"150 miles up the Western Isles"
Reflections & Learning Experiences (highlighted by underlining)
Sunday, 30th March 2008
Today I paddled round part of the west coast of Barra, from Halaman Bay (the IOB Beach) to Cleat beach. This was the only part of the coastline I hadn't paddled, so I have been wanting to do it for ages. I've also been scared of it for ages because the sea bed shallows quite slowly, but there are reefs, so when there's a big swell, there are huge breakers that roll in hundreds of meters!
So on this mini-epic, I got used to big swell again, which reminded my that skills are only relevant to a time and an environment. When that water was deep it was fine, just up and down movement. And when I was coming round Greann Head there was loads of clapotis, which was great fun paddling in, and interesting to try and take photos and video footage. Got a great video of some clapotis (see Gallery).
I could really write loads about this. It was pretty awesome! The feeling of solitude when you are on your own and only relying on your own skills and judgement to avoid the risk of death is pretty thrilling.
When I was confronted by the big reef breaks offshore, it made me think about the shear power of the sea. It also reminded me that I have to respect the sea! I'm still sometimes tempted to think I'm invincible, and when I put myself in situations like that, it reminds of the harsh reality that I'm not invincible, and the sea is heartlessly merciless, and will always win in a fight!
However, all I can say is that I can't wait to get down to Mingulay and Barra Head to see the cliffs because I've never seen them before!
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