When Eurion phoned and asked if I fancied a Sunday lunchtime pint I didn't think it wouldn't be as simple as turning up at a pub!
Eurion had heard that a pub had been opened on Flat Holm so we found ourselves paddling out across the World's 2nd biggest tidal range, dodging the occasional ship on the way, not the usual relaxing Sunday lunchtime pint!
As we were out in the Bristol Channel it seemed rude not to pay a visit to Flat Holm's neighbouring island so we made a slight detour and we were soon at Steep Holm.
We paddled clockwise around Steep Holm used the still flooding tide to push us along effortlessly.
Eurion stared longingly at the remains of the island's inn but he would have to wait a little longer for his lunchtime pint!
Paddling around the SE corner of Steep Holm we pass 2 of the island's WWII searchlight posts
Approaching Rudder Rock Eurion is obviously working up a thirst and points out that Flat Holm is only just around the corner.
Eurion is dwarfed below the aptly named Rudder Rock with another searchlight post perched on top.
Rounding Rudder Rock we start our paddle over to Flat Holm and on nearing the island Eurion is convinced he can smell hops!
Landing on the island I mention to Eurion that a couple sat on the grass don't have any clothes but he didn't seem too bothered until another couple pass us also starkers!
En route to the pub we encounter many of the island's Gulls who are very protective toward their chicks and also more naked people, lets hope they have put plenty of sun cream on their extremities!
We finally get our lunchtime pint in The Gull and Leek served by the Warden come landlord who asks why we are so over dressed as there is a nudist weekend hence all the bare flesh.
After a very refreshing and enjoyable pint we have a wander around the island dodging swooping gulls and the occasional nudist. Walking back to the kayaks we bump into Stuart, Taran and Jules who, like us, are making the most of the near perfect conditions.
We have a quick chat before going our seperate ways with Eurion and myself starting our paddle back to the mainland suitably refreshed.
We pass the Wolves Buoy and are soon paddling back to the Sully YC slipway across a glassy flat sea.
A cracking paddle in near perfect conditions with the added bonus of a refreshing pint en route, nice one Eurion and it was good to finally meet up with Stuart and Taran.
As has been the case all week the forecast once again wasn't too promising, so with no plan as such I paddled out from Porthsele out toward St David's Head and see what occurs.
I was in two minds whether to paddle around Ramsey but was a bit concerned about wind against tide in Ramsey Sound on my paddle back so I aired on the side of caution and paddled into Bay Ogof Hen at the North of Ramsey and explore some of the caves.
The cave above must be one of the longest on Ramsey and runs right through the headland of Trwyn-Sion-Owen.
I couldn't get right through the cave so I started to paddle round the headland to the other entrance bumping into Tim and Arnold of Venture Jet. Tim always seems to take great pleasure in tearing up to me pretending he hasn't seen me and then doing an emergency stop soaking everyone on the boat.
After having a quick chat with the two of them I paddle to the other entrance of the cave, I think it would be a bit of a struggle to paddle through it.
I decided to paddle around the next headland of Trwyn-drain-du where there are a few more caves to explore, a large Bull seal decides to tag along with me
I paddle into Ogof Organ which is full of foam caused from the occasional sets of largish waves that are funnelled into the cave.
Leaving Ogof Organ I am rejoined by the Bull seal, I am obviously encroaching on his manor.
The next cave I paddle into is Ogof Tywod which has a large main entrance and a smaller one off to the side.
I paddle back along the North of Ramsey and then Southward along the Eastern side of the Island where I come across a small cave I have not noticed before.
Close by the cave there is a small channel which comes to a dead end with a small arch in the middle which again I have not noticed before.
Paddling South the tide looks just right to paddle through the cave that pierces the headland between Rhod Uchaf and Rhod Isaf.
It is an easy paddle through the cave and I am soon at the Bitches which are starting to build up speed.
I have a bit of a play in the white water before starting my paddle Northward back up through Ramsey Sound.
Just like in Ogof Organ there are large patches of foam as I speed along effortlessly aided by the flooding tide.
Again not a paddle of much distance but I found a new cave and small arch, Ramsey Island always seems to throw something up, I guess that is why I enjoy paddling here so much.
