| When wind is a foe! |
| Trip report by Martin Mills.
Our original plan was Seaton to Sidmouth return. We arrived at Seaton in sunshine to find that the weather forecast was correct with a squally F 5 south westerly dumping an intimidating surf on to the steep shingle beach. We checked out Beer where there was slightly more shelter from the cliffs but paddling options were limited due to the conditions. We made the sensible decision to head to the river Axe. We found an easy launch site 100 yards upstream from the bridge into Seaton with the added bonus of free parking. We progressed upstream enjoying the tranquillity, wildlife and great company until we ran out of water. At times we had to paddle hard against the current but this afforded us an easy ride back until we approached the estuary, where as expected we encountered a headwind funnelling in from the sea. We had some fun at the harbour entrance playing in the surf before a well deserved picnic on a sheltered shingle beach on the west bank of the river Axe. All in all a grand day out with plenty of fun and no dramas. |
