Kindly organised by Chris Turner, six of us, in three pods of socially distanced pairs, set off from the Ferry Boat Inn, Hayling Island, at 12.15 (HW 16:57; LW 10:12 and neaps) heading north up Langstone Harbour in calm water with no wind. The incoming tide was still low and we passed a small group of seals basking on the mudflats as we headed for Portsbridge Creek. Just enough water in the creek to get us through and under the M275 bridge to Portchester Lake. As we glided past Portchester Castle the silvery blue afternoon light had an ethereal quality.
Reaching the Salt Café at Wicor Lake, we stopped for coffee and cake (can recommend the courgette and pistachio!) before putting in again for the return journey. We watched a murmuration of starlings in the distance over Portsmouth Harbour weaving and dipping between Portsmouth and Gosport, a magical display. Dusk was falling fast as we paddled back down the creek under the bridges and barely enough head room to get under the railway bridge back into Langstone Harbour. Night had fallen as we headed back to the Ferry Boat and our return at 18.00 was heralded by distant fireworks! Distance covered was just short of 17 miles and I was happy and tired after a very fulfilling paddle.
from Audrey
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