Midlifekayak

Geoff and I are currently sitting in the Fastnet Marine Outdoor Education Centre in Schull on the West Coast of Ireland. Massive thank you to Jon Hynes who has arranged a real bed for us for the weekend. An opportunity to recuperate while we sit out some bad weather which swings in on Saturday.

Earlier today we left Mill Cove and made good speed on the morning tide towards Baltimore, some 18 miles down the coast. Baltimore feels like the very start of the West Coast. The cliffs approaching it bear the scars of stupendous stormy seas. We stopped in the Harbour to get some food and for Geoff to pick up a new tent he had arranged to be delivered to Jacob’s Bar.

Back on the water a couple of hours later, we paddled the last 8 miles through the islands in Roaringwater Bay (apt name) towards our destination in Schull.

If at the start of this expedition you told us that after 21 days of leaving Portscatho we could be on the West Coast of Ireland, we would have grabbed that offer with both hands. And here we are. It feels good to have covered some decent ground and to have made the most of the decent weather.

We are both feeling a little tired and in need of a recharge though. Not sure whether that’s the paddling or the wild camping.

Given we have 122 years between us, it might also be our ages as well. It would be rude of me to share Geoff’s age with you – but I am 57 🙂

Over the last three days we have faced some stiffer conditions. Feels like we are getting some early tasters of what to expect on the West Coast with its full exposure to the Atlantic.

Unfortunately the weather forecast will keep us off the water for a few days . On the bright side we couldn’t be stuck in a nicer place.

Our blog updates will return once we get underway again. Enjoy the break!