Landfall

The long awaited and at times seemingly unachievable landing at Cuil Bay has happened! After 49 days, lots of kms and just about every weather condition possible the bow of the kayak crunched onto the beach for the last time this afternoon. 

It is hard believe it is all over and we made it.  At times the weather seemed to conspire to make progress impossible for days and days, at other times we were just in the right place at the right time. This was especially so for crossing North Channel, mirror like seas, no wind and slap bang in the middle of neap tides. 

Although a shower was very welcome and Liz's house at Cuil Bay is lovely and comfortable the drastic change in routine will be quite hard to get used to. 

49 days of obsessing over the weather, wondering what's around the next headland, worrying about finding a landing spot, but we will miss being so totally at one with the sea and all its moods, we'll miss the strength that comes from weeks of paddling, a strength that sees us through continuous long days in the water without tiring. 

We'll miss the people too, some perhaps only a brief chat on a beach, others perhaps for an evening of conversation. Some incredulous, thinking we are mad, others offering useful advice or local knowledge from decades of experience in their local waters. Others buying us lunch and plying us with drinks, or appearing on the beach just as we were launching with four delicious cup cakes wrapped in foil. Hilary the Cakemaker you're our heroine!  Thanks Andy for making a 3 hour round trip to meet us and bring us beer and goodies!

And not forgetting Alan and Roger for three amazing days around Jura and the Garvellachs. Even though it was not quite the end if our trip, it was a very special finale. 

Roger's photos of those three days are up on Flickr. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rogerflicks/sets/72157634746709622/

Thanks Roger, I can't wait to see them on a bigger screen than my phone!