Archive for June 13th, 2007

Scillyness Day #6

Tresco

Another tediously bright blue sky day. We spent most of this day on Tresco, visiting the world renowned Abbey Gardens. Semi-tropical plants grow here year-round, on account of this being Britain’s mildest climate. The following photo has not been faked/Photoshopped in any way. Honestly!

Tresco Abbey Gardens

For some reason, tiny Tresco now has an amazingly well stocked upmarket supermarket (’Trescos’?) which Heather got really excited about, so much so that she even bought supplies for future sea kayak trips.

In the evening, we paddled around the north of Tresco, and were rather surprised to find ourselves in a very big Atlantic swell, left over from recent storms. Of course, the photos don’t show the size of the waves or the white knuckles (they never do), so you’ll just have to take our word for it. Some of the waves were the biggest swell I’ve sea kayaked in. At one point whilst calmly reassuring Heather, I lost my composure in mid-sentence and exclaimed, “Mother of God, look at that.

Swell north of Tresco

Swell north of Tresco

North of Tresco

Given that there were reefs and big breakers lurking all over the place, I was pretty terrified that I’d lead us into a cul-de-sac of Doom and we’d both be dashed to pieces against the cliffs. Luckily though, there was a clear path through and round it all (we were forced out way offshore to avoid the breakers) and we entered New Grimsby Sound safe and relieved.

New Grimsby Sound between Tresco and Bryher

We then headed out of the far end of the Sound and made the open crossing south to St Agnes, the most exposed of the inhabited isles …

St Agnes

 


The Book

The Book

A Sample Chapter

Prawle Point in south Devon.

About

During 2006-8 I researched, photographed and wrote a sea kayaking guide to the South West of England; from the Bristol Channel to the Isle of Wight. I have used this blog to keep folk updated as to my progress and to reveal some of the wonderful scenery, culture and wildlife of this little corner of England.

Pesda Press Titles

 

Sit-on-Top Kayak Sea Kayak Navigation

 

Welsh Sea Kayaking Sea Kayak

 

The Northern Isles Scottish Sea Kayaking

 

Oileáin English White Water

 

Scottish White Water Kayak Rolling

 

British Canoe Union Coaching Handbook BCU Canoe & Kayak Handbook

 

Kayak Surfing The Seamanship Pocketbook

 

Scottish Canoe Classics Scottish Canoe Touring

More Good Reading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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