Coquet Island Race weekend

The end of long haul to Northumberland on Friday night was celebrated in traditional fashion with a lengthy, well lubricated chat in Dave's new (large) tent. Before long, plans for paddling along the coast for one group and out to the Farne Islands for another were being mashed, brewed and distilled.

On Saturday morning, Ron organised a trip along the coast near to Dunstanborough Castle and Kev dragged 4 intrepid souls including me to make a dash out to the Farnes. We were rewarded with a stunning wildlife experience providing ornithogenic sensory overload for sight, hearing and smell.

Photographic opportunities were maximised as we circumnavigated the Longstone and the ever inquisitive seals came out to play. We made a brief lunch stop by the lighthouse before heading back towards the Inner Farne.

The £5.60 fee that the National Trust charge for looking round the island is worth it but it seems more like a zoo than a nature reserve. Despite the close proximity to all of the seabirds there was an amazing display of photographic equipment on show some of which resembled anti tank weaponry. Our final treat at the Inner Farne was a chance encounter with the lesser spotted Derek Hutchinson.

Sunday dawned with Kevin making the first of his race preparations. NWSK provided over a quarter of the field for the 5.5mile 'Round the Island' sea kayak race. The results were impressive with Kevin in the lead for much of the course but was beaten into second place by previous race winner George Oliver. The ladies of team NWSK took 1st (Kate), 2nd Gill) and 3rd (Jean) place. A rather impressive effort all round.

Ron laid on a short apres race paddle from Blyth to St Mary's Island in the afternoon for those who had the energy and the appetite for a combination of sunshine and squally showers. Thanks to Ron for organising the camping and endless local information.

There are some more photos from the weekend in the NWSK Gallery.