Lizzie and Susie come to support!!

I left the harbour at Mulroy Bay with a load of apprehension as to what the weather would be doing. And how I’d cope!! There was a lot less wind than the previous day and my confidence slowly built as I picked my way through the boomers and massive surf. It is hypnotic to sit and watch it, but getting in too close would be certain disaster.

I approached the next headland called Fanad Head steadily, but feeling happy headed across to Malin Head. It’s impossible to predict what will lie in wait at each headland- I take each one as they come and each behaves differently to the last. I was a little in awe at this one as 2 people I had met on my travels in the past few days had advised me they would inform the Look Out watch I was on my way and many horror stories would follow!
Des set my heart at rest and had given me the time the flood would start and worse case I could eddy hope! Let us see what lay around the corner!
It was a breeze and we literally bounced our way through. Waving to some walkers up high on the cliffs, I refrained from waving to the tower- I could see some folk and thought best to carry on upright and not have an accidental upside moment!!

Malin head came and went!! I had no idea about the rest of my day’s plans as I had no idea how I’d be feeling, all I knew was I just needed to get around Malin!! I stopped for a lunch break, snooze and chart check as soon as I saw a little beach.

Lizzie and her friend Suzie had come over for a break and to give me some support in their precious free time. I’d not been very helpful when they asked where I might be that night, so they could come and meet up, as I really had no idea.

Looking at the chart I realised with some regret that I was on the wrong side of Lough Foyle and there would really be no chance of us meeting up. There were a couple of places that were possible for me to stop, so it would need to be one of those or a further 25nm paddle which would see me in Portstewart probably about midnight. Didn’t fancy that!

I took a bay about 10nm ahead to do a check timewise and see how I felt! For a reason I have no idea, a bit of tide, there was no wind to speak of we were averaging 4.5 kn- awesome! Everything was in tune maybe Waddles was helping after all!!!
I did a recalc and hoped I’d hit some sort of back eddy cutting across to Port Stewart it was as if we had wings we simply flew! The wind picked up and the sea state increased as I tried to pick up on the red harbour lights of Port Stewart. I couldn’t believe we were so close! The drizzle came and the viz started to go but we were still flying.

I’m not sure what time it was when we surfed our way into the harbour I think Waddles and boat were on a mission!! We followed the lights and found a slip way in the protection of the harbour!! Full of beans I started emptying the boat and was about to get him up into safety when I heard a shriek of ‘Eila’!! Imagine_ it was Lizzie!! They’d been in contact with Sonja and through SPoT saw me heading this way.. Not only that but even down to the slipway! They had been waiting on the beach, thinking it’d be there I’d stop!

Big soggy hugs all round Lizzie and Suzie with boundless energy cooked up a real Famous 5 feast by the time we’d eaten it must have been nearly midnight!! About 5 minutes after I was sound asleep!!

I woke to too much wind and waves breaking over the wall, so promptly went back to sleep! The forecast was nasty, probably a no paddle day! I spoke to a fisherman who said he’d gone out early to avoid the bad stuff due. The Girls had gone out especially and bought me milk, so after breakfast, another snooze a walk to the hill made me think a paddle would be ok!! The sky looked clearer, the sea more settled- yes, let’s do it!

I had a load of exits if the wind did arrive, and a final destination of Ballintoy, a little gem of a place, just an easy afternoons paddle- but one step closer to turning South!! No exits needed and plenty of time to explore the Giants Causeway!! The Girls had had the same idea and of all the chances we arrived at the same time- they across hills, me across the sea!!

Ballintoy beckoned and the sun shone, just a touch of wind occasionally on my nose, off we went!!

The sun is just thinking of setting, but the clouds have arrived which contain the wind blocking out which would otherwise be a most dramatic scene.
Lizzie and Suzie have cooked another delicious feast and wouldn’t even consider letting me wash up. It is fantastic having this support for a couple of days, it makes everything seem very different, I feel so much less vulnerable and it is wonderful to have the company. Girls you’re stars, I’ll never be able thank you enough! Let’s see what the winds bring tomorrow!!