Loch Morar Islands

There was a healthy turnout of nine for this week's Tuesday evening trip - Paul, Allan, Ken & Liz, Martin, Steve, Malcolm, Dave and Kenny. We met at the pier on the north shore of the Loch. Three stopped short at the first pier so had a slightly awkward lift in. The rest of us met at the second pier a little further east, more of a beach than a pier (a good spot for a swim in the summer). All met in the middle of the loch.

Setting off 

 Away to the islands densely wooded right to the waters edge reminiscent of Vancouver Island or Swallows and Amazon country!

Then off for a tea break to the opposite shore

And finally a trip down the river Morar to a near white water experience.

Paddle to Peanmeanach

Roger, Fiona, Barrie, Paul, Dave & Allan made the return trip from Alisary to Peanmeanach on Tuesday in an ebb tide and westerly wind. The outward journey saw a little wave activity where a tidal race met the opposing wind, and there was a bit of swell off Peanmeanach bay, but otherwise conditions made for a lovely evening paddle.

The route

The bothy was occupied and the paddlers popped up to say hello. Allan managed to scrounge some salt off the walkers, but it proved too little to charm any razor clams out of the beach, so he settled for some mussels instead. The journey home saw a police road block at Loch Ailort looking for evidence of rural thefts, however Roger & Fiona in the lead car managed to talk the paddlers on their way without too much of a hold up.

paddlin oot

At the bothy

'Where we going now?'

For all the pictures from the trip check out the link here.


Evening on Loch Leven

The Tuesday night paddle saw Allan, Paul, Barrie, Gillian, Fiona & Roger head to the Eastern end of Loch Leven for a sea paddle in the latter part of a flood tide. There was a strong Westerly wind which gusted occasionally, however generally the evening was much brighter and drier than forecast.

The group went West into both the tide and wind and were met with some powerful moving water at the Caolasnacon narrows. Eddies in the narrows and at the nearby headlands afforded some interesting play and the journey back to the cars was an absolute breeze with the convenient tide and tailwind.

Picture by Allan Lindsay

Picture Allan Lindsay

Picture by Rodger Wild

Picture by Roger Wild

More picture can be seen here

Beginner Sessions

Over the last couple of weeks we hve had our beginner courses running on Tuesdays. We have had a great and the volunteer coaches from UHIKC have done a good job of ensuring that everyone has a good time. We have these running for two more weeks so get in touch if you want to join in.

Beginning on the Lochy

Our first river trip for beginners went underway today. Karim, Izabela, Frances, Kate and Graham paddled up the canal then back down the Lochy again. The idea was to give everyone an introduction to rivers and a taste of moving water. Everyone had a great time on the river and the group only had two swims, which has to be a record low by our standards!

Some of the guys on the Lochy

Karim about to hit a rapid





The other good news is that we now have our shed back on its feet. A big thanks to Paul, Brian and Dave. They've done a great job and the shed is as good as new. 

 

So It Begins!

 

Our regular Tuesday evening sea paddling programme has kicked off with a short paddle on Loch Linnhe from the Lochaber Yacht Club.In a stiff breeze Brian, Paul, Ken and Liz headed south into the wind and tide. Unfortunately Allan had kit problems and could not join us on the water. We crossed to the West shore and then enjoyed a rapid downwind return journey with a snow covered Ben Nevis as the backdrop.

 

 

Still snow at the top