Kayak across the Irish Sea

Patience and Frustration

2008-08-28T10:46:00.002+01:00

Hi All

Here I am updating the blog whilst the weather is overcast and so grim for August. James and I are still waiting for a window of opportunity which to date has alluded us. There was one day when the conditions were perfect but sadly my employer would not let me have the time off and so I had to keep the streets of Swanage safe and all that......
We have spoken to most who have kindly sponsored us but to those that are still keeping tracks on our progress we are still aiming to set off as soon as is practically possible. We thank you for your patience and will keep you updated soon.

Regards

Moose and Baz

Waiting

2008-07-25T11:23:00.002+01:00

Hi folks

Just a quick update to let you all know that James and I are still on for the trip but the weather has been against us to date. There is a possibility that this coming Monday may offer a green light so will keep our fingers crossed!

Laters

Baz and James

Bagnol Caravan Park

2008-07-02T08:17:00.003+01:00

The vans on plot.

Agent Fudge and one of the many wood sculptures on the site

I must thank Johnny and Danny who very kindly let us stay at Bagnol Caravan Park for free as part of their kind sponsorship. The site was clean, tidy and the showers were great. The site is ideally situated only a mile or two away from our proposed set off point. The site also has some amazing wood carvings as you can see one in the picture. The wood carver/artist used a chainsaw!

Thanks again guys and we will contact you soon regarding a second attempt to cross the pond.

A great place to stay so check out their website www.caravan-park-anglesey.co.uk

The Internet Cafe

2008-07-02T07:46:00.003+01:00

Whilst staying in Anglesey I needed somewhere to get onto the Internet and check the daily weather reports. Gary and I were told to visit The Internet Cafe in Holyhead run by Mark and his wife Sandra. Not only did they do a cracking fried breakfast but Mark worked for Holyhead Port Control and he gave us plenty of advice. If you are ever travelling in this part of the world I would recommend a visit to check your email over a latte or two! Take a look at their site http://www.holyheadnetcafe.co.uk/

Thanks Mark

Barry, James and Gary

Stuck in Dublin

2008-06-29T19:25:00.005+01:00

Well to update you all the wind is not in our favour! As a result of this we are still waiting and the best day would be Thursday but I am due back at work then! we are keeping our fingers crossed that Tuesday maybe a possibility but I am not holding my breath. The Guinness in Dublin is excellent so not felt I am wasting my time but extremely frustrated that we have not set off yet. I did a tour of the Guinness factory which was well worth the 14 euros and I had one free pint and then after that some kind lady gave me her free pint voucher..happy days!

The support team who travelled to Dublin. Allan, Agent Fudge, Actionman and Big T. Agent Fudge using his mine sweeping skills to try and drink Allan's pint.

Challenges

2008-06-28T17:00:00.003+01:00

Pledge money for challenges across the Irish Sea.

1. Clap hands like a seal - £20 Jen

2. Wear a wig - (Afro,Blonde Curls or Red) - £20 Jules

3. Rock paper sissors (loser puts red lip stick on lips) - £20 Ross

4. Sing Row Row Row your boat - £20 Mel

All these challenges will be done half way across the Irish Sea and video evidence to prove it. Please dig deep in your pockets and pledge money for one of these and if you think of any other reasonable challenges in a kayak please let us know.

Agent Fudge MI6 involved in another close shave!

2008-06-27T20:12:00.003+01:00

Gary aka Actionman and Agent Fudge part of the support team. Agent Fudge was given to Actionman by Angela Evans 'Angie' before she sadly passed away last year of Cancer. Angie was fun loving, outgoing and the life and soul of the party! Angie's dying wish was that Agent Fudge be assigned international operations with Actionman. All photo intel to be shared with all of her friends. Agent Fudge becomes an ambassador of Angie's entourage and has already spun the globe. Agent fudge has requested a 'special op' to accompany Agent Splashdown on his epic voyage across the Irish Sea. A requisition for specialist equipment has been channeled through Q department for authorisation. Actionman has sanctioned his co-operation.
In an effort to disguise his ID from certain southern Irish operators Actionman accompanied him to a local hair stylist. SHAN from Image alteration dept (A5) was tasked with preparing Fudge for this mission. SHAN very kindly donated her normal fee in favour of our charity. Many thanks! Full sit rep to follow........message ends

Sponsorship from Ocean Safety

2008-06-27T19:55:00.006+01:00

I had the pleasure of meeting Claire from Ocean Safety and it was like Christmas. Ocean safety has supplied us with their latest product of personal safety flares specifically designed for Kayakers. A cracking piece of kit if I may say so. They also provided us with other flares, smoke and personal buoyancy aid lights! I cannot thank them enough and looking at the photo above they certainly know their business. I hope we don't need to use the flares but I am confident we will be seen if we need to be. Thanks for your support and for looking after us!

