Bute challenge completed

[John Watson]

We finally completed our fundraising paddle around the isle of Bute, Starting and finishing at Kerricroy bay on the East coast of the Island. The going was really hard with choppy confused seas and very strong winds. The first day saw us heading around the south of the island and calling into some beautiful bays, one particularly secluded one called Glencallum Bay was absolutely outstanding. We camped the first night at Stravannan bay on the west coast, which turned out to be a very windy exposed site, it was a real effort to pitch, cook and keep warm.
The next day we paddled up the west Kyle, it was force five gusting seven but blowing dangerously offshore, so hugging the coast as much as we could was a necessity. Once rounding the top of the western Kyle we were hit by some very strong headwind, which almost had us pinned, --- it didn’t relent for the next twenty miles.
Both pretty exhausted, we rounded the Burnt isles at the top of the eastern Kyle where the strong tidal stream surprised us and almost had us both in the drink, we camped this night in the farmers field in front of the Colintraive hotel, a few beers went down well that night.
The paddle down the Eastern Kyle was sole destroying, a gale force headwind all the way, massive effort for little reward, At one time a man walking on the shore overtook us both. The last few miles from Rothesay bay was the most testing for us with waves breaking over us, a very confused sea and our faces still taking a battering by the relentless wind and spay. Several times I was caught unawares by sneaky breakers and almost had the paddle ripped out of my hands by the wind. I must say I was pleased to get back to the car, we both agreed that if the sea had been in that state when we arrived on Bute we would have cancelled the trip.
All in all a very difficult but worthwhile event and some memorable experiences, thanks to all who sponsored us, we will keep you posted on how much we actually raise for sarashopefoundation.

[Bob Sutherland]

Well Done Johnny boy

A mammoth undertaking amid the poor conditions.

[Dave Hume]

Well done John. I flew up to Bute on the microlight the other year and I know what a beautiful place it is. I must have missed your post that you were doing this otherwise I could have put you in touch with my mate Don who lives in Rothesay and may have been able to help you with accomodation. Rothesay has an extraordinary number of good pubs and provides a monumental p*** up on a Saturday night......

[John Watson]

Thanks Dave but too late I'm afraid, However you can still give us a little help by sponsoring us

[Bob Sutherland]

Rothesay has an extraordinary number of good pubs and provides a monumental p*** up on a Saturday night......

Don't forget the music festival. That is a monumental piss up

[Fingers]

Well done John, sounds like quite a test of will. Look forward to a chat and some photos.

[Dave Hume]

Thanks Dave but too late I'm afraid, However you can still give us a little help by sponsoring us

Of course John. Next time I see you on the hill.

Mind, I expect you had your GPS on to prove you did this or no-one in this club will believe you.......