Article written by Helen Carr & Frankie Twizell
Each year the club holds a weekend camp at Rhosneigr, Anglesey. The camp remains one of our longest running in the club calendar. Overall, the camp is a relaxed weekend with a good array of paddling journeys exploring the wonderful island of Anglesey.
This year was no different and even saw many members getting out on the Friday for a trip along the Menai Strait passing under its two picturesque bridges, the Menai Bridge and the Britannia Bridge.
Saturday saw 19 club members set off from Porth Dafarach for Trearddur Bay. After a spot of lunch saw 6 members continued, past Rhoscolyn Point, to Rhosneigr beach. The main cohort headed back to Porth Dafarch, where they were provided with a different view of South Stack in the distance.
The weather throughout the day was mixed with some sunny spells. During the afternoon, the wind crept up to provide some more interesting conditions to keep everyone entertained.
Luckily, the weather held for the traditional Saturday night BBQ where everyone could relax, reflect on a superb day paddling and exchange other paddling stories.
Sunday saw some of the more advance members head out to the Skerries from Cemlyn Bay. The group encountered many terns nesting by the lighthouse, and they were not in the mood for visitors! Let’s just say hats were needed! The paddlers also encountered some Puffins as well.
Whilst the advance group were retreating from the terns another group of 13, now known as the lucky 13, headed out from Trearddur Bay to explore the Rhoscolyn coastline. This peice of coast is well known for its pair of striking natural arches that the sea has carved out of the cliffs - ‘Bwa Du’ the black arch and ‘Bwa Gwyn’ the white arch. These natural wonders are often experienced by visitors looking down from the cliff tops so to see them from the sea is a unique and spectacular experience. Another unique experience is of course being able to paddle through the arches! With the low tides this year the group managed to get part way into the Black Arch.
The best part of the weekend was to see many new members getting out exploring and participating in one of our most admired club camps. The club would like to thank all the support from our more established club members who kept the newer members feeling safe and relaxed so they could enjoy the whole experience.