I am currently carrying out a bit of psychological research on myself. I am interested to see how long I can sustain a level of utter excitement and anticipation before I pass out. This week I came pretty close…
On Thursday I meet with a guy called Mike Sullivan for lunch. Mike is one of the authors of The Outer Hebrides: Sea Kayaking Around the Isles & St Kilda which I have poured over for hours in preparation for the move up here.
Over lunch Mike spoke at length about the Sea Kayaking up here and I was beside myself with excitement hearing about the multitude of trips and opportunities for all types of Canoe/Kayak related escapades. I harbour a dream of getting in my kayak here and arriving at Culzean beach (the beach of my childhood) a few days latter…watch this space.
Conversation then turned to other outdoor pursuits and Mike seemed just as passionate about the climbing the Islands have to offer, the fishing and also the diving. I left lunch a jibbering wreck, not sure how I was going to fill the sun drenched afternoon and evening.
After racing home from work I looked through Mike’s book to focus me on something more specific than I want to do everything now. Closest trip to home:
Trip # 9 Stornoway Harbour…looked perfect, close, took in a few small islands, great scenery looking onto Lews Castle grounds.
Just a bit further was Trip # 10 ‘Loch Èireasort’ which seemed to be that bit more remote and also more likely to produce a couple of fish for dinner.
Crosbost itself was well setup, with a large car park right next to the gangway where I could inflate the canoe and get everything ready.
I’m still getting used to the car and keep coming across little bits that make life so much easier…the electrical point being the latest find.
I started the trip about 6:00 and got back to Crosbost at about 22:30. I really could have stayed out all night as the moon provided plenty of light and it was so mild…
The trip was superb and once again exceeded what I had hoped for. I think the thing I loved the most was the feeling of having a moonlight powered Canoe as I made my way back to Crosbost…
Unfortunately, as the end of the video below demonstrates, it was actually Callum-powered!
I also think I’ve found the ideal cabin to rest and recuperate from my research…
At home in the Hebrides 