Liz, Ken, Dave & Allan joined this multi day trip, organised
& led by Chris Dickinson.
The group left Oban bay late afternoon for the 10km open
crossing to Lady’s Rock, however from a relatively calm start, the weather changed
considerably from forecast, and the paddlers found themselves making slow
progress in headwind in sea conditions fluctuating between force 4 & upper force
5.
Just over 1km from Lismore, a change of route was therefore made,
& the group elected to travel the Southern coast of the island instead. Once in the lee, it suddenly became a lovely
evening paddle & it wasn’t long before a suitable camping spot was found.
An audience formed at the railings as the boats were packed
Leaving Oban bay
Still smiling after the arduous crossing
1st night camping on Lismore
Day 2 saw them paddle along the southern coast of Lismore in
a brisk following wind, passing between the skerries just North of Port Appin,
before travelling through the Sound of Shuna & stopping for lunch at the
North end of the Shuna Island. It was
gloriously warm & sunscreen was applied however virtually as soon as they
got back on the water, the cloud darkened & descended, bringing a very
confused & lumpy following sea.
Taking a break at Balnagowan, it could be seen that conditions were deteriorating,
and having identified a suitable camping spot on the uninhabited island, 3pm saw
an early end to the days paddling.
The skerries at Port Appin
Lunch spot on Shuna, looking North.
No sign that conditions were about to change
Lumpy sea between Shuna & Balnagowan island
Evening campfire on Balnagowan Island
Day 3, and everyone was on the water by 6.45am, allowing easy
passage through the Corran
Narrows
Homeward leg North of Corran
Arrival back at LYC
Total distance travelled was 60km (11.5/24.2/24.1), & donations raised by the paddlers went to the charity which Chris founded, www.Nepalschoolstrust.org.uk
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