We didn't go far in the kayaks, just round to the next bay, Perpitch, but we did take a picnic and make it into a mini island adventure. Perpitch is towards the uninhabited end of the island that it was far enough away to feel secluded, and of course we did have the beach all to our selves.
Jessica and Amelia love going in the kayaks and insist upon helping to paddle. Then when we pulled into the shore they bounded off to the rocks and dunes to be mountain goats!! (I believe only good can come from watching David Attenborough). Seeing their boundless enthusiasm and energy reminds me how much they are outdoor kids, even if it can be a fight to get them ready and out the door. It also makes me excited for better weather so that it is easier to be outside more, as our previous weekend walk to old quay was just painful in the wind, but then I don't want to wish away winter, I love it!!
As for me I took to the water for a rather bracing sea swim. Last year I forced myself into the sea spurred on by Jessica's enthusiasm and want to teach her to swim. The summer turned out to be one of our best yet, thanks to it. Something I wish to share more about. Buying myself a proper wetsuit did help and was perhaps my best purchase of last year. Slowly it has grown on me, I managed to keeping swimming a bit last October, November, but never did I think I would be in swimming in January! For those that don't know the sea here is not warm and may as well be the North Sea. A sea I would only venture into for such events as the May Dip in St. Andrews. In true Scottish fashion I wore my wooly hat to help keep me warm. Will told me when I came out that I had a seal following me most of they way. I was vaguely aware of this in the water but every time I turned around I couldn't see anything. It really was so exhilarating and best because I came out of the sea to be greeted with a flask of hot soup, which I felt was well deserved. I can see how wild swimming can become addictive.
In the end we left the kayaks at Perpitch and walked home, to spend the afternoon on our deck enjoying what sun there was. Hopefully this will be a start of more island adventures to come. The girls are finally at a stage where we can really start to do more of these types of things with them and we can spend the summer getting to know the island better, explore the less obvious places. Although I will note that I am not sure there is a field upon this island I haven't ventured into, hopefully the girls have gained my curiosity too. x