Day 9: Dummore East to Ardmore

 sunrise at Dunmore East harbour (this morning)

 We had our best morning on the circumnavigation so far, exploring sea caves, sea stacks...

A mild breeze, in t-shirts and rolled down drysuits, superb!

 Absolutely stunning, clear visibility and so much to explore!!

Covering lots of distance without trying, relaxed pace, this is sea kayaking : )

 After an early lunch that all changed, got back on the water at midday with a bit of chop running, very soon into a relentless strong headwind, which lasted until we reached Ardmore at 6pm.

Got a lift with Fergus to RNLI Youghal, and everything we possible wanted, found!!!

Looking forward to an early night, and another great day on the water tomorrow.

www.justgiving.com/horrendousexperiences

Keirron & George

'It's not the weather you've got, it's what you do with it'

Day 8: Bastardstown to Dunmore East

What I really like about Ireland is the energy in the people we meet.

What we are enjoying about our journey is discovering the real Irish hospitality...

So many folk have shown such kindness, we are deeply moved.

George tucking into a piece of Katia's special flapjack.

sun setting as we pass colonies of seals on the sand bars

striking camp in the early morning sun 

we pass and chat to a few of the many people enjoying the coastline

George pulling his kayak up for a beach break

Keirron and George 

passing the lighthouse at Hook Point

Arriving at Dunmore East to be met by Ciaran from the RNLI

Why are doing it?

We were asked "is it for some kind of therapy you're doing it?"

Over the last couple of days we too have been asking ourselves the same question, it's been tough going! Staring at the next focal point move slowly closer, estimating time and distances, checking and re-checking maps, pushing wind and tide... Why do we do it?

Because it's there. Because we relish a challenge. Because we too need to move out of our comfort zone, need to take risk (try something which the end result is not certain). Having moved out of the real low point on this kayak trip, some reasoning...

We both have families at home on the Isle of Man, work commitments also... And sometimes it's taking up real challenges that allows us to see things more clearly, from a different perspective.
Journeying by kayak gives a unique perspective on life. Its real! Raw nature can be a relentless unforgiving educator....It makes the paddler feel alive. It makes you appreciate even more those things most dear to you....And occasionally nature gives you a glimpse, an unforgettable wildlife encounter, stunning scenery, memories, life changing moments. 

It really makes us appreciate the immense support we are receiving. Thank you : )

And another motivator, we're doing this in support of the RNLI:

www.justgiving.com/horrendousexperiences

Looking forward to wild coastline ahead.

Keirron and George

Day 7: Rosslare to Bastardstown

The guys set off from Rosslare just after the Stena ferry at 9am to catch the tide round Carnsore point.

Text from Keirron at 2pm to say they were going to get off the water at Bastardstown. Tough paddling conditions with a Force 5 South westerly and conditions getting worse so with the good weather coming in over the next few days it makes no sense to push on today, but get a rest, explore the local area and get ready for some decent mileage during the next few days...

John

Day 6: Wicklow to Rosslare

Just off the phone to Keirron, both the guys seem on very good form, they have had a good day and covered a fair bit of distance with some enjoyable paddling, been a long one though and they were just looking for somewhere to camp just past Rosslare village before the harbour. 

A few people have been asking about their food and have they really taken everything with them for a month?? Well the answer is pretty much yes!

They have taken a less traditional but more intellectual approach to their nutrition (with the help of Sam Murphy - PB Sports Performance). Even when kayaking the strenuous mileage that Keirron & George are covering on a day to day basis their heart rate rarely goes high enough to cause a state that is highly dependant on carbohydrates. Predominantly their energy is coming from fat because of the relative low intensity work over a near continuous expedition pace. Thus it is important to have fat ingested throughout the day while they are paddling. Hence, nuts, cheese & meats take up the predominance of their daily food intake.They finish the day with a single large carbohydrate intake so that this is digested and transported to necessary muscles and organs by the time they wake. This energy system is then only utilised in situations where more effort is required, such as surf landings/ launches, tidal races or points of high wind. On days where they will be battling the wind and surf all day they will also be continually eating small quantities of carbohydrates to maintain their energy levels.

Just 2 examples of their "snack" diet for throughout the day;

They set off from the IOM with dry bags full off mini portions of Cathedral city cheese each for the expedition, they get through a few packs a day (they had 300 to start with).

Also plenty of Clif Bars to allow them to consume at least 3 each throughout the day thanks to some generous support from Bikestyle Isle of Man and not forgetting 2 boxes of flapjacks from Adventurous Experiences very own flapjack maker herself! By taking their own supplies it avoids spending time searching for shops etc...

Will write more on the other meals in a future post, which will occasionally deviate from the plan when they receive the occasional spot of great hospitality!!

Weather looks promising for the next few days

John

Day 5: Howth to Wicklow

We arrived at Wicklow RNLI at 4:20pm, after setting off from Howth at 6:20am...

...some delightful conditions battling our way around and across Dublin bay. Gusting F7.

 

After Dun Laoghaire we had a strong tailwind all the way onwards, with the tide! The usual frequent squalls with mixed hail and rain, and sunny spells.

