Tyla Images Expedition Around Wales Day 17...

Llanaber To Hells Mouth...

I Didn't think I needed to be up so early today so I rose at 7AM & left at 08:30AM.
I planned to cross from Shell Island to Pen Y Chain at Pwllheli to reach the Lleyn peninsular as the wind was in the west making a crossing to St Tudwals a bit of a slog.
A dolphin came & saw me off from Shell Island as I begun my crossing. It was extremely calm on the water but I'm not a fan of crossings, their quite dull & alone can be intimidating. This crossing was only 8NM in length but seemed to take ages despite a 4 knot average speed.

The Wildlife was fab, I saw loads of huge Barrel Jellyfish, Some Velvet Scoters, Manx Shearwaters & Gannets.

I stopped at Pen Y Chain for a breather then continued across the bay to Pwllheli, it was a bit of a slog.
Passing Pwllheli it was obvious that I was quite burnt out & made very slow progress, I think yesterday was catching up with me.
I eventually reached the Warren & pulled in for some food & to refill my water bottles.

Amazing what a rest & some Alpen can do, I felt much better so pushed on for Aberdarron.
The sea out of St Tudwals Roads was surprisingly bumpy but bloody good fun. The next Bay, Porth Ceiriad was much calmer. It was when I turned into the appropriately named Hells Mouth that it all went a bit nuts. There was a very strong wing charging out of the bay, couldn't be in more contrast to the previous bay.
The waves were quite substantial so I didn't fancy crossing the bay, instead I turned into the wind, leaping off the waves as I made my way to the shore where the waves were tiny. Anyone on the beach would have no idea what I went through to get to shore (LOL).

I found a fab camp spot just off the beach on some springy grass that was wonderfully comfortable to lie on.
Despite the daunting challenge of the following day I still had the best nights sleep I've had in ages...

GEEK STATS

Trip Odom 26 Nautical Miles, (29.9 Statute)

Max Speed 5 Knots

Average Speed 3.4, (4 Knots during the crossing to the Lleyn)

Time Moving 07:43:14

Almost At Pwllheli...

Heading Out Of St Tudwals Roads...

First Glimpse of Bardsey...

Hells Mouth...

Camp At Hells Mouth...

View Of Bardsey...