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Monday, 18 July 2011

Tyla Images Expedition Around Wales Day 10...

Porth Melgan To Pwllgwaelod

Reluctantly getting up at 5:30 AM I go through the now familiar routine & get ready to go.
I forgot to check the 19:50PM inshore waters forecast last night & I was in bed before the next one so I'm paddling blind today.

A short hop & I'm at St Davids Head & the tide is ripping around the point. I point the kayak into the flow & enjoy the ride. It's pretty plain sailing early on today, a few races between some rocks but their playful & fun.

I had to stop at Porthgain to replenish my water supply, its lovely here, wish I could afford a house.
Leaving Porthgain I hop from headland to headland across the large bays. The wind is now quite strong & seems to be gaining all the time.

I'm quite nervous of Strumble head as it has a reputation for nasty overfalls. Arriving there I can see that my route around the seaward side of the island would be in the lee of the wind & fortunately there was no sign of the overfalls either. Another lucky safe passage.

Leaving Strumble the wind becomes quite fierce & I'm hitting it almost head on. Approaching Fishguard I spot my chosen camp spot in the distance & decide to head straight across Fishguard Bay instead of hugging the shore.
This really wasn't a great decision, its blowing at least F4 across the bay with waves hitting me side on & occasionally breaking onto the kayak.
I'm struggling to make headway with the wind & I have to watch my balance & use my paddle for support as the waves do their best to topple me.

It wasn't a pleasant crossing at all & at times quite scary.
Fantastic camp spot though.

GEEK STATS...

Trip Odom 20.3 Nautical Miles, (23.3 Statute)

Max Speed 6 Knots

Average Speed 3.3 knots

Time moving 06:37:00
The Tide Race Around St Davids Head...


Porthgain...

Strumble Head...

Strumble Head...

Looking Back At Strumble Head...

Razorbills & A Guillemot...

My Guide To Fishguard Harbor With Dinis Head In The Background...

My Camp At Pwllgwaelod...

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