Monday, August 04, 2008

Exceeding expectations...

Still full of jubilation from the joyous coasteering session earlier, we were driving down the little winding road to Ny Arbyll for tonight's evening paddle, and gazing out across the expansive bay towards the distant Bradda Head and Calf of Man, and caught sight of a whale breaching about quarter of a mile off the 'tail of rocks'! Excitedly we prepped the kit and wondered if we would be lucky enough to get another sighting...
A perfect evening, with flat calm sea and bright sunshine which would provide an idyllic sunset evening paddle, off the West Coast of the Isle of Man.
A couple who had been watching the bay intently through binoculars passed us a pair and there were three large Basking Sharks milling about just offshore!
So to the water our group went, and after some some initial coaching, set off across the bay. We stopped before the area a pair were feeding in, and waited as a very large adult swam right in front of us before heading off towards the sunset, finally sinking beneith the shimmering surface...
More pics to come, and with Corporate evening paddles running throughout the week, and sea kayak trips running during the day, we'll be hoping for many more close encounters.

The phenomenal clarity of the coastal waters, has remained throughout the year, and whether viewing the sea beds and rocky outcrops passing beneith the sea kayak, or nogotiating a coasteering route and stepping from from one of the numerous natural 'platforms', (with just enough time to whoop with delight) before splashing into the salty depths, being able to view 'ocean life' close up brings out the desire to learn to scuba dive, and explore this other world ...



As well as exploring the coastline, caves, caverns and zawns, Gorge scrambing up the inland glens and water shutes provide some exhilarating experiences! The Classic Adventurous Experience at the weekend had a magnificent backdrop and no shortage of wildlife... This lifestyle just keeps getting better!

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