Midlifekayak

Well today was a much shorter one after our 44 mile and 12.45 am finish yesterday (or rather early this morning)

We woke and peered outside the tent to see the stunning Spey Bay. A gull was chasing an Osprey over the mouth of the river and the sun was beginning to come out from the blanket of cloud that seems to have followed us down the east coast.

The kayaks were perched on top of a shingle mound, the tide now well out. Anyone passing might have wondered how they got up so high.

We had camped in the dark hoping we had found the Dolphin Centre and Wild Cafe. We had.

We made a plan for the day from the comfort of our tents. First things first, breakfast. Alpen and Weetabix Chez Kayak (alfresco). At 10.30 we’d be in the cafe for a large cuppucino. Then we’d paddle 25 miles. Ok so the first breakfast was consumed on time. We started the second in the cafe on time at 10.30. However, a variant in the plan was introduced about 12 midday, when I suggested lunch.

Truth was we were feeling tired from the day before and felt confident that 6 or 7 hours would be enough for a 25 miler.

So we were on the water just after 13.00. After around 7 miles we could start to make out the details of Findochty harbour. We needed a pint of milk and that looked like the best place to stop as it was on a headland an so no need to add mileage by pulling into a bay.

Just as I looked up from the map trying to determine the best route in to the harbour, two dolphins broke the surface and flipped over, opposite directions to each other. I called over to Geoff, we both turned our cameras on and paddled over to get a closer look.

Over the next 15 mins we felt like we were in the middle of a dolphin dual carriage way as pod made it’s way towards Spey Bay from where we had come from. Our kayaks were on the central reservation as they passed both sides sometimes as close as 6 feet. Hopefully some of the video shots will come out.

Finally when they all seemed to have passed, we pushed into the harbour. There was a group of kids jumping off the wall and climbing up again to do the same. Reminded me of Portscatho harbour in the summer, except this one was twice as high – brave kids! We stopped and filmed some of them jumping in just in front of our boats.

Geoff popped up the road for milk while I checked our map and route. Truth was we weren’t going to make 25 miles today. The sea state was up, there was a fairly heavy swell coming in from the North East and that was bouncing off the cliffs now and creating quite a heavy sea. So we agreed to aim for Portsoy – that would be 16 miler. We rationalised that that was still 60 miles over the 2 days and so was good progress.

We encountered some severe clapotis over those last 8 miles or so and whilst we could handle the conditions fine it was a relief to pull into the calm shelter of Portsoy, and before the forecast strong winds had arrived.

A few children had spotted us on the way in and followed the kayaks to the slipway where we had landed. They and their parents came over to chat. Pretty soon the children were sitting in the boats, trying on the helmets and trying out all out gadgets – radios, GPS etc.

Such a lovely couple of families. We chatted to them for quite a while about the area, their backgrounds, why they loved where they live. They asked us about our trip and the adventures we have had.

To be honest, we are always a little taken back by the enthusiastic reaction we get when we tell people what we’re doing. It does seem to ignite something inside people. Maybe our story sparks thoughts of the adventures they have had or would like to have. I hope so, and if it encourages people to go out and do something like this for themselves that would be fab. We are just two ordinary blokes (now with out of control facial hair) and very average paddlers with some time on our hands – if we can do this…well then…

Meeting lovely interesting people like this at the end of a day is a real highlight for both of us on this trip. We both reflected later just how moved we have been by the warmth and kindness of people.

As we said our goodbyes they very generously gave us a donation for our charities. Ten minutes later one of them was back – with a fish n chip supper for us! Lump in throat time.

Guys I know you and the kids will be checking the website this morning. I’m sorry I didn’t collect your names but you know who you are (and just to make sure that’s your children in the photos!). It was lovely to meet you and thank you for your generosity!