Our ancient cat Maisie likes to wake me early these days so I made good use of the time this morning and checked up on the sponsorship situation. When we started planning this adventure we decided to set ourselves a target of raising £1000 but thanks to all the folk who have so generously sponsored us so far, our running total stands at an amazing £1613! We are really thrilled with this amount and now feel confident enough to set our sights on the £2000 mark by the end of the trip. Big thank you's to everyone who has sponsored the Brave Duo so far.
After a week of blissfully sunny, warm and calm weather on Islay, the wind has picked up and low pressure seems heading our way. We're hoping that it moves through and that elusive perfect kayak weather descends as El and James start paddling later in the week. We leave Islay on the morning of Thursday 9th September, drive to Oban and a quick stop for fortifying fish and chips, (obviously I will only have a very small portion 'cos I'm not paddling), and then straight on to Loch Linnhe. Having looked at the tides, James has decided to paddle the Loch Linnhe to Corpach section of the journey on Thursday afternoon/evening. If they waited until Friday morning the tide would be against them and we don't want that! El and James will then start on the first canal section on Friday.
But just now, we're about to pack the kayak into the car so El and James can have a last pre-trip paddle on Loch Gruinart - it's windy to say the least but ... hey ho at least no midges! Fiona, Calum and Katie are coming down too and we're taking cake - a fun Sunday afternoon!
....and fantastic cake it was too! Emotions were high today on Loch Gruinart as well as the wind! Lets just hope for James's sake that Eleanor gets used to having a wet bottom by the end of day 1.............
ReplyDeleteNearly action time shipmates! I'll go downstairs right now and drink your health in Islay Whisky! Not Bruich**** I'm afraid... I need them to send me a bottle, like you James!! Oh, and when it get's slow going just give El another kick!! (Sorry El!)
ReplyDeleteOWL is watching you from a great height!
Hello James and El, sorry i've been very slack contacting you both about your amazing trip. i'm not giving you any money till you've done it, don't want you to slack if you know you've got it all!!! El look after my brother, i know you will. GOOD LUCK. HAPPY KAYAKING. Good blog Sally-well done. TAKE CARE ALL OF YOU UP THERE IN SCOTLAND. love EM and the gang from cornwall.
ReplyDeletep.s. I'm proud of you both too.xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Good luck to you all on this fantastic adventure!
ReplyDeleteWell done on the brilliant fundraising efforts and I look forward to following your progress via the blog (from the comforts of my sofa - but I'll be with you all the way in (Islay) spirit!)
Nick
Good on you both - we wish you well and a speedy return. Thinking of you all and wish we were back with you again. We did so enjoy our stay with you and will be watching your blog with interest.
ReplyDeleteLove Richard & Jennie in NZ