Summer Isles weekend –
2-4 Oct 2015
Many thanks to Gillian
for organising this weekend. Four of us arrived at the campsite at Altandhu on
Thursday evening and the remaining three on Friday evening. The weather was not
as good as expected but, never-the-less we enjoyed some great
paddling.
 |
| Friday Team plus Ken |
Friday 2 Oct
Gillian, Tracey, Ken and
Liz set off from the campsite to circumnavigate Isle Ristol. However it was
quite windy and as we rounded Isle Ristol and progressed through the sound
between Ristol and Eilean Mullagrach the swell became more and more impressive.
A nearby motor boat gave us an idea of the size of the swell as it appeared and
then completely disappeared with each wave. We decided to turn back and head
down the coast in more sheltered waters towards Achiltibuie. We landed at the
pebble beach at Polbain where Liz and Gillian got a lift almost straight away
back to Altandhu to collect the cars and take us all back to the
campsite.
 | |
| Difficult launch on day 2 |
 |
| Gillian |
Sat 3 Oct
 |
| Colin Surfacing |
Mal, Oliver and Naomi
joined us on Friday evening. On Saturday, the wind was still fairly strong so we
headed for the beach at Achnahaird Bay and more shelter on the North East side
of the mainland. After launching in difficult conditions, we contemplated
heading for the point of Rubha Na Coigeach but decided against this with the big
swell. Instead we headed East into Garvie Bay. On the way, Oliver and Naomi
investigated the surf at the beach at Achnahaird Bay. On our return the surf
attracted most of us in to play - to a greater or lesser extent – and as a
result, most of us got very wet! Tracey, Ken and Liz called it a day whilst
Gillian, Mal, and Naomi headed a short way up towards Rubha Na Coigeach. We all
enjoyed a meal and/or drinks in the very warm and delightful An Fuaran
Bar.
Sunday 4 Oct
The wind had abated at last. We drove
down to Polbain to explore the main Summer Isles. Across to Tannara Mor and
round the North of the Island then across to Tannara Beag. There were plenty of
rock channels, caves and the big natural arch to explore. The sunshine came out
and we had a lovely paddle with the glorious Assynt hills as the backdrop. 
All
too soon it was time to make our way back to the beach, pack up and head for
home. A great weekend!
Ken.
No comments:
Post a Comment