Safety Flares, smoke and personal lighting

Helping hand from Cotswold Belfast

2008-06-27T18:03:00.002+01:00

Due to inclement wind (nothing I have eaten!) our trip is on hold with copious amounts of time spent checking weather charts, looking for a decent break. This has its own pitfalls and I found myself drifting towards my feminine side and retail therapy kicked in. Having seen the Garmin 60CSx in action with Baz who is pleased with his purchase, I have fallen into the trap of boys and toys and made my way to Cotswold Outdoor Belfast where I was lucky to meet Lyle who was very helpful and informative about the product. On consultation with his boss and my bank manager I am now the proud owner of a Garmin. I hope this bad weather holds so I can learn how to use it!

Sponsorship on the kayak.

2008-06-25T16:49:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Chris from Garmin and Russ from Wareham Boat Hire. Stickers placed on my kayak ready to go!

Lift off or we hope so

2008-06-25T15:10:00.003+01:00

James has left already and arrived in Anglesey. He has touched base with the Coastguard and they were pleased that he did as he gave an up to date sit rep. The weather is not in our favour as it is blowing SW and 23 mph winds which is a force 5 on the Beaufort scale! Not pleasant.

The forecast is for 29 mph winds tomorrow at 1000 hours again from the south west! I think a drive up and sup a few coffees with my pal Moose will be in order praying to Neptune that the weather and sea's will turn to our favour!

It is disappointing when you plan things and the weather looks unfavourable but we will keep our fingers crossed! If we don't go then as Arnie said, " I'll be back!"

Just to let you know we will be looking for an E/NE or SE for the crossing. SW is pretty much the worse one for us regarding wind direction.

Event Sponsorship by GARMIN world leaders in global positioning systems

2008-06-25T08:49:00.006+01:00

Garmin offices in Southampton

James and I had the pleasure of meeting Chris Boyle from their Marine Product and Marketing Management. At very short notice Chris managed to arrange the loan of marine mapping software for my Garmin GPSmap60CSx. This software will prove invaluable on our trip providing details of up to date chart information. We cannot thank Chris and Garmin enough. Like we said Chris if you ever need some sea kayakers for product testing let us know!!

Chris Boyle and Barry outside Garmin's UK offices exchanging the sponsored marine software

James outside Garmin offices Southampton

A welcomed helping hand!

2008-06-21T22:03:00.002+01:00

Event Sponsorship from Bagnol camping and caravan site.

http://www.caravan-park-anglesey.co.uk/index.asp

Dear Barry. As you are doing this event for charity it will be our pleasure to let you stay here free of charge for as long as it takes to get the right conditions for your crossing to Ireland. We will look forward to hearing from you and we will see you when you come down.
Your Johnny@Danny

We would like to thank Johnny and Danny for their very kind offer. It is generous help such as above that make arduous trips and planning a lot easier! We look forward to our stay and meeting such generous people.

Rocket Man

2008-06-18T22:35:00.002+01:00

Well after receiving some advice from the Captains of the ferry they said it would be wise to take a radar reflector. I have done a bit of research on the Internet and many studies conclude that it is only marginally better to have one than not. I purchased one for the mast of a sailing dinghy and taped it to a garden pole. This was then placed in the drinking pouch on the rear of my buoyancy aid and voila you have a rocket man impression....Now where is the blue touch paper?!

I know it looks a bit silly but I am going to do a trial before next week and see if this comes up on a radar. I will keep you posted.

Wareham to Hurst Castle Tues 17 June

2008-06-18T08:17:00.005+01:00

It was 0345 hours and there was thick sea mist at Wareham Quay and which I followed down into Poole Harbour. I telephoned Portland Coastguard to advise them of my voyage and the conversation went something like this,

Barry " Good morning Portland Coastguard my name is Barry Ashdown, I am a solo kayaker heading from Wareham Quay to Hurst Castle and back. I have my kayak registered with your CG66 callsign Xplore."

