Seekajaktour: Umrundung Irlands im Seekajak 2015

Headlands
I do not like headlands. Especially those with a little building on top. A small sort of
one-room-apartment with two windows looking out, looking down to us paddlers
trying to get around it. Me looking up to these ”eyes” almost telling me “ do you really
want to pass me? Well let´s see…”
In our first week we tried to go round Kilmichaels Point: we had already pitched up
the tents. When wind and rain dropped, we loaded the kayaks again to make some
miles for an afternoon paddle. And we paddled and paddled and paddled always
looking up to the headland with the tiny building and it´s window eyes watching us.
After 20 minutes I had to admit – the tide turned and we had to turn back – pitching
up the tents again – having another go the next day.
Baginbun Head: We had a fantastic run with a force 5 to 6 tailwind through the mist
and rain on a 90 degree course crossing from Kilmore Key in a visibility of less than
300 m. We saw the grayish outlines of the headland and the building with its windows
watching us. Some ten minutes paddling in the Hook Head direction only to be just
staying on one spot. The headland told as again “no way today”. The tide had turned
and we turned to the southern beach finding a wee patch of grass to camp on.
Whenever we passed a headland later on, I got nervous always doubting whether the
headland would allow us to pass.
Beacons
I like beacons. These big white cones saying “Hello … come in, not so far now, than
you are safe”. They do not exist in the area I am paddling in – so the first one I
noticed was when we entered Baltimore Bay. White, straight, big, like guardians they
seemed to offer shelter from the Atlantic swells. Whenever struggling with the winds
and weather and I saw a Beacon round the corner, I became sure that we would
soon reach a save spot.
Save Landings / Piers
Another new experience. Living in an area where you can land almost anywhere you
want, not being able to get out was very new to me. Swells blocking the way and
beaches with big surf and breaking waves were new to me, as well. So whenever we
turned around the corner and could see the big concrete and stone walls keeping out
breaking waves and swells I relaxed and was looking forward to an easy exit and a
friendly chat to local fishermen.
© Christian Dingenotto 2015
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