The Ardmore Islands are a chain of small islets to the east of Islay. These guys live there, and they’re very friendly.
Archive for July 2011
Ardmore Islands 2 comments
Islay office Leave a comment
We’re currently camped beside this beach on the Scottish island of Islay. Islay is famous for its whisky but also rather good for sea kayaking and surfing. Remember to cover your head with your hands if you wipe out whilst surfing, though, or you might wind up needing a few stitches… Getting plenty of writing done, whenever [...]
Moving Office 1 comment
Just a day or two left at work and we’re out of here…yes, the summer hols have arrived. We’ll be loading up our mobile office with kayaks and surfboards…but also with laptops and books. We have an awful lot of book writing to get done in the next six weeks, so we’re almost praying for [...]
SWSKM 2011 – Sunday’s paddling Leave a comment
Photo shamelessly stolen from Richard H, first link below… Sunday’s weather allowed exploration of all of Purbeck coasts, and groups spread out across the whole area, enjoying some of the UK’s finest coastal scenery. However, like a total eejit, I left my camera at home, so you’ll just have to take my word for it. [...]
SWSKM 2011 – the evening swim and BBQ Leave a comment
On the Saturday night, everyone trekked down to the beach at Studland bay, taking advantage of the stones laid out for public barbeques, and the (relatively) warm water…for those brave enough. A great relaxing evening, and once it was all over, there was still the pub… All good.
SWSKM 2011 – Saturday’s paddling Leave a comment
Saturday dawned to sunshine but strong winds, limiting paddling route choice somewhat. Hence, all groups restricted themselves to the more sheltered eastern side of Purbeck; Poole Harbour, Studland Bay and Old Harry Rocks. Here are a few photos from my group’s trip…
South West Sea Kayaking Meet 2011 – Thanks! Leave a comment
The weekend seems to have gone smoothly and hopefully our guests had a good time. I’ll post up pictures of the paddling and socialising in the coming days, and I’ll work out how much money was raised for the respective charities. Heather and I would like to say a BIG thank you to all the [...]
SWSKM 2011 – bumf Leave a comment
Those who have attended the South West Sea Kayaking Meet before will be aware that paddlers are encouraged to be aware of what their group are doing, to participate in planning and to make sensible informed decisions, rather than just being ‘sheep’! I’ve collated some outline maps, tide times, addresses and so forth – make use of [...]
Carn Gloose 2 comments
Also known as Ballowall Barrow, this elaborate multi-chambered tomb dates from the Bronze Age, or possibly earlier. It sits atop the cliffs overlooking the last setting of the sun in the far west of Cornwall, just south of Cape Cornwall. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/ballowall-barrow/history-and-research/ In other news… If you’ve somehow missed joining info about the South West Sea [...]
Mobile Phone clear-out Leave a comment
It’s a beautiful sunny weekend, but I’m sprawled on the sofa under a blanket, trying to shake off a nasty bout of man flu. Mrs R is upstairs in bed trying to sleep off whatever the female version is called (whatever it is, it surely can’t be as bad). What a pair. This is pretty [...]
Mutually Assured Destruction Leave a comment
Post-WWII, the development of atomic weapons made coastal fortifications obsolete. The ‘strategy’ of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) reduced the concept of defence to, surviving a Soviet nuclear onslaught just enough to be able to retaliate in kind. This ‘Cold War’ left its imprint on our coastal landscape. Enormous radar domes were constructed to detect incoming [...]