Portland Coastguard " Do you know what time it is? It is quarter to four in the morning"

After explaining that I must of been dropped on my head as a baby and that this was training for an Irish Sea crossing later in the month. The Coastguard log was created, I was wished a safe trip and I set off in the comfort that I was being looked after.

It was very eerie paddling down the Frome with only 10 metres of visibility. To start off with it was fine as I was following the river but it all changed when I went out into the harbour. I managed to steer a course to start off with which led me through the first pair of channel buoys but after that it started to get a bit more tricky. Sea Mist started to play tricks on me and no I had not been drinking the night before! You will be amazed I have not had an alcoholic drink for 3 weeks and I am looking forward to that pint of Irish Guinness!!

I then had to use my GPS looking at the map screen and also use my compass for a course to steer. I went wrong a few times as I found myself in shallow water but soon got back on track. The next thing which was a little disconcerting was the very loud fog horn of a ship. I know there are several ferries and merchant ships that use the harbour who would not see me until it was too late. I had my whistle to hand just in case but that probably would of been as useful as a chocolate fire guard. I had my VHF Ch16 and then I decided to head south into the shallow water keeping away from the main shipping lane. It was then that I wished my radar reflector had arrived. I managed to kayak around the southern side of Brownsea Island without actually seeing it....more fluke than judgment I am sure! I kayaked to the eastern end of the island and decided to cross there just before the Sandbanks ferry.

It was amazing how many small fishing boats were leaving the harbour all with radar fitted. I didn't mind them but it was the larger ships that were the worry. I got outside the harbour and thankfully the sea mist was clearing towards the east. I made a decision to kayak on towards Hurst Castle. The sea was like a mill pond and there was hardly any wind. Great conditions but in the back of my mind I was thinking the calm before the storm!

I travelled to a point N 50 deg 42.654 W 001 deg 37.510 and decided to turn back. The forecast was for strong SW winds 5 or 6 gusting 7. I made it to Hengisbury head and all was well then the squall came through and I had a lovely paddle from Boscombe pier to the harbour entrance...Not!! I hate paddling into strong wind.

I got into the harbour and then decided that it was not worth the effort to paddle back up to Wareham. Two paddle strokes forward and one stroke back! Not fun. I paddled into Holes Bay and called in the support team driver my dad Pete. He turned out and saved the day. I wonder what my next challenge will be after this? Isle of Wight me thinks as un-finished business there.

0345 hours at the start.

A slight rise in the sea mist in Poole Harbour

Hengisbury Head and that bloke with wind again

Starboard buoy in Poole Harbour in the mist

Sea Mist and a buoy looming

Which way? I can't see a Bloody thing!

Off the water in Holes Bay, Poole waiting for a lift home

The slip at Holes Bay Poole

38.72 nautical miles in 10 hours and 28 minutes.

Well counting the days and after doing 38nm yesterday I am sat here with a slightly aching back. I am looking forward to the challenge and the pint of the black stuff or maybe 10 after!

Not long now!!!!

2008-06-14T14:22:00.004+01:00

Well here Moose and I are off the cliffs near Swanage on our way to Kimmeridge. We did this paddle a few weeks back. Moose is that a chocolate eclair in your mouth and are you trying to reach across and pinch another one?!

West Bay to Portsmouth continued......

2008-06-14T13:30:00.008+01:00

A cracking sunset to finish an awesome day of paddling.

26 nautical miles completed on Saturday to add to the 13 nautical miles paddled the day before.

Tall ship and some small ships floating past my window

Sunday 8 June

Hurst Castle to Clarence Pier, Portsmouth

20 nautical miles

Breakfast! Mmmmm

Do you think he is asleep?

I even took a pillow! Well thankfully the weather was fantastic and after breakfast I set off on the last 20 n/miles to Clarence Pier in Portsmouth to be collected by Gary. I am sure Gary suggested Clarence Pier as a finishing point to test my ability to manoeuvre past hover crafts, hydrofoil boats, ferries and also keep a beady eye on the locals on the beach when I arrived. It was like an open air version of the Star Wars bar....

I totalled 59 nautical miles over three days which will have to be completed in one sitting across the Irish Sea........Bring it on is all I can say!

Why is it my self portraits look as though I have got chronic wind?!

West Bay to Portsmouth

2008-06-14T11:48:00.013+01:00

West Bay to Portsmouth Saturday 6 June to Sunday 8 June

West Bay slip

Gary aka Action man with a friend Mick Rogers decided to walk from West Bay to Chapman's Pool a distance of 55 miles in one hit. Most sane people who decided to do the walk did it over three days. Now what has this got to do with me and my kayak training..?

