Tuesday 27 May 2008

Ramsey Island #2 27/05/2008

Conditions were a lot calmer than yesterday so I decided to paddle from Porthsele down to the southern end of Ramsey Sound, cross over to the island, and hopefully carry on around.

Even though the north flowing tide was against me I was able to paddle quite a way out from the coastline due to a south flowing counter eddy achieving an average speed of four knots, which was quite strange because a couple of hundred yards to my right the tide was flowing in the opposite direction quite quickly.

On reaching Pen Dal-aderyn the fishery protection vessel entered the sound, obviously coming to check up on Adrian's new lean mean fishing machine!!



It was now a matter of paddling like crazy out into the tide stream and ferry glide across it in to the calmer waters, hopefully above the Bitches.

Today the crossing was a lot easier than expected with no danger of being dragged down onto the Bitches. After the brief sprint I had a leisurely paddle down to Penrhyn Twll where there is a natural arch through the headland.

The next point where rough water can be encountered is 'The Devil's Hole', which is between Ynys Cantwyr and the Midland isle, this then leads into Bay Dillyn. The conditions at this point were very tame and I didn't even manage to get wet!

Taking full advantage of the unusually calm waters I kept very close to the coastline and decided to explore many of the caves and inlets. There were many birds nesting in the Cathedral Cave entrance so decided to keep my distance.


Paddling around Bay Dillyn I reach another inlet with a central upstanding rock and a pebbled beach.


Proceeding into the inlet there are two solitary black rocks jutting up out of the beach, not knowing much about geology, don't know why or how?!


On rounding Trwynmynachdy I enter another large bay with the pebbled storm beach of Porth Lleuog in the far corner. There is a large interesting cave which I would have liked to explore but unfortunately it was guarded by two large bull seals who were adamant that I would not be allowed entry!
They escorted me out of the bay, following behind, constantly splashing and snorting, making sure their presence was known at all times.

The next stretch of coastline are the high sea cliffs where numerous Guillemots and Razorbills are currently nesting. After passing Trwynllundain I enter Aber Mawr, the largest beach on Ramsey Island.

Paddling towards Trwyn-drain-du there are two caves, Ogof Organ and Ogof Tywod. The first cave, Ogof Organ, was once again guarded by one bull seal and his missus! I was, however, able to enter Ogof Tywod, unaccompanied.


This is a large cave with plenty of room to turn the sea kayak round, thus being able to take photo below looking out of the cave entrance southwards at Carnllundain.


Passing Trwyn-drain-du I then encountered the remnants of yesterday's swell as I paddled along the north edge of Ramsey and across Ramsey Sound back to Porthsele.


This was a surprisingly easy paddle around Ramsey Island considering yesterday's stormy conditions.

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