native of the Isle we inspected the bird ringing hut; discussed dunnocks and hoopoes; met the resident researchers and toured the Stevenson lighthouse which provided us with fantastic views of the entire island.
The May Princess arrived, disgorging an instant population explosion which became an instant queue for the toilets. Made of sterner stuff, we headed round the South Ness in the increasing sunshine and aimed towards the area between the Bass and The Law, which floated temptingly out of reach for at least another three hours. 1820 and 40km in total saw us back at Milsey Bay, tired but happy after a full but terrific day.
Massive thanks to David Grieve for organising, leading and informing the group – a mine of information all day. A highly recommended trip if you get the opportunity – the sun shone and only one of us ended up with a face like a well-skelped bahookie.