You guessed it I said I would paddle the distance and some to Portsmouth by the Sunday where I was going to meet Gary again who had completed the round the harbours cycle race.

The alarm went off at 0500 hours on Friday 6th June and I crawled out of my pit to get the last few things organised before setting off for West Bay. Gary, Pete my dad and I set off for West Bay as I had planned to be on the water by 0730 hours but it turned out to be 0810 hours.

I left the security of the harbour walls of West Bay and headed east towards Portland Bill. The sea was choppy but I had the wind and tide with me which was fun to start off with.

West Bay Harbour

I got into a rhythm and was settling in nicely but I was not going to make Portland Bill by slack water! This proved to be problematic as we were nearly on spring tides and I did not fancy battling against the tides and also the updated weather report given by Portland Coastguard was also not favourable. They predicted strong wind warnings which would of blown against the tide which would of meant the sea would of become a wee bit choppy! In light of this I decided to turn back to the safety of West Bay. The western side of Portland has a rocky shore and chesil beach is a steep pebble beach which has boat crunching waves breaking onto it. I did not fancy trying to attempt to get to Portland Bill only to find the conditions were worsening and then there was nowhere to land safely. I thought I would come back to fight again another day and retreat with my tail between my legs. This was the right idea but paddling back to West Bay took 2 hours an hour longer than it took me to get to the turn around point. I made the shelter of West Bay, kicked back and waited for my dad to come back and collect me which he did which was very kind of him.

So Gary had set off and I was back in Wareham after only doing 12.3 nautical miles in 3hrs 17 mins.

Saturday 7 June

I then decided I would set off from Wareham and paddle to Hurst Castle opposite the Needles where I would camp the night and then paddle onto Portsmouth on the Sunday. I set off as the tide was out at Wareham Quay and I knew the tide was turning in my favour for 0900 hrs approximately. I got out of the harbour and kayaked across Bournemouth Bay about 1 mile from the shore. The sun was shining and and there was no wind which was nice but by the time i had reached Hengisbury Head there was a W S/W. I arrived at H/Head and decided to have a 15min leg stretch and a bite to eat.

Heading east

Dodgy looking bloke!

Hengisury Head

This turned out to be really annoying as all the kayak wanted to do was turn into the wind and send me on a course for the needles. This wind was combined with the tidal flow which was sending 2-3' sets of waves heading NE. I decided I would move closer to the shore to see if this made any difference which it did a bit.

Hurst Castle

I soon arrived at Hurst Castle and got my pitch ready for the night. I dug a little shell scrape on the beach behind a groyne and settled in for the night. I loved it with the sound of the waves lapping on the shore. I was pleased I paddled to Hurst Castle as it has been one of my kayaking
objectives for a long time. The views were stunning. It made me appreciate how lucky I am to do these type of things. It also made me focus on the challenge in hand at the end of the month and why I am raising money for Rainbow Trust.

Hurst Castle looking east up the Solent.

My Groyne and a room with a view!

Cake Stalls'

2008-05-18T09:02:00.004+01:00

Well before you ask no I didn't make any cakes. It wasn't that I did not want to make any but I valued my kind sponsors and I wanted them to enjoy their cake and not go down with food poisoning.
So in light of this my family and friends very kindly pitched up and made an array of cakes from Chocolate brownies to fruit cake. I cannot thank them enough and also a big thank you goes to Sheila and Ali who helped me on the stall at Dorset Police HQ. Also a thank you to Katie for putting the posters up and arranging the day with admin. I managed to raise £148 which was a great total.
Katie and Kat also took a load of fairy cakes to sandford first school and they made a total of £47 in 15 minutes which was amazing.

Rainbow Trust Link

2008-04-30T16:33:00.002+01:00

Maiden Voyage

2008-04-08T22:48:00.011+01:00

I thought I would start off with a gentle paddle from Wareham Quay, down the river Frome, out into Poole Harbour and then east along the coast to Hengistbury Head and back. I left at about 1030 am with the sun shining which was nice but the temperature must of only been 1 or 2 degrees above zero. I made the harbour in 25 minutes and Lake Pier in 1 hour and 5 minutes from setting off which I was pleased with. The GPS at that point was telling me I had an average speed of 4.7 knots. I was impressed with the Xplore and soon settled into rhythm and paddled towards the harbour entrance. I caught the tide on the ebb and the GPS recorded a maximum speed of 7.7knots as I flew out through the entrance. The sea state was moderate and I had a NW wind to keep me company.