We've been promised conditions settling down from tomorrow... fingers crossed!!!

Keirron & George

www.justgiving.com/horrendousexperiences

Day 4: Clogherhead to Howth

First a few pics from the last few days...

  weather has been changeable...

...we did get into Carlingford though to sample a fine Guinness...

Thanks so much for your amazing hospitality everyone we've had the fortune to meet so far.

...arrived at Howth Lifeboat Station 5:30pm today : )

www.justgiving.com/horrendousexperiences

Quite a few squalls and delightful hailstones, made some decent progress along every inch of the coastline! Immediately had mugs of tea put into our hands, and every possible want sorted.

Thank you lads, much appreciated : )

Keirron & George

Day 3: Whitestown to Clogherhead

The guys have covered 20 miles or so today, seems another tough day battling across a few bays and Keirron has said their bodies are feeling it, but they have also had some good luck meeting folk...

Last night they had an evening meal with a kindly family nearby. This morning they were on the water for 7am, then bacon and eggs 11ish at Blackrock (Thanks to Chris and Fionnuala !). This also came with an opportunity for their first shower since Wednesday morning, which was greatly appreciated!

Off the water around 5.30 this evening, still hoping for better weather. Looks like that may be on the  horizon from mid week...fingers crossed!

They are now at Clogherhead, a small fishing village with an RNLI station.

Keirron & George are raising money for the RNLI:

www.justgiving.com/horrendousexperiences

Day 2: South of Bloody Bridge to Whitestown

George and Keirron are now off the water and set up camp after their second day. 

It seems that it was a bit shorter day than what they were hoping for with a message from Keirron saying they have had a relentless headwind. They have paddled at least 12 nautical miles today, possibly more, they have left County Down behind,  not sure if they crossed or went into the entrance to Carlingford lough (guessing that might have been a bit of a battle...) but are now in County Louth.

Looking like it could be more of the same tomorrow...

Day 1: Killard Point to South of Bloody Bridge

The guys have begun their circumnavigation early this morning. The starting point is Killard Point to the southern entrance of Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland.

Received an update text from Keirron, "On water just before 5am, paddled out of Lough and then south in bouncy sea, hard push into Newcastle harbour at 10.30 where Mike McClure was waiting with Croissants and fresh tea and coffee! Early lunch in Olive Bizarre and on the water again 1pm"

Had a further message saying they had been pushing a strong south wind but have paddled the first 25 miles today and have camped up for the night south of Bloody Bridge, hoping for more shelter tomorrow :)

The increasing Southerly wind that we have also been experiencing today on the island is due to move to a Westerly tomorrow so should hopefully provide them with some shelter for a good push south tomorrow.

John

arriving in Ireland

We arrived in Ireland early afternoon in good shape, after a crossing of 30 nautical miles with fully loaded kayaks (carrying a month's worth of food and kit), a memorable solitary puffin encounter in the middle : )

 George's Puffin

Stopped off to absorb the suns rays and had the rest of the day to explore the coastline north of Strangford Lough, passing numerous sunbathing common seals, skuas and gannets... to name but a few!

Keirron in front of South Rock Lighthouse

Using the last of the flood tide to head into the lough and find a sheltered camp in anticipation of the F7 Easterly forecast for later in the day. 

A wander down to Strangford village square, refill water and take in the relaxed evening pace, combine harvester and machinery coming off the little ferry, a family practicing hurley, lads pumping up and testing their inflatable for the coming summer...

A breezey night and a planned day off the water today in Downpatrick, ahead of an early start on the circumnaviagtion to morrow morning.

Fingers crossed for fine weather : )

Keirron & George

Setting off for Ireland!

This morning Keirron and George left Peel to begin the first stage of their exciting and challenging expedition to circumnavigate Ireland by Sea Kayak. 

The last few weeks have been a waiting game for the pair, watching for a suitable weather window to begin their expedition. After the strong winds of the last few days, Wednesday looked like the day! Meeting early this morning at Fenella beach they packed their brand new Sea Kayaking UK kayaks, Keirron in an Explorer and George, and Explorer HV, both well renowned expedition boats, and at just before 7.20am they set out on the crossing from Peel to Northern Ireland.

A small gathering to wish them well,

...and then they were off!

Received a call from Keirron to say they arrived at just after 2.30pm (exact timings and location TBC shortly), but close to the entrance to Strangford Lough, and seen some puffins on the way!

The plan is now to start their circumnavigation early on Friday morning, paddling southwards first to circumnavigate Ireland in a clockwise direction.

The guys are supporting the RNLI through raising money for this vital service, using the trip to promote sea safety and inspiring others to challenge themselves and encourage their sense of adventure.

You can make a donation online here:

JustGiving.com/horrendousexperiences

A journey of this nature takes much planning, and Keirron and George would like to thank all of the sponsors that have made this expedition possible, you can find links to all the supporters on the right hand side of the page.

I'll be aiming to update this blog daily with the trip map, or whenever updates from the team are available, and hopefully the guys may also upload a few pictures as they go.

Finally, its still very much business as usual here at Adventurous Experiences and the rest of the team  at home would like to wish the guys all the best!

John