Maiden Voyage

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!!

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

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

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

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

YouTube - Baz196's Videos

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

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