Four hours after setting off I reached Southbourne and it was then that I decided to turn back. This was when the fun started!

I then had to paddle back into a SW wind and against the tide! It was then that I thought the return paddle would be a lot more interesting. I paddled as far as the shore just before the Haven hotel at Sandbanks having passed Bournemouth and Boscombe piers. I was feeling quite tired at that point and I am sure it had got colder. I was glad I took my woolen hat and poggies for my hands. I had about 5 minutes respite before attempting the harbour entrance. I snuck round the northern side of the entrance and waited in the eddie of the sandbanks ferry before pushing through and ferry gliding across the main channel to the shallow waters of the southern side of Brownsea island. I was still paddling against the tide and I could feel my energy levels drain. I decided to stick it out and paddle to the headland of Arne opposite Lake Pier. I rested again for about 5 minutes and half demolished a chicken, avocado and spinach pitta washed down with 1/2 litre powerade.

I then pushed on for the top of the Wareham channel and the channel narrows to a small bit of water with 2'-3' mud banks on either side. This was the killer as I managed about 3 paddle strokes to propel myself 1-2 metres forward. I was cursing quite nicely but kept telling myself that this was good stamina training.

Eventually I managed to find the less tormenting and meandering river Frome and I new then I was close to home, another 30-40 minutes and I would of been there. I eventually arrived back at the quay to be greeted by my folks on the banks of the river to see me in. It was a welcomed sight as I was beginning to feel the cold and there was only about 3/4 hour left of daylight. My dad helped me load the kayak onto the trailer and we all walked home where I was greeted by dinner, hot bath and a brandy. The only evidence of completeing the trip was a small blister on one finger, aching shoulders and a photo of the log on the GPS.

I had a great day and am looking forward to my next long paddle on monday weather conditions depending.

Yipee my boat has arrived!!

2008-04-08T22:17:00.004+01:00

Well after a long wait my new Tiderace, Xplore has arrived. I ordered it at the beginning of February and I picked it up on the 3 April from Knoydart in Penrith. Katie and I drove up to collect it on the Thursday and then made a compulsory stop at Liverpool to catch up with a good mate Jay and his wife Jos. Thankfully the boat managed to fit in his hallway as we both laughed at the fact it would not of been there in the morning if it was on the roof of the van!

We had a few beers at Jay's and then tried the ale at a local pub which after 2 hours resulted in Jay testing out the kayak back at the house. I think if he was waiting for high tide then he might of been there some time!

When I eventually surfaced on Friday morning feeling a bit worse for wear we then headed back down south. We set off and I managed all of 9 miles to the service station where I needed to have a power nap as I was feeling slightly under the weather. I hope I have a tad more stamina than that for the Irish crossing.

Well I am nearly kitted out apart from my paddle which I have had on order since December/January. Thankfully Moose is on the case and we are looking to buy some Werner paddles instead which might take all of 2-3 weeks to arrive not 2-12 months!

So next on the agenda is to get out and use my boat so will sign off and let you know how the maiden voyage goes.

Laters

Time Is Running Out

2008-03-29T16:35:00.002Z

Well the title says it all, we are both really looking forward to the epic trip that looms.

The big thing we are finding at the moment is how hard it is to purchase a new boat you have a pocket full of the green stuff and you cant get a dealer that has a Boat or Paddle come to that. Is it my age or are we really not that good at looking after customers in this country, not even a phone call to let you know that there is a delay in the delivery day, like a month not just a day or two.

I have had to reasure the Big Bloke that his pride and glory will arrive in time and he will not have to do the trip in his Tupperware boat, which I have to say has never let him down, Ok its a tad on the heavy side but hey he is no Kate Moss. As he is as strong as an OX I can't see a problem.

Baz/Ox has mentioned the little trip in the harbour the other week and it just showed the raw strengh of the bloke in mind and body that he just kept towing with that usual grin on his face it could have been the Condor Ferry and not Jules and the grin would have still been there, well done mate. Good choice of Paddling Partner for the Moose.

Training and Post paddle scoff

2008-03-25T13:09:00.005Z

Sea Moose on the Moose Mobile

Does my arse look big in this? Jules's boat that Moose loved paddling.

