Hebridean Waves

Ewan Gillespie

• 01 augustus 2007
• 9780955427329

Samenvatting:

Kayaks have been used to travel silently on the ocean fringes for a very long time; indigenous Arctic peoples are renowned for doing so with amazing skill and resilience. A competent paddler is capable of travelling great distances and in seas that would send some larger craft scurrying for shelter. In these days of climate change and greater personal awareness of our impact on the environment, kayaking must rate as one of the most environmentally friendly means of transport. The shallow draft of the kayak and its ability to land on a variety of shores, from sand to rocky ledges, opens up coastline which might otherwise be inaccessible.Coastal animals and birds are often more intrigued than alarmed by the brightly coloured kayaks; seals play around the boats which can sometimes come within metres of the rocky perches of sea eagles. The astounding beauty of Fingal's Cave on Staffa and the malevolent darkness and power of the Corryvrekan whirlpool near Scarba are but two of the countless remarkable points on Scotland's west coast. In ever-changing waters, the excitement and sheer horror of dangerous seas and foul weather challenging the skills of experienced kayakers give way to moments of peace and tranquility in calm waters. Awesome are the tiny Manx Shearwaters on Rum or the 12-metre minke whales off Eigg. But for the author, nothing can surpass the simple pleasure of setting up camp in a remote bay, at the end of a long day of paddling, with good company, good food and a sunset to remember for a long time.