Just wanted to convey my sincere thanks to all at LYC for their very generous support during my recent Severn Kayak Expedition.
The weather, as we know, threw up some challenging days, not least of which was the day I arrived at Lydney, resembling a drowned rat! Having access to your clubhouse to dry out damp kit, have a brew and warm up, made such a difference – I dread to think how my spirits would have sunk if I’d had to weather that night in my tent.
The following day from Lydney to Portishead proved very challenging too. The westerly headwind didn’t help matters but I made steady progress down to the first bridge. Between the bridges the seas became very confused, not helped by the strong breeze which was whipping up the waves. Things got worse as the wind strengthened and as it was against the tide it wasn’t long before I had metre high waves breaking over the boat. The section from the second bridge down to Portishead was a real battle but I managed to arrive off the marina in time for the last lock in – I was spent and needed the respite!
That night the wind died away to nothing and I took the decision to make use of the weather window and paddle down to Flatholm overnight.
From there onwards the winds although occassionally brisk didn’t present too many problems and I arrived at Mumbles Head, Swansea at 1500 on Friday 17 May – ironically the photo I have of my return shows the sea looking like a mill pond – ah if only they knew the reality!
I have exceeded my fundraising target of £800 for 32nd Swansea (Rhyddings Park) Scouts and am now hoping to raise in excess of £1000.
Thanks again & best regards
Ben
FANTASTIC! well done Ben, it was a great pleasure to meet you and to be able to help, in a small way. We look forward to your doing a talk on this trip, sometime in the Autumn. Good luck with your future voyaging.