A mixed month, baa humbug to halloween

 October 2020

 

So a mixed activity set running through October as the summer seems to be well past us now.  First off a few chilled out mountain bike days with the missus whilst we had the van parked at Findhorn Bay.  Culbin Forest to the west of the bay has a few ups & downs and a super lagoon section to splash alongside (just watch the tide times).  To the east of Findhorn you follow the dunes along the Kinloss perimeter track and then through the pine woods towards Burghead – lots of little local bike trails in here).  And actually hidden in the woods at Forres there’s a small local trail centre.

 

Then it was over to Ardnamurchan to meet my mate Chris W for a few days sea kayaking.  Based at the Resipole Farm campsite with lots of covid rules but we got 3 good day trips completed.  We both have Tiderace Pace 17’s so well matched for cruising about. Day one was Resipole west to the island of Carna and then south into Loch Teacuis (the expected faster tidal flows didn’t materialise), exiting via the back of Oronsay (again you need watch the tide state).  Saw a porpoise briefly plus the seals. 40 kms for the day.

Day 2 was a launch from Kilchoan jetty going across the sound to Ardmore Point on Mull and then along past the lighthouse to Tobermory for a fish/chip supper (for lunch) before a circuit of Calve Island and back north via the Stirk buoys and Red Rocks passing Mingarry Castle towards the end.  A mighty sea eagle was watching from his clifftop perch.

Day 3 just before the threatening forecast storm so just went up east to Upper Loch Sunart (Strontian) and back.  Saw several otters in this area.  An easy 24 kms but very picturesque.  The strangest “spot” was seeing a splash in the water ahead of us that turned into a “wild” swimmer – no he wasn’t wild he just ignored us!

 

Nice area for when its too rough elsewhere on the west coast, and apart from the CallyMac boats it wasn't a crowded seaway.  Maybe next time we'll go round to Calgary Beach and see if the ice cream van is open.

Then a change of boats and friends – paddled the Orchy on the 25^th in my Machno.  Not the highest river level but a good trip and nice grade 4 rapids to play with.  Thanks to Andy H for leading.

 

And then at the very end of the month I had a solo sea paddle out of Stonehaven in my (infrequently used) P&H Sirius; sunshine and just a blustery F2 so simply exercise in the great outdoors after a covid-secure run by the local recycling centre.

 

So October turned out OK afterall.  (Halloween is here along with a squally, gusty, wet day with the colour  blowing off the trees - at least there is 3 international rugby matches on the telly today).

 

(some photos courtesy of Chris Wade and Andy Holt)

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