Right on brother!

Cool as a Moose? Leave that one up to you?!

Moose, Jules and I had decided to do a relaxing training paddle in Poole harbour but we seemed to leave the 'relaxing' part in the vans!

It blew an absolute hooley and on the way from Lake pier to the western end of Brownsea island we enjoyed the wind being behind us and surfing the waves.

Jules was in her new Xcite, Moose in his Explorer HV and me STILL in my old faithful the washing up bowl called a Carolina...Grrrrr don't get me started about the delivery of my new kayak!

We paddled around the southern side of Brownsea and we had the shelter from the wind which was pleasant. When we started to paddle around the eastern end of the island we were then confronted by the onslaught of the Northerly winds again. The wind was so strong that no matter how hard Jules paddled the wind got the better of her and began to sweep her across the bay. It was then we decided to paddle onto the island and Moose being the gallant type of chap he is offered to swap boats as his slightly heavier boat might be an advantage to Jules with her paddling.

It was then that seats had to be adjusted and when Moose got back in the boat a freak wave or two decided to join him and got his cotton trousers wet! Remember it is blowing a hooley and not the warmest day! I kept warm by the steam coming out of his ears!

We then took it in turns to help tow Jules back to lake Pier and I was cooking nicely in my dry suit by the time we had got back. Even though it was an eventful paddle and far from relaxing I had a great time! We finished the day with some food and a warm up in Jazzy B's on Poole Quay...very nice. The hot chocolate was impressive. Not only was it full of calories it must of had some skin softening effects as Moose decided to put some on his nose!

A nice warm day in March 2008. Branksome Chine.

Moose and his good lady Jules.

Moose mobile, Moose and Baz

Sorry there were no pics on the water but my compact camera is not waterproof. It would of got a soaking for sure!

Why I chose Rainbow Trust

2008-02-25T11:49:00.002Z

This report was written for me to explain the commitments that Rainbow Trust have with families from Dorset. This report summarises the important care and support that Rainbow Trust offer and it has made me even more determined to help them in anyway I can. Please spend a couple of minutes reading the update below. It certainly inspires me to complete my challenge. I hope it inspires you to donate some money to this worthy cause. Thanks Baz

DORSET UPDATE FEBRUARY 2008

We are working with a family where a young girl’s condition is slowly deteriorating. She has a genetic condition which means she has gradually become wheel chair dependent, at the same time she has lost her ability to communicate and has prolonged, serious seizures. This is very upsetting for her brothers and sisters, who sometimes feel that she gets too much attention. Our Family Support Worker has been spending time with the well children, taking them swimming, to the park or play areas. She has also spent time at home with them and has introduced workbooks for them to draw and write in, which encourages them to express their feelings. When the time is appropriate, and with the parent’s consent, the FSW will help the children prepare for their sister’s death.

We continue to support a family where a little boy of 4 is unable to breathe unaided. Our main work is with his brother, who had difficulties starting school, and was exhibiting behavioural problems. Our FSW has spent time with the brother, helping him to be independent and supporting him with praise and encouragement. His behaviour is greatly improved and we continue to work with the family, particularly as the sick child goes in and out of crisis.

We help to get a 7 year old girl with leukaemia to hospital appointments. If she is admitted we spend time with her so that her Mum can have a break, or we help at home in order to lessen Mum’s worries.

We spend time at hospital with a teenager who has cancer. She finds it difficult on the ward, surrounded by younger children. When we are there her mother is able to go home for a few hours, to see her other children.

We have been helping in a family where a 2 year old boy has a cancer that is difficult to treat. Our help has been at hospital in order to relieve Mum, so she can have some respite from the ward. We work with his sisters at home who have found workbooks helpful in expressing their fears about their brother. Our support includes the grandparents, who look after the girls during their brother’s prolonged periods in hospital. The grandmother has health problems and has therefore found the help invaluable.

We continue to give support to our bereaved families in Dorset.

YouTube - Baz196's Videos

2008-02-19T00:37:00.001Z

YouTube - Baz196's Videos

Pictures which put a smile on your face....Daily!!!

2008-02-18T10:33:00.004Z

I went downstairs this morning to see a large white envelope from Rainbow Trust on the mat. I knew Louise had sent me something to help with the fund raising but I didn't expect something so special!

Louise explained that these pictures were done for me and they were of the sea. They are now pride of place at home and I look at them evertime I am sat here on the computer updating our blog. A true inspiration.

