Visits to the Sea Kayak Oban shop dealt with, late morning Friday saw a group of eight paddlers meet and launch from Port Appin into a surprisingly stiff 3/4 headwind and head towards Shuna Island.
An hour of chop, bounce and corralling the group led to a more relaxed and sunny lunch on the SW corner of Shuna. Subsequent discussions led to a decision not to continue the proposed circumnavigation of Shuna Island, nor visit Castle Stalker, but to return directly to Eilean nan Caorach. This was achieved in 30 minutes, even including a loop round the southern end of same island and Gordon’s departure to the comfort of his van at our starting point. Lesser mortals set up tents on Eilean nan Caorach and built an enviable fire on the beach.
Saturday morning turned out to be much windier than expected: however this was to some degree in our favour as, after Catharine and Gordon rejoined us, the following wind/sea blew us down the Lynn of Lorne to Achnacroish pier where we met six paddlers from the north of England who were also circumnavigating Lismore. Pushing on, we made the foot of Lismore by lunchtime and set up camp. Suitably refreshed, the wind having dropped and the sun appeared, we investigated the tideraces across to Eilean Musdile and Lady’s Rock which were further complicated by the wash from a passing CalMac ferry. Another fire, courtesy of Colin’s impressive wood-gathering skills, was built.
While Sunday dawned bright and clear, a light but chill wind funnelled down the Lyn of Morven leading to the later donning of pogies and eventually, full cags on the part of a couple of brave souls – Catharine’s pre-paddle group yoga session must have made them bold. Out of the wind in the harbour at Grogan Dubh we rewarmed in the increasing sunshine as some of us explored the old lime workings and associated buildings. The wind continued to drop as we headed up the coast for the usual lunch stop at Castle Coeffin, where the paddlers from England caught up with us again. From thereon, the last part of our journey to Port Ramsay and beyond was conducted in blazing sunshine, with mirror-like water reflecting fantastic views of the surrounding hills. An easy crossing of the tide across to Port Appin led to impressive tea and scones with strawberry jam and the thickest cream imaginable.
Another excellent weekend with lots of paddling in a variety of conditions, fabulous scenery, great company and the usual terrible jokes from David, David, Catharine, Chris, Colin, Gordon, Julie and Clare.