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Arisaig, May 9 - 11th, 2008

An easy first weekend trip of the season to break in the winter-weary bones. Despite the wild weather, I think everyone enjoyed themselves - we managed a couple of wee paddles. Thanks to Lucy for the writeup, and Rebekka/Graeme for the photies, and the patient people at the Old Forge for us taking over the front lawn!

The 10 Fireworshippers: Gav & Rebekka, Lucy & Dave, Dave S, Ben, Graeme, Richard

(and on Sunday, Claire (CJ)), Alison , Debbie.

Friday – We all arrived variously throughout the evening at Invercaimbe campsite, just N of Arisaig. Surprisingly packed. A friendly Glaswegian pyromaniac had built an enormous fire on the beach and invited us to enjoy it.

Saturday – To Knoydart! After a leisurely breakfast on the beach we drove to our launch site – Mallaig harbour. The weather was a bit grey and dull with low cloud, but no rain and no wind, so it was flat calm.

It took us 2 hours to paddle over to Inverie, skirting the mainland thencrossing to Inverie village across the bay. Fish were jumping so Dave trawled his line (unsuccessfully!). We ate our sandwiches and drank pints of beer in front of The Old Forge pub. D & L tried to order the infamous Loch Nevis Langoustines which were advertised on all the “Daily Catch” blackboards, but were told they are not available at this time of year. There was a local Knoydart wedding on and we chatted to some friendly men in full Highland regalia, wearing mainly Black Watch tartan with wonderfully long and hairy sporrans! We had a little wander around, admiring the bluebells and primroses and enjoying the lack of midges. The walk featured fern identification from Alison! We paddled back along the shore of Inverie Bay, past the wedding which was held in the front garden of a magnificent white house (“Glaschoille House” on the map). Lucy and Dave picked mussels for their tea while Ben instructed Rich on doing magnificent high brace sculling! We took a diagonal line back from Rubha Raonuill to Mallaig – there was some chop (or small swell) hitting us broadside from the N, and it was a bit of a wet ride and a bit of a pain for some of those without rudders or skegs. Total distance approximately 25km, so well done us, especially Debbie as it was her first ever trip in a sea kayak! I was knackered – it makes you realize the amazingness of the likes of The Hoff and Justine C who often do 70km or more a day!

Sunday – Ouch, too much wine last night for many of us! Claire arrived to join us for the day. Very hot at the campsite but much cooler, with a breeze, out on the water. We explored the Arisaig skerries (lots of common seals, greylag geese, shelduck) and stopped for lunch and sun bathing on Luinga Mhor, the big SW skerry. Surprised to see loads of ticks, since there should be no large hosts on a little island, but there were sheep and red deer droppings! We continued round the point of Rubh’ Arisaig to the absolutely stunningly gorgeous little beach at Port nam Murrach. L and D stopped here for a rest (hangover taking over!) and found a clutch of 3 ringed plover eggs. The rest carried on to the next bay. We saw a couple of kayakers at a distance heading round Rubh’ Arisaig, and met a couple more in Rockpool Alaw Bachs in the skerries. Today was approx. 22 km. All of us were back at Invercaimbe by about 1820 to pack up boats and make the long journey back across Scotland, exhausted and happy. Lucky Gav and Rebekka went off to start their holiday to Mull! Superb weekend, gratitude to Gav for organizing it!