Author: admin

Today was the first day of the 2nd UK Storm Gathering in Stornoway. I went surfing at Tolsta ( sorry if I spelt it wrong) which was great fun. Some 3-5 foot waves making for some fun rides. Patrick Winterton was enjoying looping his kayak numerous times!

The 4 days previous to that Barry and I paddled on the West Coast of Lewis, exploring some of the islands in the Pabay area. The swell was pretty exciting – bigger than we typically get in North Wales and good practice for New Zealand. I’ve never paddled in so much FOAM! We ended by paddling to Barvas, on the doorstep of Mike Sullivan and family! Thanks to them for leaving us a car and trailer on the beach, all unlocked with the key in!! It’s great here on Lewis, very beautiful and I feel very at home. I’ll try to post piccies later

Mike Sullivan and Murty Campbell took Barry and I for a down wind paddle on Loch Seaforth today. It’s one of their favourite places to go during a stiff southerly as you can enjoy about 14km of surfing up a thin narrow loch with the wind gusting at your back. It’s easy to do a shuttle so you only paddle one way and it’s a pretty safe way of going out in strong winds. Today I sensed that Mike and Murty were a little disapointed that it was only about a force 6-7 but we all still had a few good surfs and enjoyed the free ride. We also saw lots of wildlife including a white tailed eagle at close quarters, a mink and an otter. My back is feeling much better today ( still a bit stiff but so much more flexible).
MIKE

CROSSING THE MINCH
Things don’t always go according to plan! Barry and I made it across the Minch to Lewis on a beautiful calm day on Tuesday. We landed, moved the boats up the shore a bit, I sat down to cook dinner and my lower back started to really hurt. I damaged the ligaments a bit about 3 weeks ago lifting furniture but thought it was better – obviously not. I spent the next 24 hours lying in my tent, before local paddler and organiser of the Storm Gathering, Mike Sullivan, rescued me ( wtih help from his friends Benny and Rory). I’m now recovering with a sachet of hot beans ( well, not literally.. but some fancy hot material ) on my lower back. I feel slightly better today and hope I can paddle tomorrow. Barry, meanwhile, is paddling up the West coast of Lewis by himself! So not exactly how we planned it, but I’m glad I’m getting better and I’m really grateful to Mike and Jayne for looking after me. His kids are keeping me amused on a walk down to their local beach!!
CROSSING THE MINCH

JAMIE, ROSIE AND KATRIN AT BARVAS BEACH!

It´s just been a big birthday for my dad and I am out in Spain celebrating with him. So since I´ll be paddling a long way in New Zealand in January, I figured I better do some physical training! Here I am on the golf course getting into shape! Just look at that swing!

Actually, in more relevant training, on Monday Barry and I will start an attempt to paddle up to Lewis in the Outer Hebrides for the UK Storm Gathering in 2 weeks time. Weather permitting, we´ll paddle from Skye, cross over to Lewis and then paddle around the island clockwise, arriving in Stornoway in time for the Storm Gathering. I´ve never been to Lewis before but I gather it´s very beautiful and the West coast can be very stormy with big surf. THe organiser of the Storm Gathering has already told me that the trip could be “ínteresting” if they have typical October weather! Of course, I say it´s “Training” but really it´s fun – or at least I hope so! Barry and I have not been on an overnight trip together before so October storms on Lewis should be a good test! Let´s hope we don´t drive each other crazy!!

I think there are a few places left at the Storm Gathering for anyone interested.