Artist Madeline
Aged 5

Artist Madeline Aged 5

Artist Sasha
Aged 13

Madeline and Sasha

Thankyou very much for your pieces of art. They are bright, colourful and it was very kind of you both to do them for me! They are now on my wall and make me smile every day. When I get tired paddling across the sea I will think of your pictures and they will help me I am sure!

I hope that the sun is shining as brighlty as yours' in your pictures when we kayak across the sea to Ireland.

Thanks again and I hope you enjoyed your stay at Rainbow House.

Regards

Barry

Training has begun

2008-02-12T19:45:00.000Z

The start of the training and a return trip from Middle beach Studland to Swanage bay and back. It is not the longest distance but I only had two hours spare which had to include travelling there. It was as you can see a glorious day and it was a maiden voyage for my new drysuit. Sadly the Tiderace Xplore has not arrived so I was paddling my old plastic faithful the Carolina.
The plan is to paddle from Studland to Swanage when I work early shifts. I estimate the trip at anything between 1 hour and 1 and 1/2 hours each way depending on tides, sea state etc. This will be my mid week training and I will have to try and up the hours and distance on the homeward stretch. Moose and I have planned a series of long weekend paddles which include a trip to the Scilly Isles and a circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight when the tides are right! I think the paddle fitness will come but the thought of sitting on my arse for 16-18 hours sounds painful! REMEMBER 'No pain no financial sponsorship gain'

What's that I hear you say, "Sat on your arse for that length of time...Nothing new there then!"

Well on the stretch home I paddled past this buoy with my initals on it. I will take this as a good omen. Thats my buoy!!

Two dodgey geezers fitting a roof rack in Tesco's car park and one with a white light up his nose!

2008-02-11T11:52:00.001Z

Moose kindly fixing my roof rack to the van

What a happy chappy.... Is that a smile or wind?!

The final touches!

Well here I am with my red pixxie hat on with a white light infront of me.. It's so beautiful!

Well Moose very kindly helped fix my Kari-Tek roof rack system to my van which makes transporting kayaks so much easier. I needed to get the rack fitted as I had planned to go to Knoydart in Penrith to test drive a new Tiderace Xplore. Very exciting!

Rainbow House pictures

2008-02-11T11:36:00.001Z

Rainbow House

Garden

Playroom Swimming pool
Sitting room. As you can see from these pictures taken by me that every efort has been made to make the house as homely as possible. There was such a warm feeling about the place. I visited on changeover day when the house was empty for a few hours but just from seeing posters on the walls and comments in the comments books you appreciate why Rainbow House means so much to those that have visited. This includes me!

Day at Rainbow House

2008-02-09T20:29:00.000Z

I was lucky enough to visit Rainbow House in Bookham and have a guided tour by Louise Bingham, Corporate Fundraiser for Rainbow Trust. I wanted to see and experience the good work that the charity does. To tell you the truth it was a humbling experience but I walked away with fond memories knowing that the money that people donate goes to such a worthy cause!
The facilities were amazing and it was plane to see why the families that visit find Rainbow House such a special place. I cannot imagine how living day to day life with a child that is terminally ill or suffering from a life long illness can be and it was quite clear and apparent by all the posters that donned the walls at Rainbow House what a difference the respite makes.
My challenge of paddling a mere 60-70 miles across the sea is a drop in the ocean compared to the daily struggles that the families Rainbow Trust support have to deal with.
I felt Rainbow House was a home away from home and I commend Pat and her team for offering that. The house offers much more than their facilities. It offers families quality time which is so precious in such circumstances. I would say that was priceless!!!

Rainbow Trust charity link

2008-01-24T23:18:00.000Z

Well folks those that are interested in departing with their cash for Rainbow trust please go to the following link and donate as much as you can afford. I appreciate anything you can spare and I know Rainbow Trust will even more. I am aiming to raise £2,000. Every pound you donate counts so please, please give generously!

Thanks again!

Baz

justgiving.com/barryashdown

Now We Have Your Attention

2008-01-23T21:13:00.000Z

Greetings one n all, now we have your attention as the Big Lad has said this is about two out of condition geezers who wanted a challenge, also to raise some dosh for people who deserve better. we will put in the effort and the training all you have to do is put in the cash and drink to those that who should know better at their age ummm. Thank you for taking the time to read this and we look forward to hearing your replys.