Tanya and I spent last Saturday with family and friends at a surprise farewell gathering in Rowledge Village Hall in Surrey – where my folks and sister and her family live. So much laughter and fun (as you’ll see in the photos), amazing food and fantastic company – a perfect way to say cheerio. When I’m having a tough day out on the water, I’ll remember that afternoon and everyone’s good luck messages. Thank you so much for a fabulous send off!
Well, we’re into the final week before we go and, despite all our planning, it looks like it is going to be a little hectic. Mike and I took part in the London Kayakathon on Sunday while Geoff was tucked up cosy in bed in Bristol. A 26.2 mile paddle on the Thames at the same time as the London Marathon. Great day out and a nice way to finish our training. Mike and Geoff have a load to do to tidy up work commitments before they go. On top of that we’re also sorting out the expedition food, laminating charts, making final decisions on what to take and not to take, responding to some press enquiries and spending time with our wive’s and friends. I’ll be packing the kayak on Friday so I can help Mike and Geoff do the same on Saturday when they arrive down from Surrey and Bristol respectively.
We’ll launch from Portscatho Harbour on Sunday lunchtime and (weather dependent) head down past Lizard Point and aim to stay that first night at Mullion Cove (24 miles). The next day is a short 15 mile paddle across Mounts Bay to Lamorna Cove to set us up nicely to take advantage of the tidal streams around Land’s End the following day that should see us get past St Ives (28 miles).
We’re keeping a close eye on the weather which has looked pretty awful over the last couple of weeks. A couple of circumnavigation expeditions have already set off this Spring – yes they are like buses – and whilst they are making great progress, they have had some really awful winds to contend with. Here’s hoping May will being an improvement for all of us! If the conditions are bad on Sunday and mean getting round the Lizard is out of the question, we will still launch and start the expedition but may only end up as far as the Helford River. Still there is a very nice pub nearby.
We can’t wait!
PS. Our fundraising total has now reached over £6,000!
Midlifekayak 
Great reading about your preparations. Good to hear you were at Shadwell last Sunday, our launching place. We were sorry to give Kayakathon a miss this year as it’s great event. We would love to wave hello to you while passing Falmouth on Sunday but at the moment we are stranded in Hallsands. But hopefully we will get chance to say hi somewhere later.
Natalie & Michal
Hi Natalie and Michal – we’ve been watching how you and Martin Lee have been battling the weather. It has been awful – but you have done so well! Here’s hoping for an improvement in May and yes hope our paths cross at some point.
Andy