It's been a few years since I've seen Gavin, I calculate possibly seventeen years based on the age of his two children.

I recently joined up again with him on social media and noticed that he had been paddling with his wife again.

A few Likes etc on Facebook and the links were back on.

Wednesday came [11/06/2025] and a message from Gavin asking if I fancied an evening paddle.

The Ormes were ideal as LW was around 1800 hrs and he could get there for around five.

He had also contacted Mike so we had a plan.

Gareth and I had planned a paddle this day so we changed some plans and arranged to meet there a little earlier.

We got there for 1600 hrs and explored the Little Ormes.

Amazing birds nesting, the noise was deafening and many seals.

Back to the launch spot to meet up with Mike and of course Gavin.

Also Mike had brought his mate Phil along.

A beautiful afternoon, low winds, flat seas and sunshine.

We travelled left along the Great  Ormes up to the mouth with Conwy river.

Absolutely loads of seals and again hundreds of breeding birds.

Back to base, Kelly Kettle on and a brew prior to us all returning home.

An absolutely brilliant paddle and get together with some true gentlemen and pals.

Isle Of Seil Tour

 Our September Scotland Tour, it has been historically a Jones sister gathering.

With various circumstances and to introduce some friends to both Scotland and canoe paddling the group was increased, with Alan, Yoz and Mark included.

We travelled up on Friday the 23 September 2023 taking two kayaks and one canoe.

The forecast looked grim with very high winds and rain.

Saturday was a break with summer conditions, anything after that was a bonus.

So Saturday Ga and I took to the kayaks, assisted the guys with the canoe and they were off.

Eventually caught them up, fabulous conditions and a very quick learning curve for mark in the Captains seat.

A fabulous day.

Our accommodation for the week

The forecast was fairly accurate although we managed several walks and two more paddles

Saturdays outing----- https://youtu.be/1HcLHRsDRZw

 

Our local bunnies

The rain stopped in the afternoon so a drive out to opposite the Isle of Easdale where a few days ago they had the National Skimming Championships.

With over 350 competitors.

Taking into account the very small ferry, a boat of a max of 12 would have been a busy time for all.

After the visit Ga and I walked back

Suns up!

A drive out, this time a stop at the end of Ardfern

A stop at the Old Chapel near Kirkton, and the onwards to Kilmarin to see the Standing Stones, the Circles and Chambers

Link to Bridge clip---             https://youtu.be/XlXhhuOqw-Q           

A great week, and having the pub next door helped, just a few Tenants hic!

We managed to grab three paddles, some walks and sightseeing.

Although some rain and very high winds it didn't stop the fun.

Many thanks to all and of course the Chef You, we ate like Admirals, thanks You!

Bakewell Break

 The Budapest groups weekend gathering. Friday 22 October 2021
Accommodation through Airbnb, on the street leading up to the main church.
Saturdays walk after a leisurely start and a fabulous cooked breakfast 

Sundays visit to Buxton on our journey home

Core Mark look at those Apples!

Mags steady watch those turkey drummers

The hills are alive with the sound of....Mark winding Dawn up

Did I ever tell you that I use to do the papers

So he put the light on and tried to eat the chocolate