Island life

Even to those who know our Island well, it is the constant changes (many of them very subtle) which make living here so fascinating and fresh. Stormy weather and rain arrived as predicted, emerging as a NW gale and producing some exciting surf conditions at Peel. Both the sandy main beach and Fenella are subject to many environmental factors affecting water quality and wave formation. With constant work continuing on the water retention scheme and work scheduled to begin on the new marina in March it will be interesting to see how these new changes will impact marine life and water users in the near future.

Saturday gave a welcome reprive from the wind and rain, and Kim's 'Young Adventurers' Birthday party made full use of mild conditions! Zip-lines, team games and an enthusiastic group guaranteed a muddy yet thrilling experience.

Sunday saw the first 'Introduction to Sea Kayaking' of 2008 begin, with an indoor Tides, Charts and Trip Planning theory session at Adventurous Experiences base, plenty of tea, coffee and chocolate cake to ensure maximum information retention...

The Intermediates headed to Gansey Bay, where the due South gales had produced a constant stream of rollers, and a very productive session ensued. (Photo by Terry Bugg) What a tremendous weekend, and the forecast for next weekend and the following week days (half term) is excellent, so fingers crossed for dry conditions for Climbing and calm seas for the many sea kayak trips we have planned :)