Ramsey Island - Seals Young & Old 29/08/2009

With the wind finally easing and the sea calming down quite considerably, I was back in the sea kayak after yesterday's surfing session.

Although the sea had calmed down a lot there was still quite a large swell which I was able to use to help me around Penrhyn Dalar against the increasing flood tide.

Reaching Pen Dal-aderyn, the southern tip of the Ramsey Sound mainland, the conditions weren't too bad and I didn't lose too much ground as I made the crossing against the tidal flow over to Ramsey Island and shelter from the constant SW wind.

Even though I was sheltered from the wind, there was still quite a swell especially by the arch at Penrhyn Twll. Paddling past the steep pebbled beach there were a number of seals hauled out, I think they were mostly bulls hence it is sometimes known as the Batchelor Beach.

As usual I am followed closely behind by a couple of the bulls constantly splashing and snorting making sure I am aware of their presence.

Coming in the other direction is a large sailing boat obviously making use of the strong wind and the north flowing flood tide.

Reaching Twyll y Dillyn I felt the full force of the wind again and seeing one of the boat trip RIBs turning round and coming back I decided it wasn't a wise move to continue on any further.

Even though I have paddled here on many occasions, the ruggedness and beauty of the coastline on the island still takes my breath away as I paddle back northwards towards the Bitches.

There are a few pups already on the sheltered beaches, keeping my distance though I wave to Tim of Venture Jet as he speeds by.

I don't paddle through the Bitches but through the narrow gap between the mainland and the Bitches and through the arch and into the calmer water near the landing jetty.

Whilst having a drink and a rest I watch another sailing boat making good progress through the Sound and a boat trip RIB speeding through the turbulent water of the Bitches.

There are 2 very healthy looking seal pups on the small beach by the jetty. I am soon joined by a very large bull, I have seen him quite often over the years, he has the biggest head I have seen on a bull seal and reminds me of the Sontarans from Dr Who which I am often forced to watch by my sons Bobby and Harry. He follows me for a short while but is far more interested in having his evil way with the mothers of the pups!

I paddle northwards along the island passing the first sailing boat I saw earlier which is now anchored in the calm water of Rhod Isaf. I then paddle out into the Sound taking a last look back southward passing a young gull who didn't seem too bothered about me.

Whilst crossing the Sound,a Fulmar constantly circles around me gliding effortlessly just above the sea, I am quite pleased with the photos from my new Pentax Optio W80 as they fly at quite a speed.

I pass quite close to the turbulent water around Horse Rock which even though the tide is easing off is still quite confused.

I then let the tide take me down to St John's point where again the water is a little choppy.

It is then a short paddle back to Porthsele where, hopefully, the weather will continue to improve.

Ramsey Island 31/05/2009

Waking to another glorious day with flat calm sea, very little wind and the tides just right for a trip around Ramsey Island, Martyn didn't need to be asked twice!


We were on the water just before 11am with the idea to get across to Ramsey before the north flowing flood tide started to gain too much speed and then use it to our advantage on the west side of the island.
Rounding Penrhyn Dalar we had a little adverse tide but nothing to worry about. The water by here is a good gauge to see how things will be later on.

We paddle through Ramsey Sound a couple of hundred yards from the main flow aided by a south flowing countereddy.

Reaching Pen Dal-aderyn we break into the main flow and are immediately turned 90 degrees and taken back down to the Bitches. It is now a matter of a bit of hard paddling to ferry glide across the current and into the calmer waters near the island.

We now have a leisurely paddle up to Penrhyn Twll with its small arch that we paddle through and then hit a small bit of adverse tide.

Passing the high cliffs at Foel Fawr we stop to look at the Razorbills on their precarious nests on tiny rocky ledges.

Twll y Dillyn or the Devil's Hole is very calm today although we still whizz through there at a fair rate of knots.

Rounding Trwynmynachdy we paddle into Porth Lleuog the steep pebbled beach which is a popular pupping beach and stop for a drink and a snack, watched closely by a group of about 5 or 6 bull seals.

Paddling past the high sea cliffs leading up to Abermawr, which I think are some of the highest in Wales, we are followed by a few of the bulls making sure we are well aware of their presence by splashing and snorting as we paddle in front of them.

We then hit a bit of rough water on the headlands but it cools us down nicely, it's going to be a another scorcher.

Paddling across Abermawr we enter one of the large caves at the headland of Trwyn-drain-du. The cave has a main entrance and then a smaller tunnel that bypasses the headland.

Heading eastward along the north coast of Ramsey up to the NE corner of the island where, although Ramsey Sound looks flat clam, the tide is running pretty fast.

Using a south flowing counter eddy we paddle southward until we break into the main northerly flow.

It is then a leisurely ferry glide across to the mainland at St John's Point and back to Porthsele passing Sian who has caught the Pencarnan fishing bug!

A great paddle of nearly 8 nautical miles (just over 9 miles or nearly 15 kms) with the tide perfect all the way around.