11th August Rescue practice
A short unscheduled paddle did take place on the 11th August when three paddlers set off from Ballachulish to practise rescues and rolls (one paddler!) behind the Burial Islands in Loch Leven. Two successful rolls, five successful self- rescues, a few heel hook rescues and a double rescue were performed. It was followed by a lovely swim back at the car park. All was good!
Paddlers: Bill, Elvire and Ruth
16th August Inverie
Seven paddlers set off from the slip in the centre of Mallaig on a misty moisty but very calm Sunday morning heading for Inverie and a visit to the Old Forge. First stop was behind Eilean Guibhais, but the midgies very soon drove the paddlers back to their boats and the safety of open water! A quick crossing took them to Rubha Raonhuill under the imposing statue of Our Lady of Knoydart which was erected during the 1950s and designed to welcome seafarers into Loch Nevis and on towards Inverie. Continuing round the north shore of Inverie Bay past the grand houses of Glaschoille and Scottas they soon arrived at Inverie and made their way up to the Old Forge. Some chose to eat their lunch outside at the picnic area but the rain intervened and they found a table in the very busy pub for soup, coffee and icecream. Back on the water the group headed straight for the Inverie Bay Marker Beacon, a distinct drystone tower topped by a large stone cross. The sea by this time was so calm there was no need to hug the shore. Heading from the cross to the south shore of the loch the paddlers were entertained by a groups of dolphins and porpoises leaping and splashing. It’s hard not to believe they are doing this for the sheer joy of it!
A great day’s paddle!
Distance: Approx 22km
Paddlers: Joan, Sheila, Elizabeth, Ruth, John, Heather and